The Big Apple Adventure!!

We left Block Island and headed to Mystic, CT on Wednesday Morning of last week (20th of September) However, due to a strong head wind, we were unable to arrive in time to spend a day at the museum we had planned on visiting. Instead we decided to aim the boat with the wind and enjoy a lovely sail. We arrived in Mystic at the Noank Village Boatyard later that day and trekked into town in search of good food. We were successful and happily dined at an appetizing Hibachi style Japanese steak house and followed suit with a movie at the local theater (The Invincible) We retired early that evening (post movie) to rest up for our travels to the Maritime Musuem (Mystic's historic Seaport) We managed to take lots of pictures that day but unfortunately had the picture quality set too high to use on our blog - we did manage to snap a few of some pretty wooden boats. We spent the day wandering around and seeing the insides of some very impressive old ships (whaling boats - quite interesting!!) We wound up the day with some grocery shopping and dinner on the boat.

Friday the 22nd we set sail for Long Island, NY - Sag Harbor to be exact... which is located in West Hampton. HOW BEAUTIFUL!! Dan and Erin walked to the local theater that night to watch The Illusionist (GREAT movie, highly reccommend) and finished the night at a New York pub enjoying some tasty Stella Artois. We seemed to lose track of how many stellas we had (oops) and gratefully spent the following day (nasty rainy weather) lying in bed and watching movies... haha, laaaaazy day for us!! We had decided to spend a few days in Long Island, so on Sunday and Monday we wandered around town shopping, eating, and watching football (American football for all of the U.K folk) Dan seems to developed quite the affinity for this sport and has already begun the traditional American pasttime of yelling at the players on the screen as if he could be heard.

Tuesday the 26th (yesterday, at this point) Dan and Erin rose bright and early and hopped the Hampton Jitney (bus) to New York City. What a fun day - we began at the Empire State Building, enjoying one of the city's finest hot dogs from a local vendor, and paid the fare to travel to the top. The view from 86 floors above the city is IMPRESSIVE, thats for sure. Erin hadn't been since she was 13 - Dan had been once before. From there we mosied our way to Times Square, stopping to enjoy a slice of NY thin crust pizza - yum! We wandered in and around Times square for a short time and finally made our way to Rockefeller Center. In the winter, there is a beautiful ice rink in the plaza - this time of year it was being used for outdoor dining. From Rockefeller we walked to St. Patrick's Cathedral, one of the oldest and most amazing churches in America. Dan felt a bit strange inside (lots of people praying!) but the decor was breathtaking. From the church we walked towards Radio City Music Hall - closed for the day - so we then made our way to Central Park where we enjoyed sitting down for a few minutes (five hours of walking this far!) in a horse and buggy carriage ride around the park. After disembarking from our equine vehicle, we walked a short couple blocks to Erin's favorite store, FAO Schwartz... life size (and bigger) teddy bears galore!! Here we saw the enormous piano many of us remember from the Tom Hanks movie Big and played with as many toys as we could find. From there we hopped the subway to NoHo, a village area of NY downtown near Grenich, an artsy communtity with lots of restaurants and shops. We walked through NoHo, into SoHo and settled in for dinner at a lovely italian place where we were seated outside in a beautiful garden next to a waterfall. A few hours and some great food and wine later we wearily traveled back to the bus stop and made our way back to Sag Harbor.

Today is Wednesday, September 27th and we sailed the boat backwards to Block Island on our way back to Martha's Vineyard. Plans have shifted a bit - for those of you we haven't filled in, Dan and Erin will be spending the month of October in Edgartown, MA (on Martha's Vineyard) while Taylor travels and takes care of some things on his end. Once hurricane season has passed (November 1) Dan, Erin, and two delivery crew will be sailing the boat from Cape Cod to Tortola nonstop. This is roughly a ten day sail and if all goes well, we will be in the Caribbean mid-November where we will settle in (hopefully) to a new job somewhere else. Tomorrow we are staying in Block Island for the day/evening again, and Friday we will be headed back to the Vineyard. We will still keep you all updated on whats happening when - until then, sorry for the delay on the blogging again... we just get caught up having such a good time, we completely forget!! Love and miss you all!!

Oh yeaaaaahhh - almost forgot... whilst in SoHo Erin finally managed to convince Dan to enter a hair salon (drum roll please) and despite cold feet, ladies and gentlemen, he WENT THROUGH WITH IT!! Very nice - what do you think?

Some additional pictures of our day - on top of the ESB and patting our dear friend the horse (name???) Lucey Blue, over and out!

Perfect Weather Makes for a Great Weekend!!

We arrived on the Vineyard friday afternoon after ploughing our way through some quite rough seas and plenty of rain. We made our way into a little harbour called Oak Bluffs and were relieved to find that there were plenty of mooring balls for us to choose from. That evening we were waiting on the arrival of Lisa, Taylors girlfriend, who was arriving by fast cat ferry. Lisa was coming to the Vineyard to celebrate her birthday, and you cant have a birthday without balloons and a birthday cake!!! (Awwww - look at the cute couple!!) After Lisa's arrival onboard Lucey it wasn't long before the champagne was opened. We all dug into some wonderful pizzas from the local pizza shop and chatted about our travels. Some cake and tasty champagne toasts later, we all retired for the evening.

The following day we set out from our harbor to do some exploring via sea. We headed to Edgartown for the day, a nearby harbor on the same island, where we explored and enjoyed lunch at a nearby deli. We couldn't have asked for better weather - it was 80 degrees and nothing but sun... time to get back that elusive tan! Later in the afternoon we sailed back to Oak Bluffs. This evening the harbor was much more crowded as the weekend crews had arrived to share in the spectacular warm days. Taylor and Lisa trekked off to dinner and Lisa's birthday hotel surprise. Dan and Erin relaxed with a movie and some wine while they waited to meet up with Erin's friends Jamie and Greg. We headed out to the local bars where Jamie and Erin proceeded to get a little bit (ok, a lot) tipsy and later returned to the boat to entertain our friends with some music and dancing. Erin and Jamie retired early that evening (2am) while Dan and Greg carried on until nearly 6am.
A couple hours of napping and it was time to wake up and greet our friends Bob and Laura who were arriving from the mainland via fast ferry. Well some of us know how much fun 8am on a Sunday can be - suffice to say we were a little bit hurt from the previous evening. Bob and Laura treated us to a lovely breakfast as Jamie and Greg parted ways. Taylor and Lisa arrived shortly after from their romantic evening and the six of us headed out for a day sail - another perfect weather day!! We motored a short ways out (no wind - go figure!!) and anchored across from a beach on the opposite side of the island where we enjoyed sunbathing, eating, and each other's company. Lisa even managed to catch a flounder, a flat round fish, which was thrown back at Taylor's behest because he could not bear to keep it!! For the record, Dan and Erin have been trying to catch a fish with our new rods for nearly two months now - and Lisa did it on the first attempt!! Not fair!! Apparently we need some lessons - haha! Another wonderful sunny day and we returned to our harbor once more where we bid a sad farewell to Lisa and made our way to dinner with Bob and Laura. The five of us enjoyed some very tasty italian food at Jimmy Seas (not to mention colassal portions) and then bid farewell to Bob and Laura. The remaining three (the Lucey Blue family) returned to our home on the ocean and chatted about what a fun weekend we had before tucking in.

Monday morning arrived and Dan and Erin decided to explore the vineyard via bicycle. We took a leisurely 15 mile ride around the island, stopping for lunch overlooking the water, and then headed back to Lucey. We enjoyed a fish feast onboard and headed off to bed early once more. On Tuesday we set sail for Block Island, a quaint and popular destination off the coast of Rhode Island. We managed to catch both the sun and the wind (20 kts) and made it to our destination in record time. This night played out like many others - we settled in, relaxed with a drink, and headed out for dinner at a local watering hole. This time of year a lot of the popular tourist destinations in New England are winding down - alas, it feels like the end of summer - but we are enjoying the peace and quiet beauty of all these places minus the buzzing crowds. It can be rather refreshing!!
Today is Wednesday (sorry to all for the delay on the blogs) and we are sailing a short ways to Mystic, Conneticut to explore one of the most famous maritime museums in the country and later a movie at the local theater. Today will be a relaxing and fun day - we will be sure to share pictures with you all in the next blog. Our destination after today? Long Island, New York - where Dan and Erin will have the chance to explore the big city of New York, New York while Lucey rests at port for a while. Taylor even mentioned sailing up the Hudson River directly into the city, which should be absolutely amazing!! Until next time - Love to all - Erin & Dan

ps - dan can get a little cranky if there are no pictures of him in our blogs, so to include him in this one we will add a brief glimpse - here he is sportin a pony tail... time for a haircut?? You be the judge!!

Weekend on the Vineyard

We last left you en route to Scituate (Massachusetts). We had a beautiful three hour sail from Salem all the way through to Scituate. The seas were a little rough and the entrance to the harbor was quite amusing - we were nearly surfing 10 ft. swells all the way in. We did the usual moor up and relax for a bit as we discussed what to do for dinner. Big Dog on a little boat!!! So cute!! We decided upon the Barker Tavern, recommended to us by the man running our particular boat club and on our way to finding it were given directions by a man who said he would probably see us in there shortly... true to Lucey Blue crew form, we met that same man and his wife a short while later and upon being seated at a table directly next to them, decided to join up and enjoy dinner with them. We spent the evening chatting to them (very lovely people) drinking our favorite champagne and enjoying one of the best meals we had all had in a very long time (Dan's swordfish won tastiest prize). A few hours later, we parted ways with our new friends and shivered our way back to the boat. We retired for the evening (or rather, Erin tried to and Dan and Taylor continued their own little party up top for a while) and made ready for our trip the next day.

Rested (some of us) and ready to go, Dan and Taylor made a quick trip to the supermarket and we set sail for Sandwich (Cape Cod) where we would spend a couple nights waiting to travel through the Cape Cod Canal. The going was easy (thanks to good weather) and we arrived safely at the entrance to the canal a few hours later where we docked at Sandwich Marina. We had all decided on a quiet evening in, so we qued up "The Last Samurai" and ate a wonderful on boat meal- an early night again (seems to be the thing). The following day we all slept in (9am is sleeping in for us now - ha!) and enjoyed breakfast while we discussed our plans for a day on land. Dan and Erin gave Lucey a well needed bath and then the three of us headed to the Cinema at the Cape Cod Mall. The original plan was to watch "Talledega Nights" - Will Ferrell's new movie - because we all needed a good laugh after watching the movie the night before... however, upon arriving, Dan and Taylor noticed a new movie (Crank) with their favorite actor Jason Statham (Transporter 1 & 2) and the plan was quickly switched (I just do whatever the boys want to do usually). Some really bad popcorn and a couple hours later we realized we should've stuck to the original movie. Ah well - lessons learned. We hit the mall up for some fun new things and made our way to Misaki, a Japanese sushi bar, where we met up with our friends Laura and Bob. We hadn't seen them since the fourth of July when we were all "summering" in Wellfleet. So good to see them again!! They will be joining us this Sunday for a picnic lunch on boat and a lovely sunny sail (fingers crossed on the sailing bit). We feasted (literally) on sushi all evening and swapped stories, enjoying being with friends again. At the end of the evening we were surprised with gifts, fuzzy warm new sweatshirts (which you apparently need here in New England) all saying CAPE COD. Now we are "all set"!! We cabbed it home and tucked in for the night.

An early day today (7am) and we are making our way to Martha's Vineyard via the Canal and Wood's Hole. We will be there midday, where we are going to get some last minute things before Taylor's girlfriend arrives for her birthday weekend. Erin's friend from highschool Jamie and her boyfriend Greg are meeting us there tomorrow - so it should be a funfilled trip. Laura and Bob will be here Sunday (full house!!!) and the weather is finally supposed to warm up. Although a month or so behind schedule, it feels like we are finally on our way somewhere and we are definitely enjoying ourselves. After here, its Long Island, NY and then on down to Annapolis, MD for a boat show. At this point in the journey, we are coming across lots of boats also making their way south, so we will be kept company by people all doing the same thing. Til next time, this is Lucey Blue signing out!!

Hair Repair!!!

Taylor and Erin: A before and After
Two days in Salem and now we are headed out - on our way to Cape Cod. Our first night here, after arriving from York Harbor, we headed out to dinner at our favorite local restaurant Finz. A few hours later (not to mention a few drinks!) and we settled in for the evening. The following day we made our way to Dion's Boatyard where Lucey's new engines were due for a service.

We were kept company by a beautiful family of swans (they ate out of my hand!! Very exciting), and later Dan and I made our way around town on our new bicycles, enjoying some lovely (though chilly) Massachusetts weather. Evening two brought about another trip to Finz for dinner (after watching "Something's Gotta Give") and an early evening to bed for all. Our final day here, Taylor and Erin decided it was time to cut our shaggy do's and away we went to Anthony Michaels Salon and spa. Two hours later, we appear to have been replaced by much better looking clones - who knew Taylor was under all that hair??? Haha!! Now back at Lucey, we are preparing for our departure (a short 20 mile jaunt down the coast) where we will be arriving in Scituate for the night. Hi to all our friends and family - we miss you guys!! I don't know about the rest of the boat, but after our 40 degree chilly sleep last night, I sure can't wait for the Bahamas!!!!!!!!

A Short Piece From Dan!!
I am a very sad person this week as i didn't manage to make it on the weekly blog!!! Erin and Taylor would say that i'm "winging". As a matter of fact i'm not winging, Just a little sad....!!! I would like to say that since the arrival of Erin on Lucey Blue her boating skills have increased ten fold. She now understands how to work the Autopilot system and has planned several of our routes. I am confident that the next time i take her sailing in a dinghy i will be able to roll of the side and use the bathroom without getting into trouble. Until next time, Lucey Blue Over and Out.....

Lucey Is Back And Ready For Action!!!!!

Exhausted and Excited at the same time, we get back to Southwest Harbour to meet Lucey Blue. She still looks as good as ever!!! After spending one month in the Hinckley yard she sure looks happy to be back in the water. We left Thursday morning around 10:30 and arrived in Rockland (no wind = no sailing... a bit depressing) around 6... we showered and feasted on swordfish as we watched an amazing moon rise. Thanks to Taylor and his three weeks of boredom, we now have an outdoor entertainment theater from which to watch our many dvds. Dan and I watched "The Replacement Killers" and retired for the evening.

Dan trying on our new toys - thanks Taylor!! (you can see one of our kayaks in the background - Lucey is a fun ship :)


The following day we set off around 8 and made our way to Falmouth Foreside in some seriously thick fog. My best gal from highschool picked us all up on shore and took us out to dinner in Freeport for the evening (deeeeeeelicous!!) When we returned to the Marina, we were slightly optimistic we might actually find the boat (the fog had been dense all day) because from shore it appeared to be clear. Haha!! We were wrong... after nearly an hour of circling the harbor in the dinghy and almost hitting an island on the opposite side, we finally found Lucey's lights right in front of our very faces. Relieved to actually have survived our harrowing adventure (we were nearing the point of abandoning ship and renting a hotel) we toasted with champagne and went to bed.

This morning we woke up around 8 to clear skies and beautiful wind and departed at 9 for York Harbor (the southern tip of Maine) Almost out of Maine!!!! Never thought we'd see that day :) And, surprise of all surprises, we actually got to SAIL!! Almost forgot what that was... barring a minor mishap (Dan had to jump overboard and free our starboard prop from the bridle we had carelessly left out that day and had somehow managed to fall off the boat, under the ship and wrapped itself, stalling our process - you can see him here, a bit chilly but successful!) We arrived in York around 6 and after some monkeying around from the harbor master, we finally settled in on the fuel dock.

This particular Marina is located at the mouth of a river so the current was unlike any we have seen yet. Unmanned boats parked on mooring balls seemed to have a life of their own, spinning round and round at high speeds - it was fun to watch. We showered and made our way to the York Harbor Inn where we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the downstairs pub. We retired early in preparation for our departure the next day to Salem... that means SO LONG MAINE!!! AT LONG LAST!!! See you all soon :)

Last Taste Of Land!!!

After a 10 day rest (Hmmmm....) in England we decided that we would visit the famous Sheepscot Lake one final time before departing on our voyage down the coast. It was coming up to Labour Day weekend and as usual both camps were preparing themselves for a few days of fun!!!! I was faced with meeting even more people than the last time. People coming from every direction, I was becoming dizzy, nothing a good Captain wont sort out!!!!

"Isn't that right Neil"

Neil became my drinking partner over the weekend. In true style we managed another handle to ourselves...!!! (quick quip from Erin: "More like partner in crime... you try babysitting two grown men all night - right Aunt Doreen???")

A typical scene around the campfire!!

It was around 10.30pm (I think) and i was amazed to see yet again more people arriving to join in the already tipsy crowd. The Jello shots were flying all over the place (Thank you Aunt Doreen xx). Once again Aunt Debbie was there for everyone. I have never met a lady like her. With two hands she can do ten peoples amount of work and she wouldn't even break sweat or get tired!?!?!?! Maybe she has special powers......??????? (Hahahahahaha) xx

I thought the elders were meant to be the responsible ones. From this picture you can make your own judgement..!!!!





The Tobacco chewing AmerEnglish. "Hello mate"

The day we arrived at camp we had first choice of beds at Aunt Debbie and Wally's camp. What we weren't aware of at the time was that we would be sharing a room with two other couples. We had no problem with that. What we had a problem with was the unbelievable volume of noise that comes out of someone's nose when their sleeping (Neil & Paul!!!). 99% of the time I drink to have a good time. This weekend was different.......I was drinking enough so I would fall asleep without having to listen to the rumble of two grown men snooring!!!!!!!

However little sleep I got or however hungover I was, I still had a great weekend. It was great meeting everyone. I will definately be back to see you all. Take care.

Erin says: "The ladies will have their revenge - an Outburst rematch?? Gonna need some referees... the boys cheat!"

England Trip!!

The trip didn't begin the way we wanted too.....We had to get from Southwest Harbour to Logan airport. sounds like nothing right, well let me tell you it was a nightmare!!! The journey should have taken 5 hours maximum. It took us 8 hours...the traffic was terrible!!!

We got to the airport with 2 hours to spare and checked in smoothly. After the security checks we then headed to the bar in the departure lounge to wind down and prepare ourselves for the 10 day England Trip.

We landed in London, hired our car and headed up towards Dans house in Derbyshire. Dans mum was very pleased to see us and offerd us a drink the minute we arrived. This was the beginning of the trip and the next 10 days was pretty much the same.




The first 4 days flew by with very little happening (apart from drinking) .After pulling ourselves out of bed with a slight headache on the 5th day, we jumped into the car and headed towards Chatsworth. A beatiful country house where the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire reside.



The following day we went down to the Notting Hill carnival and started drinking again!!!! 500,000 people attended the carnival which consisted of a street parade and very loud music. (and drinking of course) Erin got very friendly with my brothers girlfriend as you can tell!!

A Funny Story!!!!
In the attempt to show Erin the beauty of England we decided that it would be a good idea to go and hire a sailing dinghy on a local reservoir. It was a beautiful day with winds at about 10knots. Perfect for sailing. After persuading my brother and his girlfriend to come along with us we made it there around 4.00pm. We decided to hire Laser Pico's. (A bit smaller than a standard Laser) After squezzing ourselves into wetsuits we jumped in and sailed off like little children. After 10 minutes i needed to use the toilet. Like a little child I didn't pee pee before sailing (Naughty Boy). Without me thinking i rolled of the side of the dinghy to relieve myself. The boat carried on sailing and Erin shouted,

"What are you doing i dont know how to sail"

Luckily she managed to head the boat into the wind. I finished my business and quickly got back to the boat. I was in big trouble, like a mother telling her child off. We sailed for another hour and i taught Erin the basics of sailing. At least next time she will know what to do!!!!! End.


Due to technical issues we cant seem to add any more pictures to the blog. We will keep trying and let you know when we succeed!!!!!