Yesterday we had a very long run from Sag Harbor to well, guess where we are?
If you squinted really hard you probably figured it out. Cuttyhunk…
The run from SAg Harbor took almost exactly 11 hours with perhaps about half to 2/3rds motoring the 70 miles. A long day but easy sailing.
We anchored in the outer harbor last night as it was getting dark and I saw no reason to come into the harbor so late and pay $55 for a mooring. As we rounded the point there was a very nasty line of thunderstorms to the north. Fortunately, they passed north and east of us. It looked very forbidding, never the less. A sort of “roll cloud” that often accompanies a line of thunderstorms. 
To the west, quite a show. This sort of display makes one feel insignificant. A good reminder for so many that think that they are very significant. However, I expect that most of them would miss the symbolism anyway. You know the type…
Once snuggly anchored, we had a lovely evening and the stars were amazing. Alas, no shooting stars spotted in spite of the meteor shower that was predicted. Probably because I didn’t stay up much past “cruisers midnight”, That’s 9:00 for you landlubbers.
The good thing about going to bed with the birds is that you wake up with them too. This sunrise greeted me this morning at O-dark-30. What a view. 
This morning we walked up the road to the highest point on the island. The road is impressive, the best on the island. It was built by someone years ago to provide easy access to a planned mansion that was never built. The road remains and was recently repaved.
The view of the harbor where Pandora sits, snug on a mooring. 
Just to prove that she’s there. A closeup. 
A short time later this charming Marshall Catboat showed up. I mention this as Brenda used to come here on our own boat of the same design. I can’t believe that we came all this way with two little guys on such a small boat. 
It was on one of those trips, and it was a rainy and nasty trip, that I left the three of them once we were anchored, all in various states of distress and suffering from severe cabin fever, and rowed up to a nearby 38′ yawl and said to the owner “would you be interested in selling your boat?” The answer, a curt “no” but I gave him my number anyway. The following spring she was ours. It proves that everything is for sale.
Anyway, fast forward, many, many summers forward and here I am again, four boats later and 47′, up from 22′, and aboard Pandora. Life marches on.
And, speaking of change, it seems like yesterday that my dad, gone for so long now, came here with my two boys, Rob and Chris on my last Pandora in 2009 when we went out on a week long cruise. It remains one of my most cherished memories. This photo, taken at the top of the hill I visited this morning, of the four of us. 
The same picnic table view today A bit sad, I’ll admit.
It was nice to show Ken around the island. We walked a long way to the western end of the island. There are many well groomed, well mostly well groomed trails to choose from. Interestingly, there are a number of gun emplacements and viewing platforms from WWII when they were used to keep an eye out for U Boats . 
In the distance is where the Cuttyhunk Oyster Company does their magic. In the distance you can also see the Bartholomew Gosnold monument, marking the first European settlement on the island, perhaps in all of New England. On that exposed point, the settlers didn’t stay long. Check out this link to learn more about Cuttyhunk. 
If you looked very closely, you could see the floats for the cages that hold oysters. This shows it better. All those floats. 
While we were there, one of the locals was harvesting some of their stock. In the evenings, about in time for “sundowners” they tour the harbor selling their oysters, shucked to order. Can you say “fresh”? We are planning to check some out this evening. I’ll bet they will be good with a G&T.
The island is dotted with lovely ponds.
I particularly liked this one. A well planted garden in itself. 
Of course, what New England shoreside is complete without beach roses? Perhaps the last of the summer blooms.
One thing that has changed after all these years is the addition of a solar farm. This is one of 4 rows of panels in undulating rows, tucked in a low spot so as not to spoil the view. 
I was struck by the voltage that the array is rated for. Try 480V AC. “Warning, electrical shock hazard” No kidding!
In spite of this impressive setup, their diesel generators were still humming away near the village. I guess all those cappuccino makers draw a lot of power.
Along the way, this this beautiful old John Alden designed Malabar schooner built in, I believe, the 1920s. She is beautiful.
And don’t forget the sort-of new Pandora but with the same timeless view from her bow. 
So, here I am, Back in Cuttyhunk and a bittersweet cruise down memory lane.
Off to Newport tomorrow for the grand finale of our week, a visit to the NY Yacht Club, Harbor Court.
I do miss Dad…
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