27 July Block Island

Jackster was sitting lower in the water, the fridge and freezer packed, as we left Newport bound for Block Island early on Friday morning.  The tides dictated an early start for our four hour passage south west.  Our desire to arrive before the weekend crowd encouraged us.
Block Island is still in Rhode Island and is a favourite spot for summer holidays.   There are lovely beaches, quiet roads and a Salt Pond lagoon which offers all round swell protection.  Coming in through the narrow channel was a bit of a challenge as with the number of boats moving in and out this morning.  Motor boats can choose whichever path they prefer and the 5 knot speed limit doesn't apply to power boats.  Naturally.
It was a good pick to arrive ahead of the crowd with plenty of space to drop the hook.  In the afternoon we walked across the island to the main town where the fast ferry docks.  It was much busier there then in the boat harbour.   The waterfront bars were doing brisk business.  And why not?  It's holiday time.

The Gothic hotel

Our internet coverage was poor (we are using MetroPCS which is part of T Mobile) but eventually we were able to get an updated weather forecast.  After tomorrow, Sunday, the winds were going to be all out of the SW at 15 knots and more until Thursday at the earliest.  As our next destination is Long Island 36 miles away to the southwest we decided to cut short our visit to Block and continue on.  
That's just how it is with boating.  The weather dictates.