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  1. Winter cabin fever and the pause of sap flow prompts me to add another in the series "where in Maine?", with a little eye candy to get us excited to soon be on the water again. I'll add answers later, after people have had a go at it. 1. Fall is a great time to visit here, and the water is waaaay less salty! Careful how you pronounce it if you’re “from away!” 2. I camped here on the NE end; other NSPNers have camped on a different site on this island, and had a ________fall on them. 3. In the midst of a popular cruising anchorage off a big offshore island. 4. This amoeboid island is a fav in the arguably #1 sea kayaking destination in Maine, and perhaps the East Coast. 5. I camped here on the largest uninhabited island on the eastern seaboard many years ago, before tent platforms were erected. 6. Everyone knows this one, and anyone who hasn’t joined us, sign up for the trip in May, but don't expect the once-famous pot-luck smorgasbord! 7. Lower on the trail (?Upwest) where the tide may leave you high and dry on this and many of the surrounding islands. 8. A difficult, rocky landing on this sparsely-treed nubbin, E of Great, and S of Little. 9. Camped here with the boys a coupla times. Ninety percent of this ~2.2 mile-long island is NWR. 10. We were looking forward to a warm, comfy room at the tony, offshore hotel, but they took one look at us and decided we’d be better off sleeping outside! 11. The ebb current rips through the narrow E channel off this island, but the rewards are many, including nice N and S landing zones, and abundant tent sites on the pine needle-laden floor. 12. This smaller sister has a cozy 1-tent campsite on the S end. Returned here well after dark, after dropping off Cath @ Knickerkane, following our CW circumnav of Georgetown. 13. Resevations required, though our party (without) had dibs on any of the empty lean-tos in June, until the one couple arrived by mailboat, and opted for Roger’s and my place! The original settlers were not a little unsettled. 14. This tiny island is a popular destination, amidst its bovine, porcine, and ovine neighbors. 15. This is a great island base camp in Western Bay, with an all-tide landing and a few pleasant tent sites. 16. Delayed by thunderstorms as I awaited Independence Day fireworks in Boothbay Harbor, I ended up launching @ 9pm for the ~4M solo paddle in darkness and fog to my base camp, for nite #1 of 2, GPS as back-up. 17. In the middle of NOWHERE, and named after Maine’s most famous crustacean, I met a canoe-load of four, one of whom knew my mother!! Abundant black flies and mossies in SEPTEMBER! This site at ________ is off ________ river, traveled and written about in Thoreau’s The Maine Woods. 18. One of NSPN's 2 islands adopted for stewardship. 19. On the "trail"; 2.3M and 287.7°M from this waypoint: 44°07.313', -68°22.534' 20. Annual car camping destination, with gorgeous offshore archipelago. 21. In the middle of Muscongus years ago, solo, and look who hasn't tethered his boat for the night, who would pay dearly for this habitual oversight a few trips later! Bonus tent sites, NOT in Maine: 22. If the phrase “Mother Bunch” means anything to you, you’ll know this island with a southerly-facing cove, nestled easterly of an island named after a camping tool. 23. Paddle the Bold Coast and keep on going. This quaint island lies near a marine farm, and a drone above my tent site shoots a bearing of 188.5°M to Head Harbour Light. 24. This now “annual” offers fine camping and hiking, shown in the first photo at 270.5°M, from the top of this tower on _______Hill.
  2. Skip report; go straight to slideshow Not known as a popular paddling route, at least to me, the coastline from Head beach, Phippsburg to Fort Popham looked quite appealing, as shown by the satellite images of Cape Small, with at least seven visible large and small sandy beaches.Word on the street was that Barry was vacationing nearby, and was game for a day trip. As a Massachusetts resident, I fretted that he would be “carded“ at the campground entrance gate, likely without evidence of a previous negative COVID test, and might be fined. Turns out he was only a few miles away, seaside, and would just paddle to meet us in the morning. Cath, Kyle, and I gathered at the beach at 0845, And Barry arrived at 0920.I had kept an eye on the weather forecast, and decided this would be a fine day (light wind, favorable tides, and sunny skies).We paddled leisurely around the Cape, confirming the exquisite large, small, and tiny, pocket beaches along the shore. At length, we straight-lined to tiny Heron island, where Cath, with local knowledge, indicated we could find a beautiful, narrow slot to paddle through. Sure enough, on a second look, a tiny gap opened between the cliffy walls to reveal a slot through to the other side, which we enjoyed immensely, so much so that we would repeat the passage on the way back home. The paddle up to the Fort was non-eventful, if not a little choppy, especially over the sand-bar sections, though nothing more than ?Level 2 abilities. We paddled up to the Fort, hoping to land on the southerly beach, but near-high tide (1257) made that impossible, so we backtracked a few hundred yards and found a spot that was unoccupied by beachgoers; there were not a few on this fine day. As we were enjoying our fine standard repast of Italian sandwiches, Kyle chatted up a Portland friend walking by. Post-lunch, Barry was excused from the group, as he was charged with entertaining/feeding his in-laws, a duty that we all know cannot be buggered with. His wife would drive the <10 minutes to the Fort, where he would be picked up and driven home. Most everyone is familiar with the mighty torrent of the Kennebec, especially on the ebb. Some may find of interest that the timing when the river “turns“ (slack) is far off from posted high (~2h) and low (2h 25m) tides on this particular day. Given that the Kennebec would still be flooding at nearly 2kn at our high-tide departure, we launched, hoping to find a bit of possible eddy current away from the river current upstream. Neither eddy or opposing current did we find, and we meandered back the same route, finding a little more chop with the opposing outgoing tide and mild sea breeze. Once we turned the corner up the New Meadows, conditions quieted down, and we lazily paddled by scattered beachcombers, paddleboarders, and waders, landing on peaceful Head Beach. Wildlife for the day included herons, gulls, terns, grays, bait fish schools, and jumping sturgeon (Kennebec mouth). Link to track HERE Reflections: Pick a day with light winds from the marine point forecast, and launch from either Head Beach ($10/car) or Fort Popham (arrive early, for non-fee parking), depending on tidal flow. Most of us had not paddled this section before, but ALL remarked this had been a grand day out. Pay close attention to the tide and current stations before your trip; this area is notorious for kicking up some challenging waves. COVID is making its own waves, judging by the crowd size at Popham (?reduced), and Head (very sparse) Beaches. The beautiful, but otherwise eerie, Thomas Point Campground that I was staying at had a paucity of camping parties, 15/>100. My, and I use the pronoun accurately, western half of the campground was empty the second night, one other camper night #1.
  3. Skip report; go straight to SLIDESHOW Because I had thoroughly enjoyed my trip around the island many years ago, with all the challenges and uncertainties of a solo trip, I invited Cath and Kyle, who had never done this trip before, to join me. We would use the tides to our advantage on this clockwise circumnavigation of Sebascodegan island in Harpswell, and hope for light winds on the downriver leg. We gathered at 0845 at Bethel point, a convenient public all-tides ramp with $6/car all-day parking at the nearby boatyard. Shockingly militarized sheriff deputies arrived at the launch, looking for a fugitive? No-only enforcing local town ordinances with the newly-arrived clammers. Our start was slightly stalled by confusion of the surrounding land forms, finally resolved by the realization that we were relying on different launch locations on the chart. Later in the day, a so–called “experienced“ navigator found themselves “at sea“ for a similar reason. How can you navigate your surroundings if you don't know where you are? We worked our way southwesterly towards Gun Point, opposing the tide and light breeze, which accounted for the ~2kn speed. Once around the corner, we bee-lined to the Orrs Island bridge, averaging 3kn. Our pace increased further at the far reaches of broad Harpswell Sound. We stopped for a short break on the eastern side of Doughty Point, as recommended, without locating an established landing zone. Post-stretch, we paddled through some riffly water as we entered the midpoint of Long Reach. On to Gurnet Strait, which was pushing very lazily westward, not long before Cundy HT(1341). Unbeknownst to me, Kyle enjoys the reputation of “a man about town“; for the second day in a row he encountered an acquaintance, a family friend, at a dock beyond the bridge. I established my own connection to the stranger, both aware of a family in the Maine town where I grew up, many years ago. Thereafter, and within sight, a scrumptious lunch of you-know-what on the rocky outcroppings of Indian Point, with a delicious panoramic view of islands, coves, rivers, and bays, under blue and bright-sunny skies. Post-repast, a time of reckoning what Mother Nature had in store for us. An outgoing tide with a 10kn southerly breeze materialized, with chop, so we agreed to try to locate any lee on our southbound leg. Not so much through the inner passage of Long Island, more tolerable as we proceeded south. We short-paused at NW Sheep island shore, where an old sailboat and adjacent gangway were nestled, evidently partners in a misadventure that had occurred some time ago. We hugged the shoreline into busy Cundy Harbor, boats unloading their catch of the day, residents gutting a striper, and various repair/construction jobs along and above the shore. Once back into the River, we met the busiest chop of the day, as expected, and we slowpoked to W. Cundy Point, before our last, leisurely ride to NE Yarmouth island, where a fantastical, peaceful, cove was encountered, then back to the launch (17.5M, 8.5h). Before departing, we discussed the next day’s trip (CW Middle Bay from Dolphin Marina; did not materialize on account of an ominous forecast). Link to track HERE Reflections: This is an easy day trip with light winds and tide assist. This route could be extended, and slowed down, camping at one or more of the many MITA islands in the area. The prospect of doing multiple, back-to-back day trips is enticing, especially if staying at a conveniently–located campground (https://www.thomaspointbeach.com)
  4. Hello everyone. Short notice but I have the next 2 days off. I am looking for anyone who’d like to accompany me for an open water or shoreline paddle. Looking into NE MA, NH, or as Southern Maine. Possibly RI shorelines. Another thought would be Boston Harbor or inner islands. I am still new to the area and would love any interested parties to join me. I am open for suggestions. I am willing to be the driver. Just looking for anyone who may want to take a good day trip or possible overnight camping. If you are interested feel free to email IM me or contact my email at: outdooradvebtures187@gmail.co Cheers! Tom
  5. September 15-2, 2019 - Winter Harbor, Maine Join Us Kayaking In Maine Take a week kayaking the spectacular coastline around Schoodic Point with Guillemot Kayaks designer/builder Nick Schade and Sea Sherpa Kayak coach Gerry Polinsky. The Schoodic Sea Kayak Retreat is a unique event: Part open water instructional, part exploration. While the Schoodic Peninsula is within sight of Mount Desert Island and every bit as ruggedly beautiful, it is remote and crowd free. This area offers some of the best, most scenic paddling along the eastern seaboard. Whether you are new to open water paddling or a seasoned rough water warrior, we will have a pod of similarly experienced paddlers to enjoy your week with. You will build your skills and comfort in fun conditions through progressive, individualized instruction. Each day will be spent exploring remote islands and rocky coastlines. Some days will feature a boat swap highlighting Guillemot Kayaks designs by Nick Schade, or a rolling class, or tasting whitewater in a sea kayak at the renowned Sullivan Reversing Falls, or just a relaxing paddle in a scenic harbor. Friends and Family program: We include activities for non-paddlers: Paint-and-Sip art class, night sky exploration, interpretive formal garden tour. Bring a non-paddling friend or significant other along and while you are on the water, they can hike the fantastic local trails, take a ferry to Mount Desert Island, go shopping in Bar Harbor, etc… Paddlers are welcome to take time off to join in on the dry-land fun. We'll be housed and fed at the Schoodic Institute which features comfy, roomy apartments and hearty, delicious food. Set on the scenic point of the Schoodic Peninsula, the campus makes for an impressive background to the week's activities. More Info: https://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/guillemot/event/trips/new_england/maine/2019_schoodic_sea_kayaking_retreat
  6. I failed to post my paddle excursion to Allagash ME in Aug 2018. Looking to generate enthusiasm for more multi-day trips in 2019. Canoe or Kayak its all good. This was a 3 night trip covering about 45 miles of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway (AWW). This was a low-skill paddle which almost anyone could complete if you scale your miles to match your fitness. This time of year the rapids were warm, shallow and short and it was easy to stay out of trouble, and since you're basically a bead on a string, you really can't get lost. Also the forest rangers monitor your progress which is good but occasionally this detracts from the wilderness feel. Due to low water below the falls the outfitter had proposed an upstream drop with a recovery at Michaud Farms. We also considered starting nearer Chase Rapids, but neither of us had been in whitewater recently (or paddled together) and we didn't want to dump in the first quarter mile. We chose to deal with the shallows and establish the St John as the exit, so our hosts dropped us on Umsaskis Lake near the road crossing. We explored the still water of Umsaskis for a couple of hours before aiming down stream. Umsaskis Lake, Long Lake, and Harvey comprise about 8 miles of flat water before the Long Lake Dam where you portage into moving water. We camped at Sweeny Brook about about 2 miles below LLD. Total of about 12 miles which included a few exploratory detours. We saw two moose that day, the first standing mid-stream at the camp. We paddled up on a Lynx just before lunch near the Hosea B campsite on the second day and then proceeded into Round Pond. Round Pond is a large and beautiful body of water and it would be a great place to spend a few nights. We ended up camping at Cunliffe Depot which was quit far beyond our goal because the original target(s) was occupied. It was about a 20 mile day but we had moving water much of that time. The third night was just past Allagash Falls at Big Brook South after a short 8 mile day. We did the standard 3 pass portage around the drop...there was really no hurry...and we enjoyed exploring the moonscape just below. In the morning we saw a cow and her calf until they spotted us and splash-off into the woods. The last part of the float included some wading due to low water which we had expected. In most cases the canoe floated-over once we stepped out of the boat. https://www.flickr.com/gp/rrb-precat/3V233B https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parksearch/PropertyGuides/PDF_GUIDE/aww-guide.pdf
  7. Hello everyone, Team Core member Christopher Audet will be running several programs in the Maine area. This will be our first two of the seson. 19-20 May (Larger Ranger) 2-3 June (Medium Range) Looking to develop skills required to work in a tidal paddling environment? During this two day program, the Blue Hill environment offers us a versatile teaching environment. The focus for the sessions will be on mastering crossing eddy lines, effective use of stroke for placement on a wave, surfing a standing wave, stability, and dynamic movement. The blue Hill environment is a comfortable safe environment to work on al the skills listed above. The program fee is $400 Canadian Dollar ( around $310 USD) Please use this link to reserve a spot http://www.committed2thecore.com/product/blue-hill-tidal-race-program/ Please message if you have any questions.
  8. Skip report; go straight to slideshow HERE Why I thought this trip would be the completion of my bucket list I’ll never know; perhaps I’ll get out a new bucket and start filling in the gaps of the Maine coast I haven’t paddled. This brainchild was hatched a year or more ago, and, from the start, included (newly-named) Bearded Socialite, a proven steady companion on previous treks. We were pleased to be joined late by Paul, who was able to squeeze time from work and family. I had worked out a scheme allowing us to do a one-way trip from Milbridge to Machias at a leisurely pace, relying on West Bus Service http://westbusservice.com/#SCHEDULE%20OF%20SERVICE for transport back to the launch site. Paul and I drove up separately to join Rob and the rest of the MDI party on Friday, for an 8am Saturday start from Bar Harbor to Milbridge. Rob kept tabs on the 3 kayaks while Paul and I drove to Machias to drop off our cars, and secure seats ($14 each-thank you Paul) on the van back to Milbridge, where we were dropped off a stone’s throw from the public ramp. A sunny, calm, warm day had us stripping out of the drysuits at the half-way point, and the easy paddling beckoned us to the longer CCW route around Bois Bubert to the camp site. We spent too much time trying to locate the rather obvious site, and wrote notes to “self” to read the MITA description before landing! A very pleasant site with room to spread out 3 little tents, without crowding. Route for Day 1: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6722011 Day 2 dawned slightly foggy with a 5-10 easterly, our general direction of travel. Off to Jordan’s Delight with its prominent, solitary saltbox perched on the southern high bluff, cozying to its rugged shore, then NE to Shipstern I., aptly named , before making our way towards the Mainland of Cape Split and Moose Neck. We followed the coast to Eastern Harbor, noting the absence of C “1”, before heading to Green I., via Tibbet and Ram. A rocky, choppy (my bad) landing preceded our lunch, warmed by Sol on the rocks. Stevens, our home for 2 nights was nearby, and we made haste to the sandy, welcoming cove to set up camp, cozy little alcoves for all. Route for Day 2: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6722336 A little rain interrupted the night, enough to create a big puddle in my poorly-pitched tarp, and fog was on the menu for an anticipated lengthy day trip to Great Wass. The dauntless 3 Amigos set paddle for Norton and found the middle of it after the 1-mile crossing. We handrailed CW to a westerly cove, then broke for Pomp, given the circumstance, hugging its western shore, before heading for the Beals bridge. We found relief from the 10-15 SW in the lee of Great Wass, and tucked into Sand Cove North for total calm and lunch on the rocks. With the fog disappearing, but the wind steady, we decided to tackle the trip to Sprucehead, and enjoyed a bumpy ride through Mud Hole Channel, splitting Knight and Mistake for a gander at the light. Into Head Harbor, inside Black, Crow Pt., Middle Hardwood and western tip of Head Harbor Island with beam to rear-quartering seas, before retracing our route back home, briefly bedazzled by the close-up display of Bald Eagle following the rules of Mother Nature. Norton and Pomp were slightly barred, and a short portage and rest before the long slog into the last, bumpy crossing to base camp at Stevens. After landing, a paddler slumped over his rear hatch brought concern for a pulled muscle, but max doses of vitamin I, and a few downward dogs, cat-cows, and cobras inside the tent brought partial relief. Route for day 3 http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6721770 By morning the worries for the sore paddler had abated, and we broke camp in an unhurried fashion, eyes on our next camp at Halifax. We followed a now-familiar route to the Beals bridge, under calm conditions, then eddy-hopped (bridge abutments) to the northern Jonesport side, to search for water. We chatted up a wharf-mate, who seemed a bit puzzled as to where to find restaurants, groceries, and potable water. We started easterly for the town dock before he hailed us back with welcome advice. The fire station across the road had an outside spigot AND public restroom! Rob and I filled our 3 depleted 6L dromedaries while Paul stayed with the boats at the strategically-placed pocket beach near the bridge. I had hoped to show the buds my grandparents old homestead on the way to Kelly Pt., but my prolonged absence (35 years) boggled my brain to its precise location. We had a nice lunch at Kelly Pt, Rob assembling his PB&J with the still-uncrushed, half-consumed bread loaf. Prominent signage at the shoreside, deserted, apparent park warned us to “not spoil our children’s fun”. We didn’t, and eyed the gentle 2+-mile crossing ahead to the Spruces, entering the southern channel, and passing bleating sheep on Little and a solitary cruiser at anchor near the thoroughfare. Roque Harbor was deserted, and the mile-plus sandy beach was admired from afar, as we paddled to Halifax’s NW cove, countering the fairly strong ebb seaward. A very cozy designated rectangle on the berm was agreed, at length, to be called “home” for at least one night. We would wait until morning to decide if sleeping like the Flinstones (sorta-we had air mattresses) was acceptable for the planned second nite. After setting up camp amid too many mossies, we gathered up provisions for dinner atop the western rise, then bushwhacked up the hillside to the peak, where we enjoyed supper, breathtaking views, including sunset/moonrise, and skeeters (not!). Route for Day 4: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6721559 Despite having slept OK, and ignoring warnings about the numerous radiation-emitting military towers and a creepy house, we decided that 2 nights on Cross I. would be favorable, so we meandered off in the general direction of Roque Bluffs State Park. We had expected to see some tall cliffs (why?), but the unimpressive coastline turned our kayaks to another MITA island , and we paddled bee-line under warm, sunny skies and flat seas to its northern cove. Lunch and a stroll around the island through long, then short grasses, had us guessing what the asking price was for this remote paradise. A range of 35K to 1.8M was elicited from the dubious voyagers, knowing that it included these residents: We now had Cross in our sites, 4 miles off, and aimed for big N “2”, passing NE Libbys, arriving at a taste of the “bold coast” along southern Cross, with slots, a sea cave, and precipitous cliff faces. Rob backed his way into the mostly submerged sea cave but didn’t get too far; we would attempt to check it out from land tomorrow. We arrived without fanfare to the old CG station, after passing the remains of the “older” CG building, now a pile of wood scrap near the shore. The old (haunted) house has served as base camp for Outward Bound sea adventures in the past, but we doubted it had seen these visitors over the preceding summer months, judging from the paucity of entries in the indoor log book. We spread out tents in the front field and enjoyed a quiet night under a starry/meteory sky, the red-blinking towers invading the otherwise bliss. Route for Day 5: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6721561 Thursday was to be a non-paddling day, we decided, so Rob and I donned our hiking shoes and set off for the famous sea cave. A jog before the privy led us to a boggy trail that brought us to a sandy cove, the dilapidated CG station in the distance. Try as we might to locate the coastal trail (dotted on the map) further along the shore, my bushwack in and out was fruitless, so we regrouped to head back to camp, and lunch. We decided to follow the more prominently-marked (thick dashes) trail leading to the cave, and had better luck, eventually leading to the cave at half-tide, but no entry. Back to camp around 5, salt- and fresh-water showers, critique of my repair kit, supper, and review of Tom Tieman’s 25-page copy of his trek along the Maine Coast, left behind from his trip several days before, as he finished the entire coast by patching in the last bit of Cross-to-Cutler with 3 other paddlers. Route for Day 6: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6721563 Another quiet paddling day for Friday, and we got on the water by 8:30 for the tedious slog to Machias, passing the very quiet Naval station shore, a large fish farm, and nondescript islands. I had promised the boys lunch at Helen’s, famous for their award-winning (a generic accolade, employed by any eatery, but well-deserved here) homemade pies. As we approached the ramp, my tired eyes tried to focus on the storefront sign on a building east of the causeway-stripes of orange and green with a central logo shaped like…….No, it couldn’t be. After all we’re now in Machias, Maine. The gal at the Irving station validated my impression, that, yes, that building down the road IS a Pat’s Pizza! I had to renege on my promise to Helen and the guys, but they were very agreeable to lunching at Pat’s, and we devoured most of the food in short order, stopped for take-out pie at Helen’s, then off (Rob and I) to Muscle Ridge for the next adventure! Route for Day 7: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6721564 NOTES: Food: oatmeal or granola bars (breakfast); PB&J (lunch); simmered grains/root veggies, box soup, Indian foil meal (supper) Water: 13L over 7 days; re-supply @ Jonesport Fire Department Camp: Hubba, NeoAir (thermarest), 40 degree synthetic
  9. Just received the "Midcoast Region" booklet from this 3-volume series. Pinpoints, with map AND GPS coordinates, launch sites with information about parking, restrooms, etc. A bonus feature is information about coastal preserves for day hikes. Though no details re: overnight or extended parking, one might be able to arrange parking, as I have in the past, with the local police/town manager, especially in the off-season. http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mcp/coastal-access-guide.htm
  10. Dear all, Please join Maine Island Trail Association Executive Director Doug Welch for his upcoming presentation at Newbury Kayak and Canoe. Doug will share what the Trail has meant to him over the course of his life, including highlights from his recent two-week trip island-hopping up and down the Maine coast. We'll also serve a few snacks and some delicious Maine Island Trail Ale from Portland's Rising Tide Brewing Company, on us! Maine Island Trail and Ale! Wednesday, September 24, 2014 6:30 PM at Newbury Kayak and Canoe Please RSVP if you would like to join us, either by email at jphillips@mita.org or via direct telephone line, 207-699-4373. I hope to see you there! Sincerely, Jack Phillips, Maine Island Trail Association
  11. Skip report; go straight to slideshow HERE Despite my 5:30 AM start to Maine, I was worried that I would be facing the early flood tide up the Damariscotta, after the 1145 predicted slack at Cavis Point. The Damariscotta PD was receptive to my overnight parking X2 at the municipal lot, allowing an easy put-in at the paved/float launch site. Shoved off at 920 at lower ebb, aided by a 5-10 northerly. Numerous oyster farms beyond the launch reflected the thriving, resurgent industry in these parts. An overcast, random sprinkly, uneventful nine-mile paddle down the quiet waterway brought me to a quick, leg-stretching stop on _____, then a short paddle to Fort Island across the river. The pine-needle-laden open forest floor carpeted innumerable candidate tent sites. A privy and two nice landing beaches encouraged me to file away in my "future trips" folder. Paddling south beyond the constriction at Fort, I met more than a little resistance, the early flood winning the battle vs. late river ebb. Meandered down the east side of steeply-sloped Linnekin Neck to rocky Ocean Point, where owners/caretakers of seasonal cottages were “opening up”, hoping for a better weekend than today's off-and-on dreary weather. Rounded the corner, faced the now headwind, and set a course for 309 to Burnt I. light, then through Townsend Gut to my home for 2 nights on the Sheepscot. Not the worst landing by any stretch, but improvised, as always, with scroungable log rollers and vagabond planks. Polished off my Amato’s and chips, then settled in for a restful sleep, planning the next day’s trip. Day 1 route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6327903 As luck would have it, with only 2 days notice, Cath agreed to join me for the Arrowsic [a-RAU-sik]/Georgetown CW circumnav. She had left early from her Old Town home to launch at Knickercane in W. Boothbay, and was surprised to find John and Pru prepping for an on-water instructional/boat trial. They kindly escorted Cath to my seaweedy doorstep, where we exchanged air-hugs and goodbyes in short notice, splitting in opposite directions. The weather was calm/sunny and seas flat as we slowly paddled eastern Georgetown, through Five Islands (open weekends only; would be lucky to grab a lobster roll at Red’s the next day), then on to Reid, where Cath made a respectable landing /launch through the breakers for a quick stop. By the time we arrived at Fort Popham we were 1 hour beyond the predicted slack ebb of 1328. The current in our favor now, we rode the Kennebec to Perkins I. for lunch (day-old soggylicious Italian). We thought better of the idea to do the complete circumnav., as there is a 5-hour window of opportunity between the slacks at Popham and Lower Hell Gate, when paddling CW. We determined that an average paddling speed of 3.8 knots in the remaining 3-hour window we had was unreasonable, even if aided by the ?2 knot current. So we explored the beautiful campsite(s) and walked the trail to the lighthouse, stopped short by a massive spread of PIV before us. Back in the saddle up the serpentine Back River, headed for Hockomock Bay, a shore-side barn ”leaning towards Sawyers” (or moved to this launch spot?). Even with a chart and compass, this marshy route had us scratching our heads at one point beyond the bridge. Pity the stranger without any nav-aids! We arrived at Lower Hell just at slack, and landed at the pepply beach at Beal’s southern terminus to explore the beautiful (a recurrent theme!) campsites, snack, and privy (verb) With twilight nearing, we shoved off and rode the building current through Goose Rocks Passage, an ominous sea-born fog bank steam-rolling up the Sheepscot. We guesstimated 15-20 minutes for the darkening, fogbound, 1-mile crossing from Whittum to Ram, and arrived mid-island after 17 minutes of dead-rekoning at 70 degrees. Now fully dark, we tucked into the familiar easterly cove to jury-rig my compass light, then handrailed (occasional residential and bridge lights, thank you) over to Knickercane, to see Cath off safely by 10pm. Creeped back through the creepy fog to base camp, where a hot mug of soup and crusty bread topped off a very long, but spectacular day! Route of Day 2: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6327918 An uneventful overcast last day had me retracing my route back to the car, wind and current my friends, then on to Topsham to the Black Lantern http://blacklanternbandb.com/ for a good nite’s sleep before heading to Pott's Harbor the next day to launch for the annual Jewell trip.
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