Summer cruising in Maine

Sunset at Carvers Cove Fox Islands Thorofare 

We set sail on our summer cruise on August 3 and made our way to Linekin Bay.  Met up with friends on Aqua Mirus who we knew from Charleston, SC.  Helen and John hail from NH but have retired and now live aboard.  The following day, we sailed by Eastern Egg Rock and saw at least a dozen puffins flying and swimming in the water.  We were on our way to our next anchorage at Dix and High Islands along Mussel Ridge Channel.  We arrived just before the thunderstorms and in time to make our way over to Aqua Mirus.  As we were visiting, Riley of Mainestay.com, showed up in the rain offering here wares.  She had homemade everything to offer, so we bought freshly dug and steamed steamers, cheddar and chive biscuits, couscous Italian salad and strawberry rhubarb pie.  It was almost too good to be true.  After dinner we enjoyed a walk and colorful sunset on Birch Island.

We sailed into Rockland for fuel and then made our way to Carver's Cove along the Fox Island Thorofare where we enjoyed yet another beautiful evening.  Here we heard taps played as the flag was lowered and the Star Spangled Banner as it was raised in the morning.

Swimming Quarry on Swans Island

Swans Island was our next destination as we had tickets for 2 nights of the Sweet Chariot Music and Art festival.  Our friends Susan and Stephen Leighton met us there after driving from the county and taking the ferry from Bass Harbor.  We were graced with yet another fine summer day so went ashore and found the swimming hole to refresh our bodies and souls.  The water in the quarry was so clear that you could see your feet while treading water.

The music was outstanding as usual. We always promise ourselves another year after hearing those great musicians.  The intense rain storm with wind kept us there an extra day.   

The view from the rocks above the quarry

We sailed under sunny warm skies to Somes Sound via the outside route around Great Duck Island.  The view was as clear as glass as we sailed up the sound among the mansions and valley cove.  We had dinner at Abel's Restaurant as we were all in the mood for lobster.  They serve it up in several different dishes without the shell.  

Come morning, the weather gods were still with us as we sailed over to Frenchman's Bay around Bar Harbor and past Sorrento to Hancock Point.  It was there that Kevin picked us up and had us over to their home in Hancock for the afternoon.  Kevin and Mary are friends that we know from the county and have lived in this area for a number of years.

Sailing from Hancock through the bay among the Porcupine islands with the Acadia mountains in the background may be one of the most beautiful sails around.  Frenchboro on Long Island was calling to us as we headed back out to sea.  We arrived just in time to pick up one of the last moorings available for the night. After a refreshing hike around some of the Maine Heritage trails, that are so beautifully maintained, we walked the hill up to Lunt's lobster dock.  It was the Leightons last night on board so we had a feast of lobster with the usual trimmings.  

The morning brought fog and plenty of it. Emme crept her way over to Swans Island where we dropped the Leightons off and we spent another night due to the weather. 

  

Lighthouse entering Burnt Coat Harbor

Looking in the Western Way Mount Desert Island

Big Beach on Long Island

Frenchboro Harbor Long Island

We are now in Northeast Harbor after a foggy sail from Burnt Coat Harbor.  Emme was filled with fuel and water and we got the last mooring available here.  By about 5 PM the fog lifted and the starry skies became visible again after sunset. We will spend a couple of days here to do some hiking.