Where have I been ? — Little Red Tug

Day out on the Connecticut with friends.

I know it seems that for the last couple weeks the blog has been quiet but it doesn't mean that we haven't been out in the The little tug. Lots and lots of day trips have been taken River, New London Harbor, Mystic Connecticut and a fall trip to the Erie Canal. The weather in New England has been really excellent in all aspects and i've been able to take Toto out cruising every week. WIth my summer job working as a Paramedic at Six Flags on hold this summer I had plenty of chances to take the boat out. I did a few overnights and plenty of day trips. I put over 200 hours on the boat and had a chance to explore plenty of places I had on my wish list. Here are my top 5 trips of the summer:

#5 - Mystic, Connecticut-

One of my favorite spots by kayak or tug is Mystic Harbor. Home to the Mystic Seaport museum and a perfect downtown its a perfect place for a day trip or an overnight. Launching from nearby New London it is a quick jaunt across to the entrance to Mystic Harbor and then a great trip down to the inner harbor. After passing under the railroad bridge you get to see the marinas along both shores. Another drawbridge and you are by Mystic Seaport and a terrific place to anchor for lunch while you wait for the hourly bridge to open again. The only drawback to the trip is the lack of public docks to stop at. If you want to explore downtown Mystic options are limited. On the bright side there are 3 great lobster shacks at the entrance to the harbor with free docks for diners!

#4 - Erie Canal

I have already blogged plenty about this trip but can’t say enough about how the Ranger 21 is perfect for this trip. Great views, protected waters, plenty of stops and things to see. I’ll be headed back next year to do the western section and do some more exploring.

#3 - Narragansett Bay - Providence RI

Probably some of the more challenging waters in terms of boat traffic, waves and navigation but great chance to take the tug out in some salt water without being to far off shore. There are some great little harbors to duck in to such as Bristol and Fall River. Lots of dockside dining options and the chance to see some great yachts. This trip can be extended to include Newport - hope of some of the nicest boats around and the famous mansions.

#2- Lake George

Leaping off point for the Adarondacks, this 32 mile long lake provides plenty of boating in one of the cleanest lakes in the Northeast. There are hundreds of boat-up campsites and a great downtown that screams retro summer vacation from your childhood. Access points can be limited (and pricey) to get on the lake but once on the water there is plenty to explore. Small coves, sheltered islands and long stretches of open water abound. Summertime brings heavy traffic and lots of boats but isn’t that some of the fun. Shoulder seasons are for those looking for a more quiet time but with the incredible views still intact.

#1- Connecticut River - Barton’s Cove

If I had a homeport it would probably be here. Long before I had Toto this was my go to place for being on the water. With no development and steady water levels its is my favorite place to be on the water. It’s the first place that J.P. and I put the boat in the day that we bought it and the place I take it to the most. Warm clear waters and eagles make this a home run anytime I want to get out on the water. It’s only an hour tow away for me and it’s where I bring fiends when they want to join me for a day. There is always something to see and even an empty day on the river has something to offer. The boat ramp always has space for one more and the fellow boaters in the area are friendly and respectful. The 17 miles between the Turners Falls dam and the nuclear power plant in Vernon are magical because no two days are ever the same. After rounding the cove and heading north under the French King bridge the river shows why this part of Western Massachusetts is truly a hidden gem.