Newport

After four good days at sea we made an early morning arrival in Newport, Rhode Island easing into the small harbor packed with boats of every imaginable shape and size. Being the early birds we are we had arrived before our designated slip was available and ended up anchoring just outside the harbor while tucking into some of John’s world famous waffles and bloody mary’s. Soon we were headed to our slip and not even a small engine issue that was completely unrelated to the breakfast refreshments could stop us as John expertly fitted the boat into the tightest of berths.

A tight fit for the Andrea Cay

Sunrise over the Newport harbor.

A 180 degree view of Newport from the top of the Andrea Cay

Newport was an interesting mix of a beautiful small costal town with a rich history both literally and figuratively. After a lunch of steamers and wine a few of the crew headed out to walk the town and visit the original Vanderbilt mansion, The Breakers.  There are several huge mansions in Newport that have been purchased and maintained by the Newport Preservation Society and are open to the public to tour.  The Breakers being possibly the most impressive of the lot. Built in two years with extravagant design and finishing the house was incredible and had a full time staff of nearly 30 servants.  If you have been a fan of the Downtown Abby series it made you feel as if you were a part of the show.

The Breakers entrance.

A very simple and understated dining room.

The following morning a number of the crew headed out for a run to try and get in some  much need calorie burning.  We get our exercise vicariously through the knowledge that Peter and Carol are exercising and stretching vigorously with a German like commitment and efficiency on a daily basis. We have all wondered how Peter does not get dizzy given the amount of laps he walks around the boat.  The running on the paths of the Newport cliff walk provided some of the most scenic running a runner could hope for.

Harold, checking out the city attractions by bicycle. 

Ed the flower child.

Nancy, Peter, Carol, Harold and Howard exploring the cliff walk

Before we left we provisioned the boat with a dinner of pre cooked lobsters with Lori eyeing out one particular monster, or was he eyeing out her. More about lobster feasts and our onward journey to Halifax in the next installment. 

Lori with a whopper of a lobster.