Ahoy Mateys!

This morning we all took a chance that we could get seats on the Greenwich Cruise to Nowhere. Today was its last day for the season. It was best that we got to the dock at 10 AM to buy the tickets, so we decided to make it a morning out on Great Captain's Island as well. (Alex had seen me uploading some stories from last year to the new blog. When he saw the footage from the island, he really wanted to go again.)

I got up early and packed a picnic lunch for the three of us and we made easy travel to Greenwich. When we arrived at the dock, the ticket agent informed us that we would not be able to purchase the cruise tickets until 10 AM, but that was also when the boat for the island was bound to leave. There would not be another for an hour. On any other day, I would have waited the hour, but the ferries to the island sail around the tide flow. That day, there would be ferries until noon and not start again until after 4 PM. Irritatingly, we were stuck with a choice between the island and the cruise because the cruise was certain to be sold out before we returned on the 12:30 ferry. But I digress. Between the two, exploring 'Pirate's Island' (as we called it last year) was most certainly the better choice. Besides, we can ride the ferry to Governor's Island for free on weekends up to mid-October. I'll make sure to get on that deal.

Alex was thrilled to be boarding the boat and sitting all by himself (kinda) on the benches. Last year, he had to ride in his stroller. He was also thrilled to be able to walk around the island with no puppy leash like he'd had to use last year. We knew by now that he would not run off into the water or down a dangerous path by himself. He could truly be an explorer on the island.

We started at the main beach, where Alex and Daddy dug in the sand. Then I reminded Alex of "Crab Beach", where he and I so commonly find crab shells. Then I led Alex and Daddy further down the island. Alex told Daddy "We're going to the lighthouse!" I hadn't said that to him. He remembered the lighthouse and its path all on his own.

It was quite a walk there, around the pond for wildlife, past the rookeries and shelters. Once there, Alex wasn't all that thrilled because he was hungry. He wanted our picnic lunch. We had to walk back to the halfway point at Crab Beach to sit down at a table.

After our lunch, we explored more of the shore and shells. Alex and I collected a whole bunch of shells and rocks. Alex even tossed a hermit crab shell (nautilis looking) into the water. Mommy braved getting her sneakers soaked to get it back.


By this time, our little explorer was sleepy. 
 
 

We didn't bother asking about the cruise to nowhere at that point. We just found our way home. A really cool adventure and still home in time for Quiet Time.

Now, that's a Great Captain's Island adventure.