Day 5: Sheffield Island, CT. to the Thimble Islands
August 31, 2000




Enshrouded in Fog

I awake to all encompassing grayness. The fog is quite thick, so I wait for some time in the hopes that it will burn off. However it doesn't seem to be going, and the morning is wasting away, so I put the coordinates of the Stratford buoy in my GPS that should keep me well away from dangerous obstructions off the coast. I don't want to pass too far out into the Sound since tug and barge and ship traffic are there. Best stay inshore, but not too far inshore!

The radar reflector is hoisted up the forestay. Don't know if it actually works or not, but it makes me feel better. I know large vessels are passing me by in the murk since I can occassionally feel their wakes. I also keep my fog horn handy. It is a simple tin horn that one blows. I also have the "horn in a can" but I like the "manual" horn best.

The day continues in general grayness, although it largely burns off by late afternoon. I can generally see the Connecticut shoreline passing by. Some of the houses one sees are unbelievable in size and elegance. Nothing on the Hudson had anything on these pieces of realestate!

A Wonderful Anchorage: The Thimble Islands

As darkness approaches, I think I can nearly make it to Guilford. I'll pick up fuel there in the morning. In the meantime, the Thimble Islands are nearest, so I give them a try. What a delightful choice!

These islands are the largest island chain in Long Island Sound, not that there are many island chains there. They are very small in size, some with simple houses, some with very expensive single homes, and some undeveloped. They are also extremely close together. The water between islands form a series of channels that one follows. Many anchorage points are available just off the channel. One must be careful though, not to anchor over power cable routes between islands and mainland.

I choose a spot that has several boats moored, and some summer houses ashore. Several sailboats are rafted together a bit farther off, along with larger power boats. A tour boat of some kind slowly passes by in the gathering darkness. I am able to run practically ashore and anchor in about 7 feet of water. The sky clears enough to present a very beautiful sunset and after sunset glow. The water is very calm and the surrounding air peaceful. Time to cook the evening meal and sit out in the cockpit eating, drinking a bit, and enjoying the beautiful, now dark surroundings!


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