Cribbage scores

I am happy to report the current cribbage score:
   Joel and Brenda     1
   Jim and Sue           2

Perhaps Joel will post the Rummikub scores.

PIX from Day 4: Boothbay

THE DOG BLOG - Watson's Wisdom

Day 4 Dateline: Boothbay Harbor

Late Afternoon. My tummy is full - I had to choke down the Fit and Trim this pm - but this am I had PRIME RIB mixed in with my kibble!!! What's Her Name took pity on me last night and ordered my favorite and brought home most of the meat for me!!! I was in HEAVEN then. Now of course, not so much, having to eat the rest. But - a little Prime Rib a day is all I can ask for!

We hung around Boothbay today. We walked down Atlantic Ave. from Browns Wharf to the footbridge across the end of the harbor and entered Tee Shirt Mecca. Good thing they don't really make Tee Shirts for dogs - or they would have bought me at least a 100 by now. We trouped up and down the streets along the waterfront - and I managed to water a few flowers along the way. I did LOVE walking by the Boothbay Lobster Wharf. My favorite cologne: Eau of Fish Guts!! I could have stayed there FOR EVER!! It wafted out to the street and hung on just about every blade of grass. IT WAS AWESOME!!!

Over in town a few bucks were dropped at the Discount Tee Shop for some cheap denim shirts with boats on them and wind breakers with puffins. What the heck is a PUFFIN!! I hear I am going to find out tomorrow when we head for Eastern Egg Island where the puffins supposedly live. Wonder how the Puffins will feel about Westie visitors??

After the walk, we headed back to the boats for some lunch and a few of us (me included) managed to grab a few winks. Then we headed off for an afternoon ride on Taking Stock that took us through Townsend Gut, under the bridge to Southport Island, around Southport Island, passed the Cuckolds Light House - which we did not get to see yesterday due to the dense fog and then back to our slip at Browns for the night. I enjoyed the ride - but frankly would have been happier if they had left me at the Lobster Wharf for the afternoon.

The 4 humans played cribbage today and Jim and Sue showed no mercy to the other fools. I just looked on. Speaking of which: hope you enjoyed the photo of me slaving away here at the computer doing my blog. I admit that sometimes I need a little paw help with the keys - which is what you saw. But that is the exception to the rule mostly. First time I used the computer they kept talking about "the mouse". Got me excited: You know I come from a long line of Scottish ratters! But instead of a tasty furry - is was a not so digestable plastic lump. Oh well.

Tomorrow I hear we are on to Rockland. I wait in judgment until after dinner tonight to see if any small packages get deposited in the frig. I get to stay home and listen to NPR.

Hi to all my furry and not so furry friends.

W

PIX, Such as they are on the Fog Day from &^@%#

Day 3 Kennebunkport to Boothbay

Enjoyed a nice visit with Dick Curtis who gave us a tour of the area followed by dinner in Cape Porpoise.

Woke to thick fog and no wind. Liked the no wind, the fog - no so much! With suggestions of mutiny by the crew, it was decided that we would wait until it lifted a bit before shoving off. By 1100 the river was clear and indications by local staff and marine weather was for clearing.

We cleared the jetties and that was the last thing we saw until we reached Squirrel Island at the entrance to Boothbay Harbor. Visibility was under 1/4 mile for the most part. The systems all worked and it was a good experience for all. That said, we prefer the scenery!

Tim Brown is still running the docks at Browns Wharf and greeted us warmly. We are docked below a 140 yacht (Lady Gayle Marie) which belongs to Tom Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints. Note to Peter Smith: The Maine governor was aboard yesterday.

Nice dinner at Browns (love the chowder) and early to bed. Sox lost again!

So to summarize; on day 1 we are with Barry Diller and Diane Von Furstenburg and their 303 ft yacht. On day 2 we are visiting Presidents 41 and 43. On day 3 we enter the sports world with Tom Benson and his 140 ft yacht. Can't wait to see what's next!

Have a free day in Boothbay today. At 530 it is clear and I can actually see across the harbor. Plan is to move on to Rockland tomorrow, hopefully with a detour to Eastern Egg Rock to view the puffins. Ralph, I'll send you a picture!

THE DOG BLOG - Watson's Wisdom

Dateline: Boothbay Harbor

I AM WHIPPED!! What a trip! I got 8 solid hours of my beauty sleep last night. Well - almost - until the fishing boats (empty) rolled on past at 4:30am and knocked me over. I could hear the rain on the hatch in the night drumming out the message: Sleep in; Sleep in. And it was, by jove! We woke up to NO visibility and that pretty much summed up the day! We hung around in Kennebunkport until 11am waiting for the fog to clear. And by then, it had: at the tee shirt shops! But alas, not at sea. But do we care: NOOOOOOOO We did breakfast; we did banking; we paid bills; we vacuumed; we blogged; we showered (not me); we talked to the deck hands and the marina office manager; we listeded to the weather; we walked (not me); we had our morning constitutionals; and we played Rummi Kub (DEFINITELY NOT ME).

And finally, at 11am, we headed out of town: fog or no fog. From my perspective: not the best choice. I could have been happy hanging about and waiting for another hot dog!

We got underway in 1/4 mi fog, which quickly deteriorated to 10ft visibility. I would have liked Joel to have spotted a few whales today! Hah!

With Taking Stock in the lead position, we dodged other phantom craft, buoys, lobster pots, land masses and most flotsam except for one not so teensy log I missed and slogged our way to Boothbay Harbor. A routine 2 hour trip took 4 excruciating hours. My eyeballs were sore from watch duty with all the stuff to watch out for. I did not leave my perch for one second. Now, after pounding the keyboard, I will be heading back to take a little nap again.

We luckily arrived safely after a very arduous trip for all (esp. me). Even though I had the other half of hot dog and a little Fit and Trim this am - I was really happy to have a good snack this pm. I know they will be leaving me again tonight when they head off for dinner at Browns - just up the gangplank. hOPE THERE IS SOMETHING IN MY DISH AGAIN SOON.

That's it for now - more later. After more sleep!

W - and THANKS, Zack, my amigo, for the shout out. Back at you, friend!

Photos from Day 2 Boston to Kennebunkport

THE DOG BLOG - Watson's Wisdom

Dateline: Kennebunkport - Hobnobin' with Prezes 41 and 43

Yesterday, they got me up again at the crack of dawn, dragged me up the dock gangway and hustled me to ole Rose Kennedy's grass. The ONLY grass in sight unless you count the weeds at the end of Logan's south runway - and who's going to swim with me to THAT??

We had what I consider a "meager" breakfast and headed out of Boston Harbor, heading north - minding the speed zone this time. Would not be good to be boarded twice in 2 days! Joel and Sue headed out of town before I had time for any civilized constitutionals. And had rounded Boston Light before I had my rump loaded back aboard.

The trip north to Kennebunkport was smooth and pretty fast. We had some light fog in a few places and a consistent mist along the coast making it hard to clearly see any nifty doggy landmarks. We could make out the twin lights at Rockport MA and passed to the east of the Isles of Shoals: which are really just a couple of piles of sand, weed and rocks. How to tour boat operators sucker people out there?? Along the way Joel kept waking me up barking on the radio telling us of all the whales he kept seeing. Hah - a likely story. We left him in the dust (or foam, as it were) by the time we cleared MA waters. We saw bouys (no giurls), lobster pots of all shapes and sizes, lots of dead mylar balloons, escapees from far away birthday parties, birdies and waterfowl, mostly disguising themselves as lobster pots until they flew out of the way and a few boats here and there. NO LARGE MAMMALS. Of course, I will admit that for most of the trip, I was busy reading the backs of my eyelids, stretched out on the Capn's seat - behind the Capn' - who should be standing and being alert anyway!

We had a few rollers as we headed up past New Hampshire and the southern tip of Maine. We made a course diversion so What's Her Name could take a picture of Nubble Light in York. Fortunately, we stayed well clear of its famous rocks. I did NOT want to don PFD (Personal Floatation Device, landlubbers) and experience the famous (COLD) Maine waters first hand.

Mostly it was smooth cruising and we headed into the Kennebunk River mouth without incident until the humongous day cruise boat with 500 screaming passengers came bearing down on us from out of the River. We were between the jetties and had no place to go. Fortunately, the tide was with us and we were able to maneuver out of the way - because that Capn' was clearly too busy telling jokes to give us some space! We meandered up the river to Chick's Marina - former home of the Bush boat until they got famous and important. Nice marina - just outside of town - but NO GRASS!! What is WRONG with theses people!! They thoughtfully put out a dish with a sign that says "Water for Doggies" - but then they provide ABSOLUTELY NO place to put it when you are done!

We gassed up ($5 a gallon!) and I headed up the ramp after our prolonged journey to get some major relief. Then we moved on down to the near end of the face dock and tied up for the night. Joel got to chat up a newly minted owner of a Sabre cruiser - which has again moved up to the top of his lust chart. My lusts are more simple: like a soft place to sleep, some good two-day old fish guts to roll in and a tasty Angus beef burger.

While cleaning the boat, we got oggled by the Secret Service guys in their cute little inflatble while we eyed their big weapons. Glad we looked harmless. We decided that guarding #41 must be a pretty good gig: move the family up to the coast of Maine for the summer!

After hosing down the boat - and me dodging same, we all headed out to walk to Walker Point - home of #41 and vacation spot for #43. Lovely walking along the ocean, with the scent of the ocean roses in the air. After about 2 miles of Joel's forced march, my little tootsies had had it - and the old man was looking for an excuse to get some "me" time - so we headed back to the boat, while the others continued on, up hills and down. What's Her Name swears Joel dragged them down every street in Kennebunkport. They finally managed to find their way back into the center of town and got some face time with all the tourists and teeshirt outlets there. The best part of the afternoon was waking up to What's Her Face chopping up a steamed hotdog she had bought for me at a stand in town. WAHOOO! I eat tonight!

We were hanging out in late afternoon and had COMPANY!! Dick Curtis, a good friend from the Boston area and fellow Mason with Jim and Joel, has a summer house here in Kennebunkport and came to have a glass of wine with us and take everyone but me to dinner! So I got left with a Greenie and NPR jazz on the radio while they all headed out to visit Dick's house and then go to dinner at Cape Porpoise point at the 77 Restaurant right at the fish dock. (Wish I had been there for the fish dock part!) Nice dinner - but no leftovers for me. Glad I had the hotdog!

Off to bed then. I was whipped from all that sea air and forced march thing. We had rain in the night and right now are hoping the fog will lift a bit so we can head north to Boothbay Harbor where I hear we actually get to stay 2 nights! No bouncy, bouncy!

Well - you got it all folks. I'll be back next time with another tale or 2.

I tried to upload some pictures of me and a few other things - but just could not get any cooperation from the PC or from Blogspot to be successful - so you will have to wait til next time!

Watson. Day 2 and counting down to my bed at home!

Boston to Kennebunkport

Nice evening in Boston. Dinner with Pico and a chance to touch the hand that held the Stanley Cup. Good dinner too, followed by gelato on Hanover St.

Off early again for a 5 hr cruise to Kennebunkport. Haze to fog but over a mile visibility at all times. Calm with ocean swells. 4 whale sightings!

Esconced at Chicks Marina.

Falmouth to Boston

Departed Falmouth at 0600. Fog had cleared and we had a delightful 51/4 hour cruise (Taking Stock made it in 4 1/2 hours) to Boston Waterboat Marina. Seas were FAC, perfect for Carol Ann or even Jeanne!

Walked along the waterfront, greenway and even Quincy Market. Dinner tonight in the North End. Off early Tuesday for Kennebunkport and dinner with Dick Curtis.

Joel

Dog Blog! Watson's Wisdom

Dateline: Beantown. And I am LOVIN the sun after being a wet dog for weeks on end. YOU think it is bad smelling me! Just try living with it! I digress...

My day started at 4:30am. A quick walk to get the kinks out - and anything else that rumbled to the bottom and off to "The boat" or home away from home for the next few weeks. No breakfast for this kid! We had clear skies and flat seas from Falmouth Harbor, through Woods Hole (just beating the Ketonah ferry into the channel). I LOVE TO BEAT THE FERRY!

We booked it up Buzzards Bay - Dead flat. Through the Cape Cod Canal and out into Cape Cod Bay before 8am. I was exhausted just sitting on the Capn's Seat watching the mates work! Still no breakfast.

Seas calm as can be until we hit some small swells after clearing the protection of Cape Cod. And so it was until we rounded the Boston Light and headed into Boston Harbor. Yahoo: surely breakfast must be coming now!

We took a minor detour up the Mystic River looking for the gas dock and had an "incident" with the State Police man in his zippy little boat with the flashing blue lights. Seems the Capn' was a tad busy working the radio and charts and missed the no wake zone. I guess that means we must have woke 'em up!! We got a stern dress down - and for once, the old man kept his mouth shut and let the officer talk. His best line in a similar situation was "Why aren't you guys out looking for bad guys?" I tried to look my best as an honest citizen and innocent bystander. The Policeman ignored me. Probably just as well. We escaped well chastized and headed for the Gas dock. I got to go ashore: so while the boat got filled up; I got drained down.

We gawked like tourists at all the sights: Logan Airport, Zakim Bridge, Old Ironsides, all the fancy condos along the water where the rich poodles live. And we are tied up at the Waterboat Marina just behind the Marriott Waterfront Hotel. And next door to us is the 303 foot sailing vessel, EOS - owned by Diane Von Furstenburg. We don't see the sun shine next to this baby!

I had another successful walk on the Rose Kennedy Greenway - though I don't think Rose appreciated the deposit I briefly made (it was scooped before it hit the ground!) Then we went for more walks along the waterfront and through Faneuil Hall market and watched the local talent: hanging upsidedown in a straightjacket is NOT for me. There are an awful lot of people here - and not all that many dogs so far. I hear it is going to be Pasta night in the North End. I hope they remember something for me. I finally got breakfast put out at about noon - but I am on strike waiting to see if something better comes along after dark! Tomorrow: on to Kennebunkport!

Stay tuned to more adventures in Watson Land!

Getting Close to Departure!

As my Monday MECT meeting has been canceled, we can move our departure up by one day. Right now the forecast looks good for an early shove off for the cruise from Falmouth to Boston.

Always helpful to have Day 1 as scheduled. Stay tuned............Joel

Well, here is our tentative itinerary

 Naturally, all dates are approximate based upon the weather

Day	Approx Date	From	To	Marina
1	6/28	Falmouth	Boston	Boston Waterboat Marina
2	6/29	Boston	Kennebunkport	Chick's Marina
3	6/30	Kennebunkport	Boothbay Harbor	Brown's Harbor Marina
4	7/1		Boothbay Harbor
5	7/2	Boothbay	Rockland	Journey's End Marina
6	7/3	Rockland	Castine	Eaton's Boatyard
7	7/4	Castine	Northeast Harbor	Northeast Harbor Marine
8	7/5		Northeast Harbor
9	7/6	Northeast Harbor	Southwest Harbor	Dysart's Great Harbor Marina
10	7/7	Southwest Harbor	Belfast	Belfast City Landing
11	7/8	Belfast	Camden	Wayfarer Marine
12	7/9	Camden	Georgetown	Robinhood Marine Center
13	7/10	Georgetown	South Freeport	Brewer's S. Freeport
14	7/11	South Freeport	Newburyport	Windward Yacht Yard
15	7/12	Newburyport	Plymouth	Brewer's Plymouth
16	7/13	Plymouth	Falmouth

Watson Here

Getting ready to post.

I have been so gratified to hear that many consider me the only intelligent one on either boat.

In the Planning Stages

This afternoon we will start the planning for our trip.  Right now the plans call for a trip to Northeast Harbor and then a trip south stopping at several ports.  I will update the blog after the ports are selected.  In the meantime, stand by for more information.