Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor, Maine, 9.10.17

[gyork]

The harbors Bar and Winter don't appear to be too far separated on a chart-wondered why no one had ventured out there from the MDI group before. I was able to round up four (Shari, Janice, Troad, and Yong) other willing participants, and we planned for an early departure from Llangolan Inn at 7 AM. Plenty of parking at the Bar Island launch site at this hour, and we shoved off at 8:07, into a six-knot wind near dead-low tide. Too long a carry to the southern shore of the bar, so we clockwised Bar Island and checked out the slot canyon on Burnt Porcupine (Don’t get Burnt by the slot). Of course we were there at the wrong part of the tide cycle, unable to safely squeeze through the crooked, too-narrow passage. Supposedly spectacular, as related by Yong and Peter, if you were lucky enough to get into the out-of-sight expansive chamber.

Our route took us next to the northeastern tip of Ironbound, and we turned the corner for a landing/snacks/bio break. Troad and I watched harbor porpoises gambol in the water nearby, while the early flood was now winning the battle with the opposing light wind. Instead of crossing to the mainland, as previously planned, we decided to head straight for Crow Island, the wind giving us a push. We turned the corner and headed NE, passed the working Inner Winter Harbor to port, then bunched/landed up at the all-tides, inactive, cement public launch at the very tip of the harbor, gathered up for lunch, and chatted up a sailing couple from Belfast.

 

The light northwest wind help to push us out of the harbor, around the corner, to split Spectacle and Heron islands, at 286°, as predicted. We never did find Spectacle’s chimney indicated on the chart; The none-too-prominent “tower” across from Crow Island was a feature of a personal residence-not very impressive or helpful from afar.  We hastened to the midpoint of Ironbound (?Ironsides) to bathe in the splendor of magnificent cliffs and jagged rock formations. This seemingly deep cave from afar drew us in, impressive still in its shallowness.

 

We were treated to occasional thunder and geyser-like spray, and were likely viewed as foolish by the passengers of the sightseeing boat nearby.  

One last bio-break at calm Seal Cove before making for the Baldest Porcupine, now a little sloggish with light wind AND ebbing tide against us.  We were nearly run over by the mammoth cruise ship; Shari was convinced that the 5 loud toots were the death knell for our quintet.  Alas, the knackered crew arrived safely at Bar launch after 17M, my left-behind neoprene booties a testament to having been there.  Another delicious dinner back at the Inn, with friends around the fire pit.  It doesn’t get any better!

Local knowledge, Winter Harbor:
IGA, restaurant food truck, Fish-n-chips, unnamed sandwich shop (west), and kayaking outfitter all nearby.
Stay to the right of the shallow area just before the ramp

Link to our route with stats:  Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor, 9.10.17

[jmcotton]

It was a great paddle and as always great companionship. Thanks Gary for organizing it and doing the trip report!  Yong did a wonderful  job with leading the group and plotting the course.  It was funny to see that huge cruise ship slowly start up and take aim at us as we hurried across the channel against wind and tide and then let out 5 blasts at the 5 of us! What a great weekend. It's on my calendar for next year. 

Janice