Mattiticuk, LI
We awoke on our own at 0300 and prepared to depart Point Judith. It took some time to get all the safety gear in place for the early morning departure. We used marinetraffic.com to locate commercial vessels and tugs in the area. Interestingly enough, many private smaller vessels at dock appeared to have their AIS on continuously, quite annoying for those of us looking for moving vessels in the dark.
Our first experience of the trip traveling in the dark was quite comfortable . We motored to the Race, at the entrance to LI sound, with the flood tide and then we were able to sail to Mattituck as the wind picked up from the south. Tide turned against us 1-2 knots once we got into LI Sound and that made for a long trip in the building winds. Arrived at 1400 and made our way up the Mattituck Creek 1.5 miles checking the depth sounder constantly. Charts said 3 ft at Mean low water (MLW) but Active Captain said 6-7 ft. And we would have to agree as the thinnest it got 6 ft. we checked into the marina to get local knowledge and they reassured us our 5 ft draft would be safe.
We put both the Danforth and the Bruce, claw anchor out to ride the storm? We expect to have a caking of thick sticky mud at departure.
Sitting in the cabin sipping a second cup of tea after doing our stretching exercises this morning monitoring intermittent rain with gusts of 30 MPH in the creek and 40 in LI Sound. Each time we make a hot beverage we thank Jane for sharing the perfect little tea pot.
While waiting out the coming winds we visited the lovely town of Mattituck and walked a few stunningly beautiful miles to the Shinn Winery? There are some 35 vineyards on the north shore of LI. It was refreshing to learn that the farms and lands are being preserved despite being so close to NYC. The sunset walk back to the boat was balmy and with breath taking views seeing the foliage at its peak.
The winds from the storm were hardly a bother up the creek at 25 but they were reported 40 in the LI sound.
We left the next morning at about 9 am, once again donning our various layers of clothing to keep us warm on the water. We have been so fortunate with the warmth from the sun since our departure despite the cold temps. The winds were perfect for a sail the entire way to the Port Jefferson Harbor entrance where we attempted to fish for dinner for the first time. Unfortunately I failed to notify the captain of a passing lobbie and need less to say, the line caught the bouy. I can say It was exciting for a moment as we thought we might have caught the big one...
Once in the harbor we picked up a mooring and went into town. The following picture depicts our travels.
Growler of birch stout, a mixture of birch beer and oatmeal stout, delicious! , pistachio and raisin rice pudding, also delicious, replacement lures and line, and sampling of smoked blue fish given to us as a gift from the hearty woman at the tack shop in town. A grand visit as you can see.
We motored up to the narrows, the entrance to Conscience Bay, and anchored near were Tim's Mother once lived. We shared lunch with the Canard's and their extended family and they were kind enough to let us use their conveniently located dock to transfer supplies to the boat. Other longtime friends, the Sini's, also welcomed the wayward travelers sharing their car so we could grocery shop and attend the local UU church. they also offered us the most coveted shower of the trip thus far? We enjoyed seeing you all and are so grateful for your hospitality, thank you.
Throughout the entire visit to Setauket the winds were continuous at 25 with gusts of 30 both day and night. Sleep was interrupted at best, between the halyards banging and the wind howling, for two nights.
This mornings sail was again sunny and brisk taking a good 4 hours, with both the jib and mainsail. We arrived in Stamford just before sunset and met up with a high school friend of Tim's, Bill Strong. We were able to dock next to his 36 ft. Benneteau behind a most impressive breakwater and he gave us the royal tour. Once again it is a gift to visit with old friends, we are blessed.
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