The Good Traveler

Here’s the route we took, courtesy of Google Maps, driving down the coast in mid-June. This post focuses on the B to C part of the trip.

The drive from Wickford down route 1A toward Point Judith was right along the ocean. The light (almost nonexistent) traffic made for a relaxing and easy trip through the small towns of Saunderstown and Bridgetown — white sails on the open ocean peeked through the trees. We passed Narragansett Beach and arrived at a pier packed with people strolling along the boardwalk and lolling on the decks of seafood restaurants. We drove under a large stone arch, and here we should have stopped to take some pictures, but it was already late in the afternoon so we kept moving.

Just past the pier, route 1A becomes Ocean Road, but you can’t see the ocean much at all because it is blocked by the gigantic, envy-inducing mansions, most of which are surrounded by high gates and/or shrubs. No, you cannot see the ocean, and no, you will never live in a house like this. I even saw a fucking Rolls Royce pulling out of a driveway, I swear to you.

Anyway! We eventually arrived at Point Judith, which is pretty great. I don’t usually get excited about the history of places, but the sinking of the SS Blackpoint and the ensuing chase and destruction of the attacking U-boat is spelled out in grim detail on a display near the lighthouse, and it reads like the stuff of WWII legend. The Judith Point Light itself is protected by the Coast Guard, who have a house on site. Here’s a couple of them pitching and hitting fly balls near the lighthouse.

Coast guards near the Judith Point Light

And here’s a shot of the water behind the lighthouse.

From the Judith Point Light

There may be better ways to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon in June, but I can’t think of one.