Planning the day with the aid of a nautical chart and parallel rule.

In navigation, the term “course made good” refers to the actual track traveled, after adjustments are made to account for current and wind. But it applies equally well to the actual journey made, as opposed to the one planned. And that’s the key to a good day.

Robin gets ready to launch.

We set out on yesterday with a plan to paddle to the Beavertail lighthouse on the south end of Conanicut Island and then on to Newport Neck for some rock gardening. But when we landed on the secluded cobble beach near Fort Varnum, we were greeted by Sgt. Paul “Gunny” Mailloux and his dog, Romel, and invited in for a tour.

A pleasant surprise on the beach.

We had noticed the four classic New England clapboard houses on the fort property as we paddled past the previous day. Once inside, we learned that these are fortified cement structures dating from 1941, and the property is dotted with cement bunkers and gun batteries.

Sgt. Mailloux welcomes us to the former fort library, now his home away from home.

We spent an hour touring the fort and learning about its history and present use, steering clear of the building where a police force was training, before returning to our boats and carrying on to Beavertail Point.

Lumpy water and fog accompanied us to and from Beavertail Point.

It was a great reminder of the importance of remaining flexible about plans. Conditions can dictate a change of plans, but so can opportunities.