HARBOR & HALL TO MOORES HARBOR, ISLE AU HAUT

DAY #63 - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th, 2009



As we enjoyed our morning coffee, Cheryl & Glen hauled the anchor of their Cape Dory 30, which also happens to be called "Evergreen", and headed for their home port of Round Pond.



When the wind started to come up we also headed out and travelled northeast along the coast. As we passed Tenants Harbor we crossed paths with this pretty classic sailboat.



We left Bush Island Light to port as we entered Two Bush Channel. All lighthouses are now automated. Many are self sufficient with solar panels.



With the wind behind us we spread our wings and carried on.



Since it was mellow sailing conditions we passed the time with stories being read aloud. In this case we were reading "Survive The Savage Sea" which is a wonderful story about taking control of your destiny.





As we approached the south end of Vinalhaven we had to thread our way between rocks.



Heron Neck Lighthouse is on the southern tip of Vinalhaven Island.



"Tanbark" sails always look neat and are said to be more desirable for a variety of reasons.



Looking ahead, across East Penobscott Bay, Isle Au Haut is shrouded in a layer of fog.



The sun set as we crossed East Penobscott Bay and entered Moores Harbor.

36.1 NM

HARBOR & HALL ISLANDS, MAINE

DAY #62 - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th, 2009



We spent the day exploring the north end of Harbor Island, which turned out to be Very nice.



Chris and Sharon on the rocks along the shore.



Rocks everywhere, however, things still manage to grow.



This is the entrance to a natural cave that a person could take shelter in.





Even though the water looked calm from a distance, there was still quite a swell rolling in.



This is the trail leading inland.



Nature's balance: some things flourish while others return to their origins.



Low tide at the shore. There are about 8 - 12 foot tides here.



View from inside the cave. Come on Phil, it is time to return to the boat so that we can all attend "Prairie Home Companion" and Thistle and Shamrock" services.

HARBOR & HALL ISLANDS

DAY #61 - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th, 2009

We stayed at Harbor & Hall today. After coffee we collected a bucket of mussels and hung them over the side of the boat to purge.



We then went ashore. Here we are looking over the wide rose and raspberry bushes and see Evergreen anchored in the distance.



Above is one of the more unusual rock formations in the area.



This is the island of fairy huts. The community is very active and every time that we visit there are new ones.



We explored the entire south end of Harbor Island. Here we are waiting to paddle back out to Evergreen for a mussel feast.

SEAL BAY TO HARBOR & HALL ISLANDS

DAY #60 - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th, 2009



Today we woke to a bright sunny day with the seals basking on the rocks nearby.



A classic boat sailing off its anchor in Seal Bay.



After hauling our anchor we passed through Fox Island Thoroughfare where we saw the windjammer "American Eagle".



Maybe a boat like this will be in our future, when we get too old the handle the "rag hanger".



Chris sailed us across West Penobscott Bay and on southwest towards Harbor & Hall Islands.



Sunset at Harbor & Hall.

35.9 NM

VALLEY COVE TO SEAL BAY, MAINE

DAY #59 - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2009

Today we hauled our anchor, left Sommes Sound, and sailed past Bass Harbor Light and on across Blue Hill Bay.



As we entered Casco Passage we passed both old and new sailing vessels.



We then sailed through Deer Isle Thoroughfare where many of the islands still show evidence of the granite supply business that was so popular in these parts (note the granite rubble on the shore). Much of the granite produced here was transported by coastal schooners and was used to build many of the bigger buildings in eastern cities.



As the afternoon light was diminishing we passed a windjammer (the "J. & E. Riggins") anchoring in front of Stonington.



We crossed East Penobscott Bay to Seal Bay as the sun set.

30.9 NM

NORTHEAST HARBOR TO VALLEY COVE

DAY #58 - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2009

After picking up Philip's sister, Chris, at the Boston airport, we returned to Northeast Harbor and cast off our mooring and motored over to Valley Cove.



By the time that we were anchored, the local "head boats" were making their rounds through Sommes Sound and Valley Cove.



If you look closely you will note that there is no wind to speak of and the windjammer is being powered by a "push boat" (off the stern).



The butterfly garden in southwest harbor.



Philip and Sharon are getting ready to enjoy their favorite meal at Beals Lobster Pier.



Apartment for rent.



Downtown Southwest Harbor, Maine.

3.6 NM

SALEM, MASS.

DAYS 54 - 57 - SEPTEMBER 4th - 7th, 2009

Time for a road trip to Salem, Mass.. A family affair got us off the boat for several days and we got to explore a harbor that we normally would not visit with the boat.

Aside from the fact that Salem is known for the unjust witchcraft trials that occurred there, it was once a bustling seaport in the colonial era. Ships from Salem sailed all over the world trading their wares.



Many of the old, large homes along the harbor have been preserved as historical buildings.



Being a woman in Salem had its draw backs. If you were lucky enough not to be charged as witch, and you grew old, then they just placed you in a home for women only. But alas, actually men were also charged as witches, and they also were segregated into their own old folks home.



Since Salem was a busy port, of course they had to have a Custom House so that the appropriate taxes could be collected.