Danger Bay—Episode 55—Port-of-Call New London Connecticut

“Voyage of the Motor Vessel Sparrow” series inspired by Bob Carney. written by Boomer Jack Boardman

“Port-of Call New London” hosted by Linda Davis

(jpeg graphic backgrounds provided by and used with permission of Linda Davis.)

Previously—Episode 54—Boomer’s “Vision”

Boomer took the message from Molly and read:

“No need to fear Carnac. He’s harmless to people he likes.”

“See?” Mac rumbled, “What did I tell ya?”

“But,” Boomer persisted.

“Boomer!” Mac interrupted, “No more Szechuan for you! Your nightmares give me a headache.”

“I’m not going to ask,” Molly said, “Anyway, we’re expecting to arrive at New London early Friday.”

“Landfall at last!”

Episode 55:

The Sparrow entered Long Island Sound in the predawn light as she continued her voyage along the coastline. She would soon arrive at the Port of New London at the mouth of the Thames River.

Most of the passengers & crew were looking forward to spending some quality time exploring the big city of New London. They were looking forward to a little shopping—as most didn’t pack summer clothing—its really difficult to do that when it is winter at home—and even more compelling was the opportunity to get a little “terra-firma” under their feet for a while.

Others were more interested in visiting with the host of this visit, Linda Davis. They knew her as one who lived in their Real World computers, along with her good friend and collaborator, “Carnac of Connecticut.” Even though a cyber-visit is not quite the same as a Real World visit, they were all excited at the prospect.

As the Sparrow approached the harbor, the entire ship’s (boat’s) company lined the decks to get the first glimpse of official landfall—no one overslept this morning. They were approaching an offshore lighthouse that appeared to be a colonial mansion in the middle of the water with a very large light on its roof.

“Ahh,” Fred said looking at the magnificent structure, “The New London Ledge Light, beautiful, isn’t it?”

“It is,” Mac rumbled, “and certainly unusual looking for a lighthouse.”

“It was built around 1903,” Fred continued, “One of the last of the New England lighthouses to be built, and it was unusual for an off-shore lighthouse as it was not of cast-iron construction.”

“How do you know this stuff?” Bob asked.

“I just clicked the link,” Fred smiled.

“Duh-oh!” Bob replied, “I didn’t think of that!”

“There’s another lighthouse,” Sarah said looking across the mouth of the Thames.

“That would be the ‘New London Harbor Light’,” Fred smiled, just a little too smugly.

“And I’m sure you’ll tell us all about it,” Bob cracked, smiling.

“You betcha,” Fred replied, “Built in 1801, it was the second light here, the first built in 1761. The New London Harbor Light was one of the first lighthouses to feature a flashing light.”

Soon the MV Maryland & Virginia was launched to explore the Thames, and the Sparrow docked at New London, with the majority of the passengers disembarking to begin their exploration of the city.

The MD & VA set out to explore upriver a short distance before proceeding to the US Navy Submarine Force Museum at Groton, home of the USS Nautilus (SSN 571), the first nuclear submarine. Aboard the small MD & VA were Cap & Edith Sezavich, Sarah Cooper, Ines Hegedus Garcia, Bob Carney, Maggie Dokic, Lysa Napolitano, Fred Jaworski, Mac McIntyre, Jay Merton, Boomer Jack Boardman, and (of course), Daisy.

To be CONTINUED—Episode 56—USS Nautilus &…