Sept 6 - Oyster Bay to Little Neck Bay

Although quite cool (in the 40s), last night was wonderfully clear, and we got one of the first sunsets and clear night skies of the summer; a bit late, I'd say. The wind came up a few times, but we slept well under multiple blankets. I was the first one up this morning (very unusual), and sat down to review my email. This year is the first that wireless Internet has actually worked fairly reliably. I think that wireless data has a lot to offer boating; just imagine banner ads on your instruments!

Today it will be a short hop to Little Neck Bay, where we are headed for the early trip down the East River. The tides really do dictate the timetable on this last leg of the trip. We were set for a trip to Port Washington, but will go next door to visit with Felicity's crew. They have arranged a mooring for Solace in this new and far away port of call. Actually, we kept boats on Little Neck Bay growing up, and so it will be a return to a place I haven't been in many years.

We are, at the moment, sailing downwind towards the west. The wind has lightened up a bit, but it is still crisp (cool), and clear.

As it turns out, today is another disaster at the office day. A mail server is down, and there is yet another problem with one of our Internet lines, which has caused not so much problems with services, but me to be occupied on the phone. Being on hold on a cell phone for a half hour, finally getting a human being, then having the phone go out of range is no fun.

The day remains delightful, even if the wind drops, and we enter Little Neck Bay, picking up a mooring at Douglaston. We can look at Felicity from our mooring (we haven't been anchored together in far too many years). John drops by, to be joined by Amy, a tour of their new house, and a lovely dinner (making up for our missed birthday dinner together during July).

At the left, Amy has joined us, and Marion slips in for the ensemble picture; I'm the shadow on the left.

Ashore we have a much better than expected dinner at a local restaurant. The decor is definitive Long Island, but the food is Italy. The house tour was great, and the time with friends, as usual, much too short.

Back on board, the water is glassy calm, and the Throgs Neck bridge sparkles with its necklace of lights. New York rarely looks this good. The stars are out, the temperature perfect for sleeping. The trip to Little Neck Bay is a success.