2023 August Fishermen's Memorial State Park

FISHERMEN'S MEMORIAL STATE PARK, NARRAGANSETT, RHODE ISLAND

161 miles - 3 hours from CPP

Area 1 Site 100

Very clean, very spacious and very quiet sites with full hook-ups.

This beautiful campground of 140 campsites opened in July of 1970 and was originally called Fort Greene after the Revolutionary soldier, Nathaniel Green. General Washington promoted him to the rank of Major General and president of the military court that tried Major John Andre as an accomplice of Benedict Arnold for espionage and treachery.

The local fishermen requested the name change to honor the fishermen in the Narragansett area, the "Tuna Capital of the World."

This is my fourth stay here at Fishermen's. These two weeks will be very different as I'm here alone. The way it played out this year was the Hudson Islanders wanted to make this another get-together for the group. Problem was you have to reserve through RESERVE AMERICA. First you establish an account, then know the dates, campsite area and site number, next you begin clicking on their website over and over beginning precisely at 8 a.m. hoping to catch an opening.  It's all first come, first served. This round, only I and Roberta got through; she subsequently canceled. The group tried for a second get-together at the end of September. A good number were successful including me, so I'll be here again for another two weeks.

Once again, as I reminisce, the true value of writing blogs manifests itself. I would like to give a shout out to two English teachers I've had the pleasure of working with while teaching at Blue Mountain Middle School. Mary A and Wendy A initiated a voluntary after school writing program for teachers in an attempt to bring writing into all subjects areas. As a biology teacher, my weekly lab reports were checked not only for accuracy of content using the Scientific Method but for grammar, spelling and punctuation as well. I give them credit and thanks for planting that seed which grew into my love of writing. I encourage my readers to do the same. They don't have to be blogs. Call them diaries, journals or even notes. Just get back to writing. The reward for your efforts will come in the future. To have them for reminiscing is mind-blowing. This two-week visit at this campground is just one, for example where I can look back and smile. I did the same thing for my blog describing my stay in the 1000 Islands. Looking back at what I did here is terrific. If you're interested, the links are in red:

In 2017, there was dining with granddaughter, Sara, student at URI, at Shogun and Kobuki and dodging hurricane Jose.

In 2019, I again dodged the remnants of a hurricane, this time, Florence and dined again with granddaughter Sara at Kon Asian Bistro and Hibachi Grill, lunch at The Corner Cafe and walked along the Cliff Walk and viewed mansions including The Breakers. We dined where Sara worked, The Chop House Grill.

Last year, 2022, I was here twice in October; once alone and the next week with the Hudson Islanders.  For me, the people, the attractions and the dining gave me such a satisfying sense of accomplishment and contentment. Again, I encourage my readers to do the same, if for nothing else than to smile in the future at something done in the past.

Here's another big shout out and thank you to friend, John, who stopped by and took me for a ride to nearby Port of Galilee, which by the way is opposite Jerusalem. The origin of both names is interesting and detailed in the link above with the Hudson Islanders.  Narragansett and Newport, Rhode Island, remain as just two places that you can always come back to and walk away with a different "feel" for the natural beauty it has to offer. John is a regular in these parts camping wherever space is available for the season. All the places we've dined or visited is thanks to John, my Uber.

Some views from that night.

John's huge fifth-wheel

Didn't get a chance to stop this time BUT...there's the two weeks coming at the end of September.

Thank you, John

The fishing vessel, Hadley Ruth, out of Port Galilee returning to port is 55 feet in length, its breadth, 20 feet.

A Coast Guard launch heading out to the Sound.

The MV Block Island (Motor Vessel), built in 1997, is 208 feet in length, 98 gross tons and features a service speed of 16.5 knots. Designed by John W. Gilbert Associates, Inc., and is USCG, Subchapter “K” certified for 1000 passengers.

The vessel features (2) EMD diesel propulsion engines for a total of 4000 HP. In 2009, the vessel’s electrical generators were renewed with new John Deere marine diesel engines.

It may carry 38 automobiles, and utilizes a three-lane configuration for the carriage of commercial trucks and vehicles. 

The passenger lounge on the vessel features a food and beverage concession, four satellite flat screen televisions and comfortable table and bench seating for 300 passengers.

I entertained the thought of using the service someday if I wanted to camp out on Montauk after traveling through New England and then returning to continue my journey back home. The fare including the senior discount for me and Winnie was $167.55 one way and 55 minutes. (And that's just to Block Island...then how to get to Montauk? The Viking Fleet which operates a passenger only, one hour fifteen minute service from Block Island to Montauk won't work) Something to think about. Okay, I did. Ain't gonna work. I'll stick to what I've been doing: It's a 3-hour, 160 mile trip from CPP to Narragansett.

To the rear of George's Restaurant is their outdoor Tiki Bar with live entertainment. Cash transactions only for patrons to purchase at the take out stand and find their own seating.

A local sand sculptor visits now and then. Sign reads, "Sand Art by Art"

On the way back to Fishermens, we stopped by the Point Judith Lighthouse whose history can be viewed HERE.

With the tide coming in, the sight and sounds of the waves crashing on the rocks was awesome. Turn your sound up and see if you can hear the "crackling" of the smaller rocks being churned as the waves ebb.

Friday, ended my first week here at Fishermens. After a morning shower, I got to enjoy a perfect day that ended with a sunset. Yes, there was the reminder that the days are getting shorter but that is the nature of things and cannot be altered. I pondered the words of the poster to the right and thought about my day. With the help of my senses I can sum up my day nicely.

There was the smell of campfires and those that were grilling steaks; I listened to sea gulls as they flew in a cloudless sky. Temperatures were in a comfortable mid-70 range and the constant breezes up to 20 mph coming in from the Sound made the warmth of the sun feel even better on my legs. While enjoying a chilled glass of Chardonnay and listening to my music piped through speakers to the outside of my RV, I could truly say I've found the "time for the things that make you feel happy to be alive." 

A number folks and their dogs climbed the hill to get a better view of the 7:42 p.m. sunset.

I made my way up and sat on the top step. Both my Canon G7 and the iPhone did not provide sunset worthy shots. One lady asked me if it was okay to bring her beautiful Shepard up so she could view from the stand.

He was so intent on gazing at the beauty before him, he completely ignored  me. A truly beautiful face.

Friday from the hilltop overlooking Bluff Hill Cove

Saturday (a nicer sunset) from a different location.

A number of campers came and left. I met Roger and Kim who pulled in next door. They were going to be there for two weeks. They've been here before and are avid clammers. Their outdoor kitchen complete with canopy, propane stove and steamer was ready for the family due to visit during their stay.

Sunday, John and I visited the Farmers Market in the field in front of the campground. I'm hoping their season lasts until the end of September when some of my fellow Hudson Islands can take advantage of the many offerings.

One of my purchases; that large multi-grain loaf.

My other purchase, a Martha Washington tomato said to be sweeter than the regular.

Tuesday, we visited On Point Pizza and found it to be quite satisfactory; thin crust with nice flavor. I had their ziti primavera but ordered a small pie to take home. Afterwards, over to Aunt Carrie's Ice Cream Shoppe for my bowl of butter pecan ice cream. Celebrating their 100th year of family owned businesses, this would be another place I'll recommend for one our dinners (all seafood; oh, there is a double hamburger on the menu) at the end of September.

Wednesday, As a result of a successful trip out to sea on a charter, John returned with his catch consisting of sea bass and fluke. The undersized catches were returned to the ocean. He prepared the panko encrusted sea bass and parmesan cheese risotto at my site for a tasty dinner.

Afterwards, we caught another beautiful sunset.

Thursday, we took a trip into Wakefield for dinner at Pasquale's Pizzeria. Click on this link for their homepage which provides a terrific video glimpse of every aspect of the restaurant.

This glass enclosed scene on display entitled, "Giovanni e Monica" was created by Presepi Ferrignno in Naples, Italy. The detailed models and painting are stunning. It's the first thing that catches your eye as you enter. Check out their Bottega Ferrigno website to see the beautiful pieces they offer like the Nativity, Magi characters and animals.

My choice for the evening was Pappardelle al Pistachio:

Pistachio pesto, crispy pancetta, and parmigiana cream on a bed of home made Pappardelle pasta. The menu can be viewed HERE.

On the way out I caught a glimpse of the 3-tiered glass door ovens and...

...a a fresh baked pie ready to be served. I see mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, olives, basil and cheese with a well done crust.

Afterwards, right outside the restaurant across the street we enjoyed a bit of the concert provided each Thursday during the season. Tonight, the last of the series, featured the Country Wild Heart Band. 

Some folks enjoyed line dancing.

From there we drove into the village of Wakefield but missed the Thursday evening RiverFire Concert. Thursday also has classic cars parked along the street.

1964 Studebaker Avanti

Saugutucket River where fires are lit each Thursday during the season. 

 Author readings, book signings, arts and crafts are offered at the Sari Sanctuary Stage along the River. Local vendors and food trucks are located along the River and Main Street.

We passed on ice cream seeing the line go around the corner at Brickley's. We wound up back at Aunt Carrie's just down the road from the campground. 

And that, my friends, winds up a two-week stay in Rhode Island. Thanks to John, I got around quite a bit. Already a pretty savvy group, I'll have some input to share with my fellow Hudson Islander RVers should they need suggestions. Some have been coming here for years so it'll be easy.

Monday I leave for CPP. I'll be there from August 29th until September 14th. During that time, the Hudson Islanders will be there from September 7th to the 14th. Hope to share that blog with you soon after. Till then, stay well, happy and safe.

You're always with yourself, so you might as well enjoy the company.

~Diane Von Furstenberg.