Easton's Beach to Bailey's Beach
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[edit] Newport RI: Easton (First) Beach to Bailey Beach
Newport, a playground for the rich in the summer can be a playground for the kayaker in the spring and fall. This trip leaves from Easton Beach on Memorial Avenue and follows the famous cliff walk past Newport’s historic mansions.
[edit] Launch Sites
Before Memorial Day or after Labor Day Easton Beach, sometimes called First Beach, is a nice launch site. There is a large parking lot and the sandy beach is a soft landing site. Be careful, of the surf Easton Beach is fully exposed to the South and a strong surf is not unusual. In fact, sometimes people do surf here.
[edit] On the Water
After launching head to your right, Newport’s famous Cliff walk will be clearly visible above. The Cliff Walk is a National Recreation Trail in a National Historic Area and well worth a visit. Some landmarks visible from the water are (Nautical Miles):
.70-Miles Forty Steps: A large set of stone steps lead down to a platform just above the sea from the Cliff Walk. During Newport’s Golden Age, servants from the various mansions would meet here to drink, dance, and complain about the Vanderbilt kids.
.93-Salve Regina College: Salve Regina owns four of the former waterfront mansions including Ochre Point, Ochre Court, Cave Cliff, and Vineland. However, it is most recognizable from the ugly, squat, industrial, brick building poised on the cliffs edge. Just goes to show you what bureaucrats will build when given a piece the most architecturally, historically, and naturally stunning real estate in the US.
1.00-The Breakers: Built in 1893 for railroad magnate Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt II the Breakers is the most opulent of all the Newport summer cottages. The 70-room Italian Renaissance- style villa was designed to be fireproof. The mansion is open for tours.
1.59-Rosecliff: Distinguishable by the fountain and large pink and white awning Rosecliff was built in 1902 for silver mine heir Theresa Fair Oelrichs. The mansion modeled after the French King’s palace at Versailles hosted many of Newport’s most opulent party. Including one at which Harry Houdini performed. Several films have also been shoot here.
1.97-The Chinese Tea House: Marble House was built between 1888 and 1892 as a wedding present for Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt. After the death of her second husband, Mrs. Vanderbilt built the Chinese Tea House above the seaside cliffs, where she hosted rallies for women's right to vote. Just off shore is the aptly named Gull Rock.
2.55-Land’s End: Be careful in this area as the water can be quite rough and there are many submerged and partially submerged rocks around Coggeshall Ledge.
3.25-Bailey’s Beach: Your trip and the Cliff Walk both end here at the picturesque Bailey’s beach. As you head in the dividing line between the private beach club and the small private beach is quite clear. There are no public facilities and no parking.
After a break at Bailey’s beach head back the around Land’s End to Easton Beach.
[edit] Cautions
Big waves and strong surf are biggest worry here. The entire trip is exposed to the South. Scout the area from the Cliff Walk before putting in. The shoreline is rocky and rough. During low tide, there are limited landing options, during high tide there really aren’t any until you reach Bailey’s Beach.
