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Maine and Canadian coasts
  • Sea Fever
  • David Wilkinson

Maine and Canadian coasts

Et 38-dagers eventyr av Sea Fever & David Les mer
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  • Maine and Canadian coasts
    2
    Lisa and HannahVena's Fizz Bar2David's dive/swim to Great Diamond Isl.Racing boat, in trouble with its spinnaker!

    Portland and Falmouth Foreside

    9. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F

    In Portland we stayed in a slip at a marina which was right next to the old part of the city. We walked around (looking for cool places— did you know not very much of Portland has a/c?!?!), and visited Hamilton’s Marine, the “largest marine store north of Boston!!” as well as Chase, Leavitt & Co., to see their collection of charts. We went to Vena’s Fizz House, a cocktail bar which specializes in drinks made with various flavors of bitters (violet, rosemary, pine, bergamot, and about a hundred others). We also went to the North Point, a bar where Collin’s friend Hannah works (just to say hi). It seems like a great, creative, vibrant city, and we are looking forward to returning on our way back.
    This morning we left P’land and motored a short way to beautiful Diamond Cove (where David swam to shore and back), had lunch, and then headed over to Falmouth, where we are staying for at least 2 nights, and, depending on the rainstorms predicted this weekend, possibly 3. We are hoping for some nice breezes tomorrow so we can sail and explore one or two islands nearby.
    Tonight, after a brief rain, we had the fortune to see the end of a sailing race followed by a rainbow. It is just incredibly beautiful here. We feel lucky and blessed.

    We love hearing from all of you, and hope you are all doing well.    Les mer

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  • Maine and Canadian coasts
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    Evening fare

    10. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ 🌙 68 °F

    Just enjoying another perfect eve❤️

    Forgot to mention we started the day with a 30 minute yoga session😊

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  • Maine and Canadian coasts
    1Cocktail Hour

    Falmouth Foreside

    10. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Staying at the Handy Boat marina, we like it so much will stay for 3 nights! (And miss sailing in thunder storms😏) The marina got its start in 1934 and has an amazing boat repair service. They were able to find us a special diaphragm pump for our fresh water system and got it shipped next day! I will install tomorrow as it appears it will rain a good part of the day😩

    Today we went for a sail and ended up at Chebeague Island which has a nice hotel where we grabbed some lunch. Fair winds for most of the sail, we made six kts! The marina has a great bar looking over the harbor and a great happy hour we will take advantage of this afternoon. Managed to get a few swims in today, the water cooler is up here😮

    We are loving every minute of this journey❤️    Les mer

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  • Maine and Canadian coasts

    Lazy Day

    11. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    Could any of you tell that David wrote yesterday’s post? I thought the excitement about the water pump might have tipped you off. Today is laundry day and install-water-pump day. Tomorrow we are thinking of heading up to the Goose and Goslings islands. 🐦 Now we are off to do morning yoga on the bow!Les mer

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  • Maine and Canadian coasts
    Driving in the rain to Cliff Isl.
    Playing backgammon

    Left Falmouth Foreside, moored at Cliff

    12. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

    Around 11 a.m. we cast off from Falmouth and headed east, making our way to the north of Great Diamond Island, then between Long and Peaks Islands, then up the Luckse Sound, approaching the NW side of Cliff Island, and are now moored in that NW corner of its little harbor. About halfway over it started to sprinkle, then rain, and then rain more!! We did see people sailing, but our tack had us heading directly into the wind, so we just motored. We were going to anchor in this little cove, but it was pouring, so we grabbed a mooring and will wait til the rain abates (now it’s raining 🐱 🐱 and 🐶 🐶 ) to set our anchor. Hopefully the mooring owner won’t come back til then...
    I was glad that in Portland I had found a fluorescent yellow slicker that fit me. They don’t seem to make them in women’s sizes, and the men’s small was always too big. Hamilton Marine had an XS that works.

    It’s about 63 degrees or so today, so I am wearing jeans and fleece (but David is still in shorts — that tells you that it’s not that cold). We just finished a game of backgammon (I won!!) (she said modestly) and will be heating up some cocoa momentarily.

    If it clears up the afternoon or tomorrow, we will explore this end of Cliff Island, and then head over to Eagle Island, the site of Adm. Perry’s house, now a national historic site.

    We are booked for Monday and Tuesday at the Dolphin Marina in Potts Harbor (in order to charge our batteries, refill H20, etc). We are hoping to see great blue herons nesting in the trees!!, as Taft’s Guide to the Maine Coast (recommended by Rick and Cheryl) tells us!    Les mer

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  • Maine and Canadian coasts
    S Cliff Isl, blue heron in center1Which is wood and which is stone?1If we come back in September can we pick the apples???

    Cliff Island, ME

    12. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    The rain stopped around 3, and David noticed that the depth of the mooring was at 12’ and we were only at half tide (with a 6’draft).So we hurried up, got off the mooring, and anchored a little farther off. Once we were sure we had a good hook, we set off to the island in the dinghy. It’s an idyllic place, with lots of apple trees, dirt roads, wildflowers, a one room schoolhouse, and vacationing families who are very friendly. There is a general store at the other end of the island, about a mile away. We might go there in the morning. We are enjoying the sun now, and a nice breeze, on the deck. David is fishing 🎣 !! No luck yet!! Looks like we will get more rain tonight.Les mer

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  • Maine and Canadian coasts
    Shoreline
    Waiting for the rain to stopOur route today-- follow the yellow arrowsTwo shells in loveCliff Island one-room schoolhouse

    More Cliff Island pics

    12. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
  • Maine and Canadian coasts

    Cliff Island: First Time Anchoring

    12. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    We anchored for the first time which is an interesting challenging in strange waters! There are numerous articles about how much chain you need, how much rode, the ratio of depth to length, etc. I probably read most and came away more confused about how to properly anchor a 43’ sailboat but, what’s the worst that could happen? Turns out lots😩 most stories include how the captain stayed awake all night for fear of the anchor slipping. I did the math and all seemed well, we even decided to go ashore in the dinghy to explore the island, Cliff Island. Every time we got out of site of the boat I would panic thinking it was floating away. The cove we were in was beautiful, serene and calm. We returned to Sea Fever after an hour or so of exploring. We had dinner and set in to relax for the eve. I should mention that we also experienced a significant septic tank failure on this day. Below deck was near unbearable. At this point, sort of satisfied the anchor would hold, the tide was becoming high. Soon the boat began to rock side to side violently at times. I seemed to recall somewhere it said “don’t anchor here if the wind is from the north, the wind was strong from the north. I was sure the anchor would slip during the night. I decided to stand watch through the night😩 I poured a bourbon and said goodnight to Lisa who was grateful I would stand watch as she to was concerned about the violent rocking. I set my cell timer to wake me every 1.5 hours to check the anchor. Eventually I needed to relieve myself and knowing the septic tanks we’re overflowing I went topside. Admitting I had poured a stiff drink but was not prepared for what happened as I let go off the swim platform into the cove. As I watched the meeting off my stream to the cove there was an explosion of iridescence in the water, I was stunned. Then, as I looked over the cove it was alive with sparkles of iridescence, an unbelievable spectacle of nature, phosphorus! To ensure it was not the bourbon or simple exhaustion I grabbed the boat hook and swished it through the water and it immediately excited a trail of phosphate, incredible! You just never know what life will bring you on a tough night, it was surreal. Anyway, the anchor held, the seas calmed and in the morning Lisa made delicious pancakes and fresh coffee and we were off to the next adventure.Les mer

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  • Maine and Canadian coasts
    Last Man ever allowed to play Player Piano at Peary's house1Osprey landing in nest

    Eagle Island, then Potts Harbor

    13. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    We waited out the morning fog at Cliff Isl, then lifted anchor around 1:45 and headed out the Eastern side of the cove on our way to Eagle Island. We stopped there and were met —at our boat!! —by John, asst. ranger at the State Historic site of Adm. Matthew Peary’s home. He took us in to shore and we spent the next couple of hours exploring the home (built to resemble a ship, with portholes) and learning more about his discovery of the “geographic” North Pole (not the magnetic one which was found to be in a different place). It is a beautiful island, and I really think it will fit the bill for the one I want. 🤓 We also saw a nest of ospreys. I think the staff there is a little lonely, as they were each very talkative. But at any rate, they also allowed — David — yes, David— to sit and play the player piano that was on the ship the Roosevelt while they took their little jaunt up to the Arctic. I am sure that any day now the curator of the Smithsonian will come by there and will shut that little perk down, especially after they see that David was allowed to do it. The docent had the piano play Scott Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag, lots of fun.

    After leaving Eagle Island (there are no eagles there anymore, by the way) we sailed to Dolphin Marina, in Potts Harbor, on the Harpswell Neck (nearest city: Brunswick, Me). We have already made fast friends with Owen, Master Dockhand and bartender, and have met the marina owner and Sean and John, bartender and bar back , respectively. They have bikes and kayaks we can use, and areas to hike. Also, they have the “Reversing Falls,” which we have to check out. David already wants to stay an extra day.    Les mer

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  • Maine and Canadian coasts
    Fireplace in Peary house: each side used different stone from the islandCaretaker's (now State Ranger's) house

    Eagle Island, more pics

    13. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

    Adm. Peary bought this island for $200 soon after he graduated from Bowdoin College. He had always loved the island since visiting as a boy. He built the original house in 1912, then added on to it after recognition for discovery of the NP. Luckily his wife loved its wild remoteness too. Most often they used it as a summer home, as it only had a wood stove for heat, although they tried living there thru a couple of winters. Also, Adm. Peary raised Angora rabbits on the island after he retired.🐰Les mer

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  • Maine and Canadian coasts
    Morning, Dolphin Marina
    Fog rolling in, Dolphin MarinaFog settled on the islandsEven more fogThen the sun came out

    Potts Harbor

    15. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    This was our second morning at Dolphin Marina in Potts Harbor. They bring fresh, warm blueberry muffins and coffee to each boat every morning!

    It was rainy and foggy yesterday, so we borrowed the marina’s courtesy car and drove into Bowdoin to get some supplies (so, no, we did not sail the boat to Bowdoin like it shows on the map!). David had to spend most of the afternoon tracking down a computer chip for the charts on our MFD; the installer mistakenly kept it after loading the charts, and it will be needed in order to get Canadian charts. We are now having to wait at least til tomorrow (Thursday) for it to arrive.

    This morning was still foggy. We tried to see the Reversing Falls at mid-tide but we were a little too late. We will try again this evening. Instead, we took the dinghy onto the northern side of Basin Pt., (the other side of this bay). David tried fishing, without much success, so we then went to a deserted island where we saw an EAGLE, 🦅 which was very exciting (Cynde, you would have loved seeing that!). We also heard a couple of loons but couldn’t see them. After we came back, we went for a short bike ride, then spied another eagle at the top of a nearby tree, so sat and watched for a half hour, hoping to get a good shot when he flew off. Then he flew off and we couldn’t get the camera in time. Of course.

    This evening we plan to get lobster rolls at a nearby fish shack, where we watch the lobsters being unloaded every day.

    (Later this evening...) fog started rolling in before we could go to the Reversing Falls, so we will try tomorrow morning. The Reversing Falls are a small dam in an estuary. The water reverses at the change of tide direction.    Les mer

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  • Maine and Canadian coasts
    Erica's Seafood
    David exploring the lobster dockHeron looking for dinner

    Potts Harbor, More Pics

    15. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Tonight we did eat at Erica’s Seafood and it was everything you want in a lobster shack. Good food, good conversations. Afterwards, we saw the sun desperately trying to peek through the fog, and a heron fishing. I enlarged the picture so that you could see the heron, so it is a little grainy. He is at the lower third of the picture, just left of center.Les mer

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  • Maine and Canadian coasts
    East Gosling Isl.
    David fishing, E GoslingReverse Falls, tide coming inMorning Muffins-- so big they can't stand up!Interesting old boatSame boat

    The Goslings

    17. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    Yesterday we found out we have to wait ANOTHER!!! day until the computer chip comes in. Such a drag to have to cool our jets in such a beautiful place 😁 so we tried again to see the Reverse Falls (bad timing again) and then went to the Goslings for the afternoon. We made landfall (in the dinghy) on East Gosling, hiked around the part that is now accessible (due to osprey nesting, half of the island is off limits), and David did some (futile) fishing. It is a very tiny island, and there were three tents set up. So it felt a little crowded.

    We headed back to Potts Harbor around 5. We found we had to again go to Erica’s Seafood to have lobster, and met a couple from Tennessee who come for a week every summer and eat at Erica’s every night!!

    We have made nice friends at this Marina, and will come back on our return trip.

    And David wants me to add that he got his daily swim in!    Les mer

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  • Maine and Canadian coasts

    Graceful Gratitude

    17. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    A fellow sailor and his wife, Barbara and Tim, were tied up near us and having problems with their engine. Tim, by his own admission, was not well schooled as diesel mechanic, in fact his plan was to stay on the dock until wind enabled them to sail off home sans engine. I suggested it may be his seawater impeller, he said “that may be outside my skill range”. I said “it’s relatively easy” and he agreed to try. It was then when Barbara chimes in: “you go ahead and try, I’ll pray for wind”. Barbara had a notebook of sorts and appeared to be keeping notes on all of the action. Turns out it was the impeller and i had a spare but it didn’t fit so they decided to sail, much to Barbara’s relief. As I helped them off the dock Barbara shouted back: “there’s a surprise under the cushion on you deck”. Turns out she wasn’t taking notes, she’s an artist and to thank us she painted a scene from the harbor. Thanks are always an unexpected grace, we don’t do things to be thanked, but every once in awhile you experience and incredibly graceful gesture. ✌️Les mer

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  • Maine and Canadian coasts
    Bailey-Orr Isl Bridge
    David attempting yoga Warrior pose in swellsDavid failing at Warrior pose in swellsNice boatThe SistersInactive Lighthouse, Southport ME

    Bailey Island Bridge, Boothbay Harbor

    18. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    We saw the Orr’s Isl-Bailey Isl cribstone bridge this morning and were suitably impressed before we turned and headed to Boothbay. (Built in 1927, the granite stones are held in place only by gravity. The openwork allows tides to flow through. It is the only bridge of its kind in the world, and is a Nat’l Hist Landmark and Nat’l Hist Civil Eng Landmark).

    We had toyed with the idea of staying at Bailey Isl, but it was a very short hop from Potts Harbor, and no moorings were available for our boat length. We decided to make a push to get some distance in. We sailed around 20-25 miles today.

    We headed out to the open seas, to 1-3’ swells, survived a crash of the navigation system (not a big deal, we have our paper charts), and argued over whether the display should show North Up (me) or Course Up (David). (I just took matters into my hands and changed it when he wasn’t looking, because we all know North Up is more sensible.) We also saw The Sisters (N43.44.60’ W069.43.60’), a few rocky outcroppings that must have the names Leigh, Cynde, and Lisa.

    The closer we got to Booth Bay, the bigger the swells. We had our mainsail up for a while to see if that would help stabilize the boat, and it did, a little. Once the swells got bigger, to 4’ or so, it didn’t seem to help that much.

    Fun things included seeing several seals and a couple of porpoises, one of which was only about 10’ from our boat. Then David threw up (not sure why, I’m the one who seems to be suffering from seasickness and is using the wristbands and Dramamine, but ok) but then he felt better.

    Rain started during our last hour or two, but was never heavy. We are now snug at our mooring and warming up with a cup of tea.    Les mer

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  • Maine and Canadian coasts

    Blue skys, close reach, 12 kts of wind!

    19. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
  • Maine and Canadian coasts
    George's Harbor, Allen Isl, ME

    Allen Island

    19. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Moored in tiny George’s Harbor for the night, between 2 private islands.

    We circumnavigated Eastern Egg Isl. today, hoping to see puffins, but they did not cooperate. Instead, the cormorants were showing off.

    Great day for sailing!!    Les mer

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  • Maine and Canadian coasts

    Today's planned journey

    20. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

    We are planning to leave George’s Harbor this morning, going through the Muscle Ridge Channel (might make a stop, Noel!), then to Rockland Harbor for the night. David is hoping to find a Navionics dealer there.Les mer

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  • Maine and Canadian coasts

    Ship Mates

    20. august 2018, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    You never know how two people will react spending 24/7 together on a sailboat but it seems to be going well. Lisa, at first cautious and nervous as I jumped in the ocean while underway, now actually recommends it! I was a bit skittish myself before a new vhf swim as a cut I had on my foot was still bleeding. Lisa convinced me the salt water will heal it, so in I went. Trying to figure out how to dive off the top of the mast, tricky but, surprise, Lisa is convinced I can do it! 😏Les mer

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