Block Island Sound, Near North Light, "Downeaster Alexa" - Near New Shoreham, RI -
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NorStar
N 41° 14.990 W 071° 32.020
19T E 287712 N 4569587
Block Island Sound is one of the places mentioned in the song, "Downeaster Alexa," about the plight of Long Island fishermen.
Waymark Code: WMX1MB
Location: Rhode Island, United States
Date Posted: 11/13/2017
Views: 1
Block Island Sound is a nebulous area of ocean south of the coast of Rhode Island that is in the lyrics to Billy Joel's soulful song, "Downeaster Alexa."
According to the Wikipedia article on Block Island Sound, it is defined as "a strait in the open Atlantic Ocean, approximately 10 miles (16 km) wide, separating Block Island from the coast of mainland Rhode Island in the United States. On the west, it extends to Montauk Point on the eastern tip of Long Island, as well as Plum Island, Gardiners Island, and Fishers Island, all in the state of New York."
The waymark itself is nebulously defined as a point along the route of the Pt. Judith Ferry in the general vicinity of North Light, one of the points defining the sound. The ferry runs along the eastern edge of the sound. The ferry makes landing at Port Galilee, which is a mile west of Point Judith, which is another point that defines the sound. The view, though is great. Block Island is always in view as you approach on the tall ferry. North Light is on the northernmost point of the island. Port Galilee is also a fishing port (though not on Long Island), and you can see fishing boats entering and leaving the area.
The song, "Downeaster Alexa," was composed by Billy Joel, and it relates the perils of a fisherman from Long Island Sound. The song is a fictional account that relates real locations and situations. Block Island Sound is mentioned in the first verse, along with the vineyard (Martha's Vineyard) and Nantucket.
Musician: Billy Joel
Name of Song: Downeaster Alexa
Relevant Verse:
Well I'm on the Downeaster Alexa
And I'm cruising through Block Island Sound
I have charted a course to the vineyard
But I'm Nantucket Bound. . .
Location website: [Web Link]
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