August 20 - 22, 2019.
Isles of Shoals visit take two.
Breakfast. Schoolwork. Showers.
Cross fingers and toes and hope the engine starts.
Ignition on. Alternator on. Press button. Inhale. Hear the purr of the engine. See the water being spurted out from the back. Exhale.
Yessss. Off to the Isles of Shoals we go!
With very little wind, we motored the entire way which is only 1 hour or so. We didn't care, we were on our way again!
We picked up a PYC (Portsmouth Yacht Club) mooring ball, which we were given permission to use, lowered the dinghy down to go to shore and went exploring.
What an absolutely delightful place the Isles of Shoals are. It's so close to the mainland and yet feels miles away.
On Star Island there is a hotel-type building which houses residents on weekly 'conferences'.
I was intrigued by these conferences and what it entailed so asked a participant.
Basically, during the summer months, people come from all over North America to enjoy the camaraderie of one another, participate in various activities like kayaking and art, all on this idyllic island setting.
She explained that these conferences provide an opportunity for those who loved camp as a child to be able to relive their most fond memories. And for those who never had a chance to do camp, this was the perfect place to try it.
What a great idea, camp for adults and families! They even had Camp S'mores flavoured ice cream!
There were multi generations here and families that have been coming for years. Kids grow up here and then as teens or young adults, volunteer to cook in the kitchen and run the various camp activities.
I was blown away by how HAPPY everybody was. Genuinely happy. So much laughter, singing, music making and just pure joy.
In a way I felt like we were intruding on some special secret. But then we got talking to some of the participants and we couldn't help but join them in their happiness and carefree days.
We enjoyed 3 relaxing days here where we went kayaking, swimming, played board games, volleyball and of course did our usual routine of schoolwork and the odd boat job.
With very little wind, we motored the entire way which is only 1 hour or so. We didn't care, we were on our way again!
We picked up a PYC (Portsmouth Yacht Club) mooring ball, which we were given permission to use, lowered the dinghy down to go to shore and went exploring.
What an absolutely delightful place the Isles of Shoals are. It's so close to the mainland and yet feels miles away.
On Star Island there is a hotel-type building which houses residents on weekly 'conferences'.
I was intrigued by these conferences and what it entailed so asked a participant.
Basically, during the summer months, people come from all over North America to enjoy the camaraderie of one another, participate in various activities like kayaking and art, all on this idyllic island setting.
She explained that these conferences provide an opportunity for those who loved camp as a child to be able to relive their most fond memories. And for those who never had a chance to do camp, this was the perfect place to try it.
What a great idea, camp for adults and families! They even had Camp S'mores flavoured ice cream!
There were multi generations here and families that have been coming for years. Kids grow up here and then as teens or young adults, volunteer to cook in the kitchen and run the various camp activities.
I was blown away by how HAPPY everybody was. Genuinely happy. So much laughter, singing, music making and just pure joy.
In a way I felt like we were intruding on some special secret. But then we got talking to some of the participants and we couldn't help but join them in their happiness and carefree days.
We enjoyed 3 relaxing days here where we went kayaking, swimming, played board games, volleyball and of course did our usual routine of schoolwork and the odd boat job.
If I thought being at Portsmouth Yacht club for the past week was relaxing, being on a mooring at Isles of Shoals was heaven!
All good things must come to an end though. Tomorrow we are off to Newburyport to grab our reserved mooring ball where we will leave ANJULIA SUE for several weeks.
Goodbye Isles of Shoals, thank you for sharing your magic with us.
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| Aila and I braved the chilly waters and swam off the boat several times. So refreshing! |
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| Isles of Shoals provide absolutely stunning sunsets. |
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| Looking at Star Island from our boat. |
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| Every minute the sky changes a different shade of orange and yellow. Incredible. |
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| Best washing up view, hands down! |
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| Washing up the dinner dishes and chattering hysterically about something. |
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| Kayaking to Smuttynose Island. |
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| In my happy place, wild swimming! |
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| New board game: Saboteur. Thanks Garf!! |
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