July 4th in Newport, RI

We decided to travel north to Rhode Island to see our girls and celebrate the 4th of July the old fashioned New England way!  Our trip began leaving Florida on Wednesday June 29th and driving 4 hours to Brunswick, Georgia to our boat. We had planned to pickle the water maker but found on arrival the service kit was still in Florida. Since it was so hot and humid we decided to stay overnight in a Hampton Inn 4 miles away on Rt 95. the next morning we drove apx. 12 hours to Maryland and stayed overnight again. The drive was pretty straightforward until the northern Virginia area and we encountered traffic slow down due to road construction.  Friday morning we awoke to absolutely beautiful weather...in the 70's and dry! It was so nice to be outside and actually move around comfortably.  We left Aberdeen, MD and arrived at Sarah's house by 2PM on Friday, July 1.  We will make this our home base for about 10 days to 2 weeks.

Sarah & Eric's rooftop deck

Jane, Sarah, & Pretzel

Peter & Eric enjoying the fresh air!

After a delicious dinner of shrimp & scallop stuffed flounder (grilled by Sarah's boyfriend, Eric) we were exhausted so got a long night's sleep!



Peter and Sarah

Saturday morning Sarah, Peter, and Jane took a ride to a farmer's market for some supplies and then onto Sakonnet Vineyards to stock up on one of our favorite wines.  Natalie, on her way from Watertown, MA, met us at the vineyard and we had lunch. Now that we are back in New England...lobster rolls were a must! We really miss fresh Maine lobster.
That night we had a cookout to celebrate Peter's birthday (June 28th) and Eric's birthday (June 24th). They ended their meal with fresh strawberry shortcake complete with birthday candles!

Happy 62nd

Happy 35th



Saturday afternoon we went to our former marina in Portsmouth, just 6 miles north of Newport. We were to visit with some of our boat friends and catch up on the news for the last 2 years. This is our second summer since we kept "Kinvara" in Portsmouth. There were a few more people we had hoped to see but hopefully will catch up with them next weekend.

On Sunday we walked around Newport town, stopped for a drink and some apps on the waterfront then returned home for another cookout! Tomorrow is the 4th and we might do the Bristol parade but will definitely go to see the Newport fireworks!!