A group of 12 paddlers met up at the Dolphin Marina in Harpswell, ME for Ed's 10am Casco Bay trip. There were representatives from SMSKN, NSPN, and Seacoast. The weather was beautiful but a bit too windy for us to do as much island hopping as we had hoped for. Setting out from the marina, we headed into a stiff wind for our first crossing to Whaleboat Island. We gathered there and continued up the protected east side. After poking our heads around the northern tip, it was quickly decided not to continue on to the Goslings. We found a beautiful little cove on our way back to have lunch in and then headed back to Harpswell Neck.
We paddled down and around South Harpswell and stopped at a beach on the east side to enjoy the view and to scout out the restaurant nearby. We then headed back down and around the point where we broke into 2 groups. Group 1 made the crossing back to the launch point where they did some rolling practice and group 2 followed the coastline north to take the long way home. Along the way, group 2 found Tide Mill Cove and played a little in the strong current that was flowing out of the cove. Mary B. gave us some good pointers on how to play there. We then headed back to to the marina and out to Allen's Seafood for a bite to eat before making the long drive home.
Here's a link to photos taken from land. I've really got to get a waterproof camera soon. http://picasaweb.google.com/suwinchan2008/Harpswell83108
A big thank you to Ed Lawson for organizing this trip. The Maine islands are absolutely gorgeous and it was well worth the long drive!