First and foremost, I want to acknowledge Brewer Essex Island Marina in Connecticut for providing us quality services, fun activities and personal care while we were docked this summer. A great group of people and facilities that made our summer in New England all that much better.
Helpful dock hands arriving and departing
A short ferry ride (1 minute) gets you on the island
Endless Summer's "summer" home
The primary motivation for spending this summer in Connecticut was to have a chance to have time with our kids and grandkids who live in the Hartford area about an hour away. It was really special to be reasonably close, have them down for weekends on board and a chance to share our love of boating with the next generation. The following pictures highlight those special times and what are sure to become treasured memories.
The Family
Hoisting the Connecticut Flag upon arrival
Summer Baseball
And a little basketball
Reading with Nana
A day at the movies with Papa "Angry Birds"
Our daily visitors
Essex Steam Train
On board the Essex Steam Train
Garth Brooks concert at Yankee Stadium
Shea (PWD) loves the boat!
Time for some golf
First day of school
And they're back for more
Brothers reading in the salon
Mother and daughter time on the aft deck
Ladder ball on the island lawn
Pool time
Play time
A farewell photo
The best of memories
In addition to great times with the kids, we had a chance to explore New England by boat and discover some new favorite spots along the way. One such trip took us on a route from Essex to Nantucket, then on to Cape Code at Hyannis and finally to Martha's Vineyard.
Nantucket Light
Classic New England - Nantucket Harbor
The cobblestone streets of downtown Nantucket
Hyannis Port - Cape Cod
Cape Cod Light and Coast Guard Station
Hyannis Harbor sunset
Fine dining in Edgartown - Martha's Vineyard
Cocktails on the bow - Martha's Vineyard
Gay Head - Martha's Vineyard
Oak Bluff's Marina - Martha's Vineyard
Party Central - Oak Bluffs
We also made a separate trip to Newport RI, which can only be described as "yachting nirvana". All matter of sailboats, power boats, yachts and mega yachts adorn the harbor with an array of marinas and mooring from which to choose. Within walking distance are shops and restaurants running the gamut from street food to gourmet. Newport is rich in maritime history and gilded mansions of an era long past.
Heading out into Long Island Sound
41 North Marina - Newport RI
Dockside dining
Lobster Salad - My Favorite
Endless Summer wedged in among the mega yachts
Like this one, just off our stern!
The Breakers Mansion
A view from the "back porch"
A grand entry and hall
In addition to our boating excursions, we also took advantage of the many sites and activities near and around Essex and the Connecticut River. Suffice it to say, we always had something to do!
The Griswold Inn became our favorite bar and restaurant in Essex
"Downtown" Essex, CT
The charm of historic New England homes and shops
Lobster roll at the Lobster Landing in Clinton CT
Gillette Castle
Looking down the Connecticut River from the Gillette Castle
All "dressed" for the 4th of July
Marley's Cafe - Essex Island
Summer stock theatre at the Ivorytown Playhouse - "Chicago"
Mark Twain's Home & Museum - Hartford CT
Connecticut River Museum
Kenny Chesney concert - Foxwoods MA
Kenny Chesney - A GREAT show!
Relaxing on the aft deck
An Endless Summer sunset from the aft deck
