July 31, 2026 Hanging Around Huntington

July 30, 2026 Eatons Neck Anchorage to Huntington mooring ball 5 miles and 1 hour

Probably the shortest cruise we've made in years!! Moved out of that lovely cove and over to Huntington Yacht Club and their mooring. Sort of a windy drizzly morning and decided we'd go ahead and get moved over. Originally just planned a one day stop, but figured Friday looked like a really nice day to get off the boat and go explore the town so signed up for two nights. Woke up at dawn to the boat rocking from someone coming into our oasis. Small workboat with a fisherman raking the bottom. Again - clams, oysters, mussels - not sure. Felt bad for him when a bit of heavier rain came through. He just donned his slicker and continued raking.

Culling his harvest before the weather blows in

First order of business for us was getting the anchor up. Thought we would have been anchored in some nice clean sand, but the chain was covered in black thick mud. Took as long to clean it all off as it did to cruise to the mooring field. Pass the Huntington Lighthouse on approach to the harbor. Built in 1912 in the Beaux-Arts style. Cast concrete made to look castle-ish. It replaced the original 1857 Lloyds Harbor Lighthouse. Plenty of nice houses along the waterfront.

Huntington Lighthouse

Mooring field again packed with boats. A bit concerned with how close our neighbor will be if we swing in opposite directions. Turned into a nice late afternoon but we stayed boat bound. Had to do some research and order new windshield wiper parts. Previous owner had replaced the parts 5 years ago. Amazed at the rate salt water corrosion ate those metal parts. It's always something!!

Another packed mooring field

Maybe it's just an optical illusion, but they sure feel close.

Then again... maybe these mooring balls are a bit too close

Spent Friday exploring a bit. Launch picked us up and dropped us off at town dock. Monument rock with plaques just past the harbor. Commemorates Nathan Hale who was a patriot spy during the revolutionary war. Caught by the British right here. Sentenced and executed almost immediately. Village of Halesite where the docks are located are named after him. Famous for the quote " I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country." Walked on over to Duck Island Bakery for pastry, bread, and coffee. Amazing selection. Line still out the door at 11:30 on a Friday. Then over to the Heckscher Museum. Small art museum size-wise. Just 5 rooms. But they have over 4500 pieces in their collection so it's constantly rotating. Currently had a special display from local artists commemorating the 250th anniversary of Declaration of Independence. Nice park for a walkabout. Tennis courts but no pickleball here. Watch the swans, geese and ducks in the pond. Chapin bandstand named after deceased resident Harry Chapin - 70's songwriter of Cats in the Cradle fame. Free concert featuring country music starts at 8PM. Too late in the evening for us. Other local celebrities include Biily Joel, Jason Alexander, etc.

Heckscher Museum entrance.

Plenty of waterfowl at the park. Mind where you step!

Over to Six Harbors Brewery for a flight. Not too impressed with beers but had a fun time watching the local dogs cool off and play during Friday Yappy Hour. Got talking to a local couple. Mentioned we were traveling by boat, from Savannah but I was actually born here at Huntington Hospital. Wife was being funny to Martha. "Oh, are you bringing him back to trade him in?" Had to admit it was a good quick witted response. Heading back to the boat and stopped at Juniors Pizza for a couple slices. Pretty decent NY style. Then into Caroso's Italian Market. Picked up a slab of meat lasagna, some homemade Marina and Italian cookies for a later meal. Then walk back to the yacht club and get the launch to take us back to the boat. Lot of walking and we were beat.