Jewell 2020

[eneumeier]

This was actually the first time I have been able to join the annual Jewell trip. It was fabulous! Great weather, a bit of rain on Friday that did not even soak through the trees, and wonderful paddling buddies. This was my favorite tree on my hike around the island. Liz

 

[Doug Cooke]

That is a great tree Liz! It was nice hiking with you as well.

Doug

[gyork]

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We were fortunate to have a party of eight willing to attend the annual Jewell outing, and the October make-up date did not disappoint. Yong and I departed late Thursday morning from East End Beach; the others planned to depart from Bug Light,  noonish.

 

We paddled north of Fort Gorges towards the southern tip of Lil Diamond Island and spied a group of three kayakers apparently headed for the same destiination. As we neared, it was obvious that Cath was one of the paddlers, her kayak and PFD unmistakable. Relieved that we were not in for a race, we identified Nancy and Jane–they were headed to Crow for a long weekend. We paddled and chatted, soon encountering some lively waters upon entering Hussey sound, 3-4 foot rollers and light wind from the southwest. The trio took the V. Island inside route, while we preferred going outside, keeping an eye on the broadside rollers.

 

At length, we landed at the beach near the old wharf site (#3). Yong, a self-proclaimed creature of habit, pitched his tent at the end of the wharf, and I struck out to investigate sites 1, 2 and 4, the latter a pleasant surprise since my last visit there some years ago, complete with scattered tent spots and the perfect fireside gathering spot for our gang.

 

 

 

I pitched my tent in a premium spot, southernmost, and near cliff–side.

 

 

I was delighted to find a downed maple tree, not far from the fire ring, and made short work of procuring numerous long branches with my buddy Sven.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a delayed start, the six stragglers landed around 1630, and reviewed the different camping options. Liz and Doug opted for Yorktown, Jordan joined the Yongville site, and Pablo, Beth, and Karen squatted on site #2, a very Pablovian response. Site #1 would remain empty until the following night. We all enjoyed the fire, sunset, full moon, and each other’s company before retiring early.

 

We expected to see some rain the next day, but that did not affect our plans to paddle, and a clockwise route around Big Chebeague was entertained. Yong, Pablo, Jordan, and I were game, and we launched around 10 o’clock to cloudy skies, light wind, and flooding tide. Our first stop was on Lil Chebeague, to check out the campsites, which I had never done, believe it or don’t. I appreciated why this is a popular spot during the summer months, requiring a caretaker.

    

Post-lunch we slogged around the nearly 4–mile length of Chebeague, enjoying a nice northerly push as we proceeded to diminutive Crow to check on the campsite and our lady friends. Crow is a very charming small island, with its wraparound, inviting cove and beach on the eastern side. Although no tents were set up inside the somewhat derelict building, Cath made good use of the covered porch next to her tent, set up on the grass nearby.

 

Historically, a meal at the Dolphin Marina Restaurant is always on the radar, and that was our plan for Saturday’s paddle, With a slight modification. We launched at 10 and made our way through Brown Cow Ledges, gray seals aplenty, to Admiral Peary’s Island, where we rested, and related the story of the party that landed here many years ago (here).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We would delay lunch until having explored the MITA and MCHT sites westerly. 

Upon resuming our voyage, I met a woman who was anchored nearby, and it was soon revealed that we were neighbors in a previous life, when I grew up not far from where we were chatting.

 

This day was glorious on our 14-M paddle-flat seas, sunny skies, and negligible wind as we turned the corner towards Dolphin.

 

Having witnessed a helicopter land on the grounds of the restaurant, the crowd, and           

unruly kids, we realized we were not the patrons that the restaurant was looking for, so we followed

Jordan’s lead, and landed at Erica’s Seafood Shack, enjoying various fried entrées, the most popular

being the scallops, which resulted in post-prandial comas for a few.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By the time we be arrived back at Jewell, Cocktail Cove now had six anchored vessels, and two more would nestle in before the night was over.

 

Karen, Doug, Liz and Beth had happily remained on this aptly-named island, as I am wont to do most years, and Doug had somehow been able to log 8+ miles on his journeys on and off trail. We repeated our nightly routine, and bid farewell to one another the following day, full of happy memories of this supreme outing.

        

 

P.S. The caretaker's cabin on Lil Jewell is in fine fettle, and the first acquisition for the future museum is on display:

            

 

Edited November 5, 2020 by gyork

[Doug Cooke]

Here are a few of the many photos I shot on the Jewell trip. Sorry for the late posting of these. I really enjoyed getting to know folks and paddling together!