The waves at Sachuest Point

On our last afternoon in Newport, we decided to check out the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, because it was a perfect afternoon to be by the ocean.

We were kind of impressed by this sign.

Even if you can't make out the text, the picture of that HUGE WAVE coming for the little person on the rocks ... well, you get the message, right?

And as advertised, the waves here were insane! The rocks by the water looked tempting to climb on, but we saw waves WAY taller than us smashing into the rocks and we decided we were happy enough to walk further in!

This was close enough, thank you very much!

The wind was strong enough in spots to practically fly us like kites, and the sound of the waves pounding the rocks ... !

Like that!

Like me, Tom was happy to be impressed from a distance.

Just for an idea of where it is, you could see the Cliff Walk path from one side of the point.

Waay over there.

By the time we left, our faces were red from the cold, relentless ocean breezes ... but we had the best time!

A hideout from the cold

One of the afternoons we were in Newport, it was really cold. Damp, windy, grey -- brrrrrr!

Shivering in the ocean breeze, all layers on!

Luckily we found this place.

I'd been noticing how often we kept seeing coffee places, so when we spotted a sign mentioning tea, we had to go in. They have a great tea selection and big couches. And a fireplace in the back.

We sampled lotsa teas, and a couple of cakes as well. I bought tins of ginger tea and Yorkshire Harrogate to take home.

There's something about tea that is nicest for warming up!

On the Cliff Walk

The weather was so nice that we had to go on Newport's famous Cliff Walk -- which we had done once before, but we were in less of a hurry this time.

It was a crisp, sunny, windy day. There was a gorgeous refreshing ocean breeze, and that along with the warmth of the sun ... well, it was a very satisfying stroll.

Toldya it was windy!

My favorite spot along this walk is what I think of as "the rumbling rocks". The beach there is covered with fist-sized pebbles, and when the surf retreats, all the rocks rattle together. It sounds like a huge set of maracas -- loud and very deep.

Anyone familiar with the walk probably knows where I mean ...

See where the path disappears into a tunnel in the distance? It's shadowy but it's there.

And to the left is this view (did I mention there are mansions nearby?).


It was really great to just sit and listen to the water rattle the rocks. Very relaxing.

So was walking around on the boulders.



It was that kind of day!

Snug in The Snuggery

The room Tom and I had at the Marshall Slocum Inn was a little unusual but very cool.

On the first level was the bed.

Up a spiral staircase was the sink and bathroom with a shower.

Love the practical use of the railings!

It was a very vertical, snug little space - hence its name of The Snuggery in the inn's register.

The mirror placement made for a great effect.


There wasn't much room in the way of extraneous furniture or anything.

But there was a sweet post-shower bonus ... Marshall Slocum bathrobes!

See how comfy Tom looks in it? You can kinda see the logo there ...

This particular room configuration wouldn't appeal to everyone, but we thought it was a blast.

Weekend in Newport

Tom and I took a couple days and got outta town. Newport Rhode Island made for a nice break.

We stayed at The Marshall Slocum Inn, which we really liked and would recommend.


It's a very colorful downtown, with sharp breezes off the water. The streets were great for strolling and admiring the colorful houses.


There were of course the usual kinds of touristy shops that sold cookies and fudge and souvenirs. We did like the cookie shop and went back to it more than once (Tom liked the oatmeal butterscotch best).

Relaxing change of scenery.

Yep, it's spring all right ...

"I knew it was too soon ... I knew it! Why do I let them push me out first every year?"

"Grrrr!"

Happy April 1st from New England!