Models

Tea Party

Did you know that the Boston Tea Party wasnt the only one? Neither did I, until I drove a borrowed car into the town closest to The Marina That Time Forgot: Greenwich, NJ.

Boston Tea Party in progress

At the time of my visit, a few days before the 2010 election, the words "Tea Party" were hot ones here in the US, so rumors of a colonial-era Tea Party in this neck of the woods caught my attention.

Even in 1774, the Cohansey River was one of the few deep water ports between the Atlantic Ocean and Philadelphia, and the Brits had used it to sneak a load of tea ashore. The local patriots were having none of that, and burned the lot on December 22th, 1774, a year after the Boston Tea Party.

This tea burning is commemorated by a pretty grand monument in the center of this very small town.

Tea party memorial photo jalmberg

Memorial close-up photo jalmberg

It doesnt seem like Greenwich has grown much since the 1700s. The main street, called "Ye Greate Street", in the tradition of all things olde, is lined with beautiful, well preserved, colonial-era homes. Adorned with satelite dishes, of course.

Colonial-era home photo jalmberg

Helena would like this one photo jalmberg

In keeping with the importance of sea trade to the village, theres also a pretty terrific Maritime Museum. I wish Id had more time to spend in this little gem.

Maritime Museum

Oddly enough, the most fascinating building in town, for me, was this small log grain-storage shed, built in 1650. It is supposed to be the oldest agricultural building still standing in the US. Pretty darn interesting, if true, but I cant quite figure out how they got untreated logs to last over 400 years... Hmmm.

Oldest agricultural building in the US photo jalmberg

Back at the marina, I poked around the boats laid up for the winter (by sensible folk), and found this interesting mini-cruiser. Flat bottom with a LOT of rocker, and a small skeg. Wedged in between a bunch of tired-looking, production fiberglass boats, this little wooden boat was a fun find.

Would love to see how she sailed on that odd bottom.

Flat-bottom cruiser, even smaller than the Blue Moon! photo jalmberg

Meanwhile, Id been studying the wind, hoping for right weather to scoot across Delaware Bay. One day in Greenwich was fine, but I didnt want to waste too much time ashore. The GRIB forecast for the next day looked good, so I turned in early, hoping King Neptune, or whatever lesser demon was in charge of the Delaware Bay, would give me a break.

Next Episode: Home Stretch