The CT River cruise/gathering was a lot of fun. We left Maine in cold light rain with lousy weather predicted for the next few days. By the time we launched in Old Saybrook, it was sunny and hot.
As Carol and I were launching Hunky Dory, a familiar face turned up to help with lines. What a surprise to see John Cameron from New Hampshire, who came down with Fred Heap for the gathering. Unfortunately, Fred actually believed the weather report of rain for the next few days, so he didn’t bring his boat! I knew those Massachusetts guys were wimps, but I didn’t think they were naïve! Since the others weren’t expected for a while we went to lunch at Vinnies’ fish house. Between John and the waiter we were kept in stitches thru out a pleasant lunch.
By the time we finished lunch, there were 3 more C-Dory’s launching at the ramp, and the Aube’s were there to leave a car for our use ( Thanks, Dan & Barb). Old Lyme Marina (OLM) is only a stone’s throw from the launch ramp, so we checked in there. OLM planned for a Breakfast and Open House for Saturday, and provided moorings.
Then, Greg Daigle, of “Mini C” lead us to a party on Selden Island where we beached our boats and had snacks ( from Rod) and Beverages ( from Fred & John). It’s strange to be on an isolated island on the CT River only a few miles from urban businesses. We had a new fun experience in our C-Dory.
Thunder storms were threatening, so we hustled back to our moorings. Just made it. So, we each sat waiting out the rain for awhile ( and had snacks and beverages), til Dun taxied us all into the marina. The “Ripple” crew, Dougal & Jennifer, joined us. From there, we went to the Griswold Inn in Essex by cars for a fancy dinner. Again, John entertained us all, and we got to acquaint ourselves with the new C-Dory people.
Saturday AM, OLM rounded up the Brats in their launch, and put on a great breakfast spread. OLM & Christine had all flavors of C-Dorys to tour, and some Seaways, too. Bruce, the C-Dory rep, was there to greet us. After poking and prodding all the latest C-Dory changes, we headed up the CT River for a day of cruising. Weather was in high 80’s and sunny, despite the prediction of clouds and rain! Too bad you didn’t bring your boat, Fred!
First, we hit Essex. Crescent Girl led us into the back pond. So calm, and with Swans drifting around with manicured lawns and New England style white church steeples in the background. Luckily, we always got to Essex when the shops were closed. Carol hasn’t recovered from shopping deprivation, yet. Mike, of Knot Flying, was drooling over the Nordic Tugs. And Carol and Jennifer were getting whiplash trying to get good photos.
Next was Hamburg Cove. I’ve read about this place for over 40 years. It’s the perennial favorite anchorage in this area. It’s a nice winding river with fancy homes and swans (again). It’s nice, but it isn’t as good as our Maine anchorages.
Heading up river, we saw the Gillette Castle, and the Chester to Selden Ferry. Then we cruised into Selden Creek. Greg’s friend Rod told us that it would be like the African Queen scenery. And, he was right. What a gorgeous narrow winding stream, with Irises lining the banks, and varied topography, including small rock cliffs. At the pond, we carefully navigated by sight between mud banks, and got thru. My Propeller is nice and shiny, now!
Then, we hit the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam. This is another CT River jewel that I’ve read about for years, and wanted to see. Although signs warned that we weren’t supposed to dock there, Dun did, and found out that they’d probably tolerate us. So, 4 C-Dory’s rafted up to go the Opera. Bet you never thought you’d read that! Well, actually, we passed up the Opera, and went to the local watering hole ( after all, it was now sunny and in the 90’s).
With more thunder storms threatening on NOAA, we headed back to OLM. Toured Deep River, but the Steam train wasn’t running, though the Steam Boat was there. At OLM, most of the the Brats did a B-Bque, while Carol and I went to an Inn. The predicted weather for Sunday Night and Monday precluded doing the Long Island Forks and Shelter Island portion of our cruise.
So, our CT River cruise gathering ended on Sunday Morning when we hauled our boats and headed home. It was another terrific C-Dory/Brat gathering/cruise. Just for the record, the participants were:
Crescent Girl Dun & Becky Smith
Knot Flying Mike and Jessica Rizzo
Inn the Water ( In spirit) Fred Heap & John Cameron
Mini C Greg Daigle
Ripple Dougal & Jennifer Gardyne
Hunky Dory Carol & Rick Stambaugh
Happy Ours Dan, Barb and Kaitlyn Aube
Rick and Carol from Maine
