End of 2024 Season

 It has been a great 2024 season

The boat has run without issue. We have be on the boat many nights. Perelandra took us to many of our favorite spots in Maine on our down-east cruise - but we skipped some to leave for next year. We again made some new discoveries of trails to hike and enjoy. And in short, we once again affirmed that there is no place better to be than on the Maine Coast.

And I even got in a glorious sail on friend and slip mate Glen's boat Chickadee III. The breeze was light and gave us a chance to fly the colorful sail called a Genaker - a cross between a genoa and spinnaker sail.

After a sail south out towards open water, we turned north after the sea breeze came up and ran back up the Sheepscot river.

We passed close to the east shore and Hendricks lighthouse.

And back at the dock, it pays to keep a watchful eye out. I thought I spotted something unusual and discovered a just married boating couple.

We had planned to take the boat out for the season on September 16, but watching the tropical activity in the Atlantic, and seeing a nice stretch of weather in the offing, we arranged to have the boat hauled on September 9. The shots below are around the marina the day before we traveled south to NH.

Our last Robinhood sunset of the year.

As you can see we were underway just as the sun was deciding whether to arise for another day. Our destination is 76 nautical miles away. I am going to have to ask my co-captain, Bree, how many statute miles that is. Hint: you can see the answer on the screenshot below of the trip.

Our route

A lobsterman is out ahead of us. I always thought that being a lobsterman, and being on the water all the time would be a great job. But the more I think about it, I am convinced that having to go out into some lousy conditions, because the traps need to be tended, would quickly take the shine off the adventure side of the equation.

Looking at Small Point that is the eastern end of Casco Bay,

The sun is faithful again.

Seguin Island off the mouth of the Kennebec River. I think a visit there next year should be in the cards.

Small Point and seals on Fuller Rock - and small island at the tip of Small Point.

We have crossed Casco Bay as we have arrived that the "P"ortland Light buoy that marks the entrance into guess where.

We are well south as you can discern from finding Boon Island on the above travel map. Boon Island, as you can see from clicking on the link, is a lonely and dangerous place. I would not have been seen raising my hand to be a lighthouse keeper at that remote patch of rock.

Soon we are entering the Piscataqua River.

The last bridge

On a mooring at Great Bay marina.

We have to drive back to Robinhood to get our second car. I walked the dock to see our empty slip - until next year.

Back at Great Bay

Our last sunset of the year on the boat.

So after coffee, the evening is cooling off fast with the departing of the sun. Time to head to bed with the extra blanket now added to the layers of covers. So........

Good Night and May God Bless