A Detour from Sailboat Mystic to Mystic Connecticut

We've been on a extended detour from Looping for the last three weeks. We left sailboat Mystic, in Columbus, Mississippi to visit family in Mystic, Connecticut for Thanksgiving.

Our trips to Connecticut are always busy and filled with visits to our favorite places. The weather was perfect for a hike at one of my most special spots of all, Bluff Point. I spent my childhood here, riding bikes or walking to the beach every day. I learned to swim at the town beach at Bluff Point. As I got older, I began to explore the trails and run the 3.6 mile loop around this beautiful coastal preserve every day that I could. I spent endless days searching the shoreline for sea glass and relaxing on the secluded quiet beach, jumping into the cove to cool off when it got too hot. Bluff Point was special to me before anyone else knew how special it was. I introduced this shoreline gem to many friends, including Dave. In 1987, he proposed to me at Bluff Point. We took our children there to search for blue crabs, rocks and shells. Bluff Point has free public access to a gorgeous shoreline. Standing atop the bluff you are treated to amazing views of Long Island Sound. There are endless hiking and mountain biking trails that meander through the thick woods. In the summer kayakers paddle down the Poquonnock River and through the coves nearby. We've spent a lot of time here and make a point to visit as often as possible.

Bluff Point Groton, Connecticut

Wooded path along the Bluff Point loop

Heart Shaped Shell

Heart Shaped Rock

Bluff Point Cove

The tree overlooking the cove

Afternoon sunshine over the cove

The timing for this visit allowed us to attend the 2nd annual memorial birthday bash for my high school friend, Bill Craig. These celebrations are always at Harp and Hound Pub in downtown Mystic. I met Billy in high school and reconnected back in 2010 when Dave and I were in Florida to run the Space Coast Marathon. Bill invited us to his 50th birthday party where we met his lovely family including a son and two daughters. Once we reconnected we stayed in touch. Billy was good about that. He valued his friends and he made every one of us feel special. He texted me and called me randomly and often. He became a part of my world; then he got sick. His death was devastating to all of us who love him. Celebrating his life with his family and friends is heartwarming. I sat with his mom, Twiggy. We shared our memories and our tears. Billy was one of the good guys! I am lucky to have been in his inner circle.

Dave, Beth & Bill 2010

Bill & Beth at Fish Lips, Port Canaveral

Beth & Twiggy Craig

Bill's beer & t-shirt

Harp & Hound Celebrating a great guy on his birthday!
We love you Billy!

We visited our friends Peter and Shelley who live in N. Stonington, Connecticut. We have fond memories of them over the years; parties, boating, picking blueberries and raspberries in their yard. They are life long friends and fellow sailors. Peter captained the boat we crewed in 1985 from Bermuda to Mystic. We had an epic journey on that voyage; complete with the storm of the century (we thought it was anyway). We still marvel that we survived it!

We took long walks at Napatree Point, which is near Misquamicut Beach, in Rhode Island. Recently made famous after Taylor Swift bought a home there. This popular coastal sand spit is a favorite for boaters and beach combers. We've been visiting Napatree for years, enjoying the solitude of the dunes and the vast beach. My sister and my nephew came along with us this time. We spent the afternoon searching for sea glass and playing catch football.

Kite Boarders at Napatree

Dave and Marc at Napatree

The vast Napatree Beach

Heart shaped rock at Napatree

I love you Mom ~ a message from Marc

Making Football Mannequins

A boy and his uncle on the Napatree jetty

Marc & Uncle Dave on the sand dunes at Napatree

On our way back from Napatree, Dave said he saw a garden of fire hydrants on Scenic A1 near Avondale. Intrigued, we turned around so we could see what he was talking about. Sure enough, the Watch Hill Fire Department had "gardens" of uniquely painted fire hydrants. My nephew Marc thought is was super cool and we all marveled at the collection.

We attended the Annual Mystic Holiday tree lighting and the Lighted Boat parade. Afterwards, we went to the Jealous Monk beer garden in Mystic Village. We really enjoyed this place, having a mini reunion of the old school gang, Yvette and Ray, Cheryl, Peggy, Claudine, Squeeky, and Michele. We look forward to our gatherings and we always make sure to get a photo together!

Group photo - Jealous Monk

I wish we'd gotten better photos of the lighted boats but didn't bring our tripod so my photos are more a fuzzy light show. The local newspapers have gorgeous shots though. Below is a like to the article.

patch.com/connecticut/stonington/mystic-holiday-lighted-boat-parade-winners-revealed

Tomorrow we head back to Columbus, Mississippi. We'll reconnect with sailboat Mystic. Our next major goal is Mobile, Alabama. This detour has rejuvenated our souls with the love of family and friends. We are ready for the next chapter; the ocean, tides and currents!