Sure, we posted a couple of images earlier today of a seal basking in the sunlight on the Compo Beach dock.
But that was before our maritime visitor realized it was being photographed.
That’s when he (or she) turned right to the camera.
And turned on the charm.
(Photo/Mike Giunta)
(Hat tip: Bill Kiedaisch)
In the air and by the sea, Westport is becoming quite the nature center.
Earlier this week, an osprey captured our attention. Now it’s a seal.
Alert “06880” reader/Compo Beach resident Larry Hoy reports that yesterday he was walking his dog Dixie at the end of Roosevelt Road.
Suddenly she turned, walked to the seawall and started sniffing in the direction of the marina.
“She’s a natural hunter,” Larry says. “I knew she smelled something, but I didn’t think there would be by a deer or woodchuck over there.”
He looked closely, and saw a big brown lump on a dock.
Then it moved.
He was fascinated by the seal.
It’s still there today.
(Photos/Peter Armstrong)
Ned Dimes Marina, yesterday (Photo/Nicola Sharian)
One view of frozen Compo Beach … (Photo/Kathie Motes Bennewitz)
… and another … (Photo/Tammy Barry)
… and Gray’s Creek … Photo/Betsy P. Kahn)
… while in between, Ned Dimes Marina… (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
… and finally, a couple of miles away, the frozen Saugatuck River. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
Posted in Beach, Downtown, Pic of the Day, Weather
Tagged Compo Beach, Gray's Creek, Ned Dimes Marina, Saugatuck River
Serene scene at the Ned Dimes Marina (Photo copyright John Videler for Videler Photography)
Compo Beach sunrise this morning, from the Ned Dimes Marina. (Photo/Matt Murray)
Ned Dimes Marina at dusk (Photo/Wendy May)
Ned Dimes Marina at dusk (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Any Westport resident or organization can rent the Ned Dimes Marina clubhouse for a party or function. The other day, the Westport Woman’s Club held a lobster bake there. (Photo/Gloria Smithson)
You can’t reserve tables in the Compo Beach pavilion.
But — starting immediately — you can reserve that cool little space (formerly storage) recently carved out between the brick pavilion and Joey’s.
In a low-key announcement, Parks and Rec says they’re “excited to offer a new PARTY RENTAL space.”
(Note: they never say exactly where it is — beyond “on east beach and conveniently located next to Joey’s by the Shore.” I’m assuming it’s here:
Staples High School sophomores in the party space next to Joey’s last night. They did not have to rent it.
The email continues:
This picnic area holds a maximum of 60 people, and can be rented out from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. until sunset, or even all day to meet your party needs! This is a great location for your children’s parties or family gatherings! Joey’s will be happy to assist in your catering needs!
There are a few rules:
You must apply no later than 72 hours before the event. Applications are first-come, first-served. The permit fee is $50 (plus a refundable $100 security/clean-up deposit).
Guests without parking stickers must pay the regular daily fees. Businesses and non-profits can rent the space Mondays through Thursdays, and are allowed up to 15 parking waivers.
No alcohol, glass, candles or tiki torches. No amplified music either.
Oh, yeah: “Food and catering trucks are not allowed. Catered food must be purchased from Joey’s by the Shore.”
Joey Romeo can handle all your catering needs.
Does that mean you can’t bring any food in? Picnics? Pizza from Romanacci? What exactly is “catered” food?
It shouldn’t matter. Joey’s is great, easy to work with, and can provide whatever you need.
This is the second specially defined party space at Compo. For years, anyone could rent the clubhouse at Ned Dimes Marina for $275 (though most Westporters don’t know that).
So enjoy your next party at the new space “conveniently located next to Joey’s.”
And if you’ve got a better name for the spot, click “Comments” below.
(Hat tip: Johanna Rossi)
Click here to help support “06880” via PayPal. Any amount is welcome — and appreciated! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to: Dan Woog, 301 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880. Or use Venmo: @DanWoog06880. Thanks!)
