When Jeff and I decided to sail Kismet to New England this Summer, the only reason Rhode Island was even on our radar was because I could then mark it off as one of the remaining 3 or 4 states I have yet to visit. Other than that, no plans to stop there on our way to Maine.

But since I belong to a couple of facebook groups dedicated to cruisers, I put it out there- a request for “not to miss” destinations in the region.

Block Island, RI was mentioned.

Several times.

Hmmmmm….Interesting. Maybe. Possibly. We’ll see.

On our way North, in Cape May, NJ-a favorite of ours, btw, we met a helpful couple, Mark and Mel on Obsession, that invited us over to their boat to offer suggestions of areas to visit in Rhode Island, their stomping grounds. Again, Block Island was not merely mentioned, but recommended. Oh you GOTTA go to Block Island!

Ok. ok..

At 7:00 am next morning, we threw off the docklines and set off for Great Salt Pond in the center of Block Island, located about 7 miles off the coast of the state. The trip was long, but mostly enjoyable sailing, until a storm blew through and the interior of Kismet was deluged due to some faulty wiring near the mast. Our bedding and rugs were soaked, but we arrived in good spirits and hung everything out to dry before setting off to explore this beautiful island.

We took Roxie and Chance to the beach, and were thrilled to learn that dogs are not only allowed on the beach, but free to run off-leash!! And a gorgeous beach it is! Lined with steep, 250-foot bluffs, the sandy tan beach is scattered with smooth stones ranging from stark white to mottled blues and greens. The water is clean and families were enjoying the long 4th of July weekend.

Every morning in the harbor, the Coffee Boat comes by selling fresh, hot coffee and fresh-baked pastries to boaters. In the afternoon, they offer lobster rolls, stuffed clams, sushi and other goodies.

On the mainland, BI boasts 30 miles of trails, many lined with thigh-high stacked rock walls. Cedar-shake homes top the hills and nestle in the valleys, often surrounded by graceful, rolling fields. It is very much what I assume Ireland looks like. That’s what I’m told, anyway.

Block Island has been named “One the the Last Great Places in the Western Hemisphere” by the Nature Conservancy. I get that now!

We were delighted on our second day to see Mark and Mel on Obsession drop and anchor close-by. Of the 2000 or so boats in the harbor for the holiday, I was surprised anybody else could squeeze in. We took full advantage of the connection we’d made and enjoyed hiking, dining and watching the fireworks with them.  And I finally found someone (besides Dad) as ardent as I in soliciting candy during a parade. We stuffed our pockets! And faces! Thanks, Mel!

Our last night at Block Island, I was invited to a neighboring boat, Yolo, to meet up with a few fellow sailors from a facebook group called Women Who Sail.  It was lots of fun, and even though we had never met, Tammy recognized me from the Bahamas! Small World!

After five days, it was time to move on. But we’ll be back. Block Island has more adventures waiting!