Day 270, Year 7: Enjoying a Night at Anchor
Date: Saturday, August 4, 2012
Weather: Partly Sunny, Hot and Humid; Foggy in the Islands
Latitude: 41 28.451 N
Longitude: 070 45.398 W
Location: Tarpaulin Cove, Naushon Island, Massachusetts
It has been many months since we have spent the night at anchor. But it was
sooooo hot and humid on land that we decided heading out to an anchorage was
the perfect way to enjoy these hot summer days. We invited Heather, Jed,
and boys to come along and we had a great late afternoon. Heather, Jed, and
boys jumped into the water to cool off and then we put the kayak in the
water and Jed, Sam, and Jonah paddled around and then headed to shore for a
walk on the beach. Tarpaulin Cove is on the east side of Naushon Island.
Normally we could look across and see Martha’s Vineyard, but not today as we
motored right into fog as soon as we left Eel Pond. When we reached the
anchorage, we could see the shore, but the fog drifted in and out. Tonight
we are totally socked in, but the fog had the desired effect of cooling us
down. The anchorage is pretty with the quintessential lighthouse
punctuating the shoreline. There is also one house but nothing else in
sight. Naushon Island is one of few islands in a chain known as the
Elizabeth Islands. Most of the islands are owned by the Forbes family and
they have intentionally kept development to an absolute minimum. There are
a few homes on the islands, but most are not even visible from the water.
Visitors are asked to keep their explorations below the high water mark, so
walking is only possible along the shore. There are more people out
here spending the night than I would like to share an anchorage with, but we
mustn’t be so selfish. It is a lovely spot that can be enjoyed by many.
