After three consecutive years, celebrating Independence Day beachside in Hull is officially a tradition. Even last year, when Krisanngria was moored in Ptown, we made the ferry trip back specifically to stay for the big party at Krisann’s sister’s house. And this year, as we did in year one, we sailed the floating cottage to Sunset Bay Marina.  (We didn’t want to wear out our welcome at the Salt Water Club where we docked only a few weeks ago.)

We passed through the West Gut instead of fighting the wind, tide, and congestion of Hull Gut. The boat was packed the night before and as a result we simply walked aboard for an easy genoa sail to the front side of D-Dock, Sunset Bay Marina.  Once on the docks, Belle quickly learned how to get on and off the boat but catastrophe almost stuck when she slipped between boat and dock. Fortunately our old friend Stephan was close by and was able to save the day with grabbing Belle by the neck and rescuing her from the drink.  Undeterred, Belle was again hopping on and off with ease soon after her dunking.

For four years that Krisanngria summered at Sunset Bay. During that time the previous owners, operated the marina on a shoestring budget, and it showed.  But even though the place may have been falling apart, we loved it. Sunset Bay was always a friendly and fun place to be. Back then, SSBM was one of the few places left that still let you grill on the docks.  And we often did, foregoing days of sailing in lieu of socializing on D Dock with many friends awaiting the always spectacular sunsets.  Alas, the free-wheeling days of the past are gone having been locked down by “corporate”. The new owners have completed the much needed breakwater but other anticipated improvements are still on the horizon. 

July 2

Belle had to miss the big Saturday night party. There would be just too many people. So having recently completed her vaccinations, Belle was able to spend her first night in a kennel. She fit in just fine with the other pups. 

Mark and Wendy took the makeshift stage just as another 4th of July tradition began.  Rain. The weather had been skirting us all day long and now hit precisely at the worst time.  Mark and Wendy stick to mostly classic rock, though it seems that they can play just about anything. However, the annual requests for Bjork, are, as in they have been in the past, ignored.   Luckily, the rain only came down for 45 minutes and Mark and Wendy soldiered on through the night. Krisann and I lasted a while longer, but not much.

 July 3

Sunday was a recovery day on the beach, but the overnighters didn’t look in need of much recovery.  Today, no one shies away from the cold drinks, but the Baltimore contingent does shy away from the cold water.

Nantasket beach is very popular because it really is a gem.  Between Boston light and Minot light, Nantasket Beach faces the open ocean and can take a beating in a Nor’easter, but in a west breeze like today it is delightful. As kids we called it “NanTrashBasket”, but since those many years ago, Boston Harbor was cleaned-up and public concern about the environment has gotten much better. It is a beautiful place to spend the day. 

July 4

The bay is like glass on the Fourth and the marina is just as quiet. Even on the big holiday, few people are using their boats.  We take Belle over to a small stony beach at the launch ramp for her second attempt at swimming.  Afraid of overcommitting, she dashes in and out like a maniac. It is only a tossed stick that finally entices her to go deeper than her knees.   Our breeder says that dogs need to be taught to swim. I don’t remember anyone, ever, teaching a dog to swim.  It is a sign of the times we’ve become helicopter dog parents. 

For the trip home, we take the Hull Gut route, pick up a mooring at Peddock’s Island, and have our lunch.  Peddock’s is one of the many beautiful islands in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park.  A former military installation, its long-abandoned barracks on the opposite side of the island served as one of the settings for the movie Shutter Island starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Within seconds of picking up a mooring, the DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation) boat is alongside me.   All the moorings have been assigned for the day but they suggest we anchor.   I have not done much anchoring and am not fully comfortable with it yet.  But practice makes perfect, and I set about 75 feet of rode for about 15 feet of depth.  Captain’s note: I do need to add much more chain to the rope rode to help the anchor stay set.

I have been on Peddock’s doing beach clean-up on this island many times as part of community service through my company, but today we stay on the boat to make sure Krisanngria doesn’t end up as part of a future beach cleanup. The day is calm, but as the afternoon winds pick up and change direction, we begin to drag and swing uncomfortably close to a rather nice yacht.  When we start to pack it up to sail home, the motor won’t start.   I check everything that I can think of -which isn’t a heck of a lot, and because we are slowly dragging towards the lee shore, I figure it is time to call SeaTow. 

When the local captain contacted me, the first question from his mouth was, “Are you in neutral?”  I wasn’t.   Krisann says she asked me the very-same question, but in all the hubbub, I either didn’t hear or didn’t listen.  Depends upon who you ask.  But, I would rather pay nothing for being dumb than a lot for a major repair.  Chastened, the genoa lifts us home.