Wednesday, September 30, 2015

New Bedford/Fairhaven, MA to Stamford, CT (Sept 20-Sept 30)


After nearly 5 months of almost perfect conditions the weather gods have finally caught up with us.  We had planned to visit Menemsha on Martha’s Vineyard and Block Island after leaving Nantucket, but the forecast did not bode well so we went to New Bedford/Fairhaven for several days to wait out bad conditions.  This proved to be a very nice alternative as we got to spend some quality time with our new found friends that we met in Edgartown.  They own two restaurants in the area called Riccardi’s which are not to be missed if you are any where nearby.  They treated us to a very special lunch on the 22nd with so much food the leftovers lasted for several days.  We very much enjoy their company and expect to see them again in Florida this winter.

Mike and Jean Riccardi
Riccardi's Restaurant, Fairhaven
Debby with Chef Mike
Jean and Mike with Receptionist


We stayed at a friendly club in Fairhaven across the river from New Bedford.  The city operates a launch service which we took to tour the downtown area.  The New Bedford Whaling Museum was outstanding.  The title is somewhat misleading as it displayed period furniture and art as well as maritime related artifacts.  It certainly show cased the wealth created by the whaling industry in the mid 1800s.

As is our habit we stopped at a waterfront bar prior to the return trip to the boat.  And once again we met an interesting local character.  Peter was a retired real estate investor who returned to his hometown after spending years in Kansas City and entertained us with his story thru several drinks.

Colorful Sunset over New Bedford 



We worked our way south over the next several days to arrive in Stamford on Friday the 25th.  Stamford was to serve the dual purpose of allowing us to visit Betty Moran, our son-in-law Mike’s mother, and to serve as a jumping off point for the trip through NYC and down the Jersey coast to Cape May.  The Small Craft warnings off the coast have since turned to Gale Warnings and may turn to Hurricane Warnings by the end of this week!  So, Stamford will be home for the foreseeable future.  Fortunately, we are in a nice, well protected marina.  The famous sailing yacht, Ticonderoga, is docked here with us.  Jim first saw this vessel in Honolulu in 1965 as it was first across the line in the Transpac race.  He was visiting his sister at the time.

Ticonderoga built in 1936
Still beautiful



We have rented a car and are very close to downtown Stamford and only 6 miles from Betty’s place.  We have already spent several very enjoyable evenings with Betty, and expect to see much more of her over the next week.

Dinner at Innis Aeron Golf Club
Betty, Jim and Debby


Impromptu Dancing at Betty's