CUTTYHUNK, MA

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

As you recall, we rushed back to Padanarum ahead of Hurricane Ernesto.  We wanted to get settled by Saturday night, because it looked like things might be a little uncomfortable on Sunday and Monday.  And we had to be there by Monday, to ensure that we got some further repairs. 

I used Sunday to give the boat a thorough cleaning, and Lynn got caught up on laundry.  We had some rain on Sunday and Monday, but we weren’t really affected by the hurricane itself.

True to our experience last visit, Pete and Ainge and Kim – the service team at South Wharf Yacht Yard – were terrific.  The parts were waiting, all painted Cummins Marine White.  And the service work was impeccable.

Tuesday morning dawned bright and sunny, so we cast off our lines and headed across Buzzards Bay to one of my favorite places in all the world: Cuttyhunk.  It’s the last island at the end of the Elizabeth Islands – south of the Massachusetts coast and north of Martha’s Vineyard.  It encloses a harbor with 360* protection…Google it!

Cuttyhunk has 30 full-time residents and room for 100 visiting yachts!  There is NOTHING to do here but walk, and enjoy the incredible vistas: 

– To the south, you can see the bluffs and the lighthouse at Gay Head – the westernmost tip of Martha’s Vineyard.

– To the north, Buzzards Bay

– To the west lies Rhode Island Sound and Block Island.

A view from a high point on the island

It’s all about sandy walks on rocky peninsulas with water on both sides of the path, bordered by Rosa Rugosa and the terracotta-colored Beach Plum and lavender-colored Morning Glories, and Cornflowers with their unique shade of blue.   It’s heavenly.

The tire marks one of the few access points to the beach over the dunes.

We took another walk this afternoon and got a great shot of the harbor – its really beautiful here!

But you never know who you’re going to see on a walk – made from trash found on the island

We had a nice surprise when a young couple, Kristen and Joe, stopped by. They had just purchased a 2008 Legacy just like mine. They came on board with their dachshund and compared notes.

We ordered dinner from the Raw Bar boat and while waiting, we enjoyed a stuffie appetizer – a quahog clam mixed with a bread stuffing and spices. Oysters, shrimp, and clam chowder being delivered soon!

A stuffie – first time for everything!

The Raw Bar Boat bringing us dinner!

Rod’s dinner – oysters, little necks and clam chowder – yum?

This has been the most restful stay of the trip.

Tomorrow, we expect to leave for the busy harbor of Watch Hill, RI.

TTFN