Down East

Well, a lot of water has passed under our keel since the last posting.

We left Rockland and headed out to North Haven Island. Anchored in a deep cove in Pulpit Harbor where we were amazed at the scenery and the unspoiled beauty of this island. On the second day we put the bikes ashore and rode around to a small town on the South side. Later, we biked out to the North Haven Oyster Company and purchased a dozen. The owner explained how he raises the oysters in pens, and how pure the water must be in order for them to be good to eat. Aquaculture is rising in Maine. We had oysters on the half shell on the next two evenings.

After a couple of days we sadly had to decide to forego our plans to visit Mt. Desert Island. It's just too far. We headed down to Allen Island for one night and then to Linekin Bay. Finally we sailed to Cundy's Harbor on the New Meadow River where we were able to meet friends and go ashore for dinner at a coop. waterfront seafood restaurant and grocery store. Very rustic and fun. The coop was formed to save the family docks, that would otherwise go to Condo's.

From Cundy's Harbor we sailed south on what was forecast to be strong north winds. we left at 1030 and arrived in Gloucester, Ma around 0630 the following morning, bleary-eyed and glad to get off the boat. The ovenight sail was taxing, but we had favorable winds and wave height of only one foot. Our GPS stopped working and we had to rely on the back-up at the nav. desk. The compass light went out, so we had to use a small flashlight to tell if we were on course. We lost the wind around 2300 and had to motor for a few hours. But we arrived with the sun and found a convenient anchorage. We slept first, then swam and showered, then went ashore. Gloucester has such a seafaring history, it's great to walk around and see the historic sites. The Fishermen's Memorial was impressive, honoring over 5,200 Gloucester fishermen lost at sea.

Well, now that we're back in Massachusetts, it's time we got into some warm water to swim and do some spearfishing. We'll head for the Cape and then the canal soon. We should be back home in about a week.

RSB

Back on the Water

Well, we were off-line for a few days as we went ashore to attend a family reunion in Groton, Vermont. What a time! We motored way up the Sheepscot River to Wiscasset where we moored the boat for a few days at the Eddy Marina. The proprietors couldn't have been nicer - retired Navy folks.

We rented a car and drove to Vermont where the whole extended family gathered, numbering 22 minus a few from far away, and had a great time. Bluegrass music was the order of the day, but I did get in a little trout fishing, and was able to land a little trout.

Jessie Mae, our hostess at Seyon Lodge, organized a hike to Owl's Head Peak, which was perfect for us older hikers. (like being on top of the world without having to sleep on a glacier)

The food was great, and lots of people cooked their special dishes.

All too soon it was over, and we said our long good-byes. Bertha and I took an extra day to get back, staying in Montpelier for one night with George and Suzanne.

Back on the boat the next day, we had a ton of groceries, provisions, the recently repaired outboard motor, and a new wash-down pump to replace the one that hasn't worked. We couldn't quite bring ourselves to depart at 1700 after the drive back to Maine, so we stayed one more night.

Getting off the next day was slow, but we made it in time to catch the 1400 opening of the Southport Swing Bridge. We navigated through Townsend Gut, and into Boothbay Harbor by around 1500. We dinghied ashore and walked around the tourist town. Bertha shopped, and I watched.

Later, we had chowder at the Chowder House and went back to the boat, tired, but happy. The forecast was for clear weather and a northwest breeze.

Sure enough, Wednesday dawned clear as a bell with 10 knots of NW breeze. We fueled up and filled up with water at Carousel Marina, then headed out. The sailing was great! We charged along at 7 knots, under jib and jigger, as the wind built to 25 knots in the afternoon. We turned north to Rockland, and made it in around 1700 against a strong falling tide.

Now it's time to catch up on some maintenance.

I'll try to post some pictures soon.

RSB

Sunshine and Fair Winds

We awoke at dawn with bright sun shining in the portlights. The grey skies were gone at last and we roused ourselves to take advantage. The water was like glass and the trees so green in the morning sun. Motored down Quahog Bay with the falling tide and hoisted the sails as we headed out to Cape Small. Lots of sails were on the horizon, and we headed over toward Seguin Island. The wind shifted and went slack around noon, so we motored up the Sheepscot to Five Islands Harbor. The yacht club there provides free moorings, and we grabbed one right off the Five Islands Lobster Company. Later we went ashore for a fresh lobster supper on their deck overlooking the harbor. Quite picturesque!

Up to Rockbound Coast of Maine-8-11-08

Leaving So. Freeport behind on a clear and sunny day, we sailed to Great Diamond Island, but found no room to anchor. Headed back up to Long Island where we anchored and swam. On Sunday, we put the bikes ashore and rode around the island. Had sandwiches at the small store, and later ice cream at the same spot. (Not many to choose from.) More swimming where Bertha was joined by a curious harbor seal. Later we enjoyed a beautiful sunset. A perfect day.



Awoke to heavy fog, which lifted in a couple of hours. We finally got off at 1130 with 9 knots of NE wind. South around the tip of Long Island, then off into the open water: wind building to 17 knots and waves to five feet. We were crashing along for a couple of hours when we finally could tack and head north into Quahog bay. The rocks were all around the entrance, and we were nervous nellies as we checked and rechecked our position and the chart. Made it under power, and found a quiet anchorage around 1600 in the lee of Snow Island way up at the head of the bay.



We'll take our time getting to Wiscasset, where we'll leave the boat for a weekend while we travel to Vermont for the family re-union.



Cheers to all!

Roy & Bertha

Catching Up

Hello out there!



Sorry it's been so long since we updated, but we weren't sure this thing was working. We also have an energy shortage since our generator quit working a couple of weeks ago.



We're in Maine now, having taken four days to get here. Northeast winds required us to motor from Marion to Boston. We spent a couple of days there, then motored to Star Island off Portsmouth, N.H. Then had a good sailing day to Biddiford, Me and the next day made it to Great Chebeague Island in Casco Bay.



We spent a couple of days in Freeport, where brother George and Suzanne and Molly met us. We motored over to Jewell Island, which is wild and beautiful,. We hiked most of the island, but were pretty much socked in with rain and fog. Molly and I did get some snorkling in, but we were glad we had wetsuits. Had a great visit with family, and played cards in the cabin during the rain. Lots of laughs and fun!



Had a nice sail back to So. Freeport where we collected our second folding bike and put our guests ashore. Spent another day biking around Freeport, shopping and replenishing our stores. We took our outboard motor to the shop for repair, and will do without till we return.



Had what seemed like six inches of rain, then a beautiful clear day to sail out to Diamond Island. Ended up anchoring off Long Island.


Bertha says to say hello to everyone, and we'll keep this up to date a little more frequently in the future. Please e-mail me or call 508-455-7823.



RSB