Dick and Betty departed on the 4th by air back to the world of land-lubbers and the heat of Norfolk, Virginia (reportedly in the 90's and low 100's). Those of us aboard SONATA put on our wind-breakers, long pants, and set off for Portsmouth, New Hampshire. We were off to stay at Wentworth by the Sea Marina in the adjoining town of New Castle.
As we pulled into Wentworth by the Sea Marina a thunder storm struck and we had to just "tread-water" for a short period of time . . . to wait for the lightening to clear. We could then proceed on to our dock. The owners of the hotel since 1946 retired in 1980 and the hotel was closed. Harsh New England weather began to take its toll and the hotel was on its way to ruin. In 1996 the hotel was placed on the National Trust for Historical Preservation's List of America's Eleven Most Endangered Places. New construction, renovation, commenced in 2001 and the hotel re-opened in 2003. It is now a premier Marriott destination hotel and spa.
Up on the hill above the marina is Wentworth by the Sea Hotel. The hotel was first built in 1874 and by 1879 had a golf course, clubhouse, icehouse, steam-powered elevators, electric lights and flush toilets. In 1905 the nearby Portsmouth Naval Shipyard hosted the negotiation talks between Russia and Japan to halt the Russo-Japanese War. President Theodore Roosevelt, never present for the talks, orchestrated the event, and won the 1906 Nobel Peace Prize for his actions.
About the time Charlie entered the Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) the Navy's prison, the Portsmouth Naval Yard Prison, was being closed. This building is on the harbor entrance and occupies a commanding site in the Portsmouth area.
SONATA departed Wentworth and found USCG EAGLE on the distant horizon preparing to enter Portsmouth. We were not close enough to take pictures and had seen the EAGLE in Halifax. SONATA continued on to Gloucester. In Gloucester just east of the entrance to the Blynman Canal is the Fisherman's Memorial. Each Memorial Day, flowers are thrown from the bronze monument to float out to sea in memory of those that who never returned from the sea. The crew of the ANDRIA GAIL was lost at sea during a mammoth nor'easter, and their names are memorialized on this monument. 
August 8, a short trip from Gloucester to Boston, 28 miles; and then tours of Boston before Bonnie returns to Virginia Beach. A busy week, prepare the boat to move into the Cape Cod Canal, for Charlie's brother John to arrive and Bonnie's return. Stay tuned for more!
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