Searching for mooring #355

We thought we were in good shape as we entered Newport Harbor at around 1:45, because we were getting in early enough to have the better part of the day in town for a change. But first we needed to find mooring #355, which Bill and Nancy (whom we met in Quebec City) graciously offered to let us use. 

Now, by some accounts, Newport, Rhode Island is the sailing capital of the U.S. and the harbor is huge; moorings are everywhere. Trying to find a specific one is like, well, trying to find a needle in the proverbial haystack. Wayne left a message for Bill after trying unsuccessfully to reach him on either his home or cell phone. Meanwhile, he motored around while I peered through the binoculars trying to find Bill's mooring. We did this for about half an hour before Bill called back and told us more specifically where it was. Great, now we'll find it...NOT. Motored around for another half hour and finally located it...ATTACHED TO ANOTHER BOAT!

Our cruising guide lists a dizzying array of wharves, docks, and piers in Newport Harbor, so we called one to arrange for a mooring (for $45 - dang!). By the time we finally got hooked up, it was 3:00; that's fine, we will still have plenty of time in town. Except Wayne decided it was time to CHANGE THE OIL, but it would only take about half an hour...RIGHT. That's fine, I'll just get online and update the blog while I'm waiting...SURE THING.

Now, I don't dare ask the Captain why it took THREE HOURS to change the oil, nor do I even want to know. But the job is done, I never did get online, and we're finally in the dinghy on our way to the wharf at 6:00, but when we get to the wharf we realize WE DON'T HAVE A FLASHLIGHT, so Wayne has to go back to the boat and get one...and IT'S 6:15!

Wayne's rebuttal: "Three hour oil change…not exactly! It did take about an hour to change the oil and filter, but I had to spend an additional hour cleaning up oil that leaked while removing the filter. This is under the engine in a very difficult area to reach, requiring me to hang over the generator upside down to get at it. It was, however, three hours from the time we picked up the mooring until the time we left the boat."

Add Newport to the list of destinations we'll return to by car some day.