June 10 Wednesday Richmond Island to Isle of Shoals

The fine stretch of weather held. But the settled weather did not produce much wind - but we sailed some of our 45 mile leg to Isle of Shoals. I must admit that I would have enjoyed some more sailing, but typical summer winds are from the south and thus on the nose of where we desired to go. This can mean a very lumpy ride. So the lack of wind at least made the ride comfortable.

Here is better view of the "controlled burn" noted in yesterday's post.

Boon Island, as can be seen, and noted in the link, is a place not to be taken lightly as a place to be in a storm. It is off the coast of Maine near York. I always smile when I see it to think of a clever fellow who some years ago made a tidy sum selling tee-shirts from famous Boon Island attractions. There was ones for the bowling alley, hotel, restaurants, and watering holes. I have not seen one recently and regret not buying one. There were many a flummoxed tourist searching for means to get to these famous sea side places. 

Taking my turn at the helm. The breeze in our face straight off the open ocean was still very cool as you can note from my garments. I will admit there was a down filled vest underneath my shirt.

We did get in some easy sailing.

Entering the Isle of Shoals mooring field. As noted in the link, the groups of islands each have a rich history.

This is Star Island with it's large group of buildings hosting programs for many years

We did not go ashore tonight - just enjoyed being on the water in our place in the world for the night.

 

Thus, Good Night and May God Bless 

June 9 Tuesday Robinhood to Richmond Island

The repairs to the hose were done reasonably quickly and rechecks made. We departed about mid morning and the day was again beautiful. Our destination, as was yesterday's, remained Richmond Island - This time we made it!

And "once more with feeling!"

Sequin Island

As you can see the day is beautiful but there was not much wind and it was mostly motoring.

Here we are entering the anchorage formed by Richmond Island and Crescent Beach/Kettle Cove in Cape Elizabeth. For all the time we lived and boated from Portland we never came here. Largely because it is actually a fair distance from Portland Harbor and the location can be very rolly even if you are anchored behind the island. 

Notice the dead trees on this end of the island. John, who we would meet on out stroll of the island, explained that yes indeed those burned trees were the result of a "control burn" that became uncontrolled. Apparently, there much concern for the rest of the island for a while.

But it was a perfect day to stop here and the early arrival allowed time to explore the island. 

We landed on a stunning beach on the inland side of the island. 

The island has a great history of being farmed and of raising livestock. Sheep are still keep on the island and we saw them coming in to the anchorage. The map identifies that you can walk the perimeter path around the island. 

As you can see I have my chamois shirt on as the breeze coming straight from the open sea is still cool.

Glen and I walked the west side until we could see straight out to sea.

The caretakers house. We met a single fellow who had come in a center console boat that we noticed anchored of the beach. Amazingly enough he for a number of years had been a caretaker on the island. He still enjoyed spending time on the island.

This was the end of our walk where we could see straight out to sea. It was an amazing view. Yet it is always interesting to think how those that lived here in early days thought of their situation - fortunate or forlorn - maybe some of each.

The west setting sun.

A very nice and uneventful day on the water.

And again I will say 

Good Night and May God Bless 

June 8 Monday Let The Season Continue - With Something Different

As you may recall we traveled with friends Glen and Andrea for a week last year. They where aboard their boat Chickadee III and we were on our boat. It was great fun. While they are slip mates to us at Robinhood and store their boat there, they decided to take Chickadee III to Mattapoissett, MA for the summer to be closer to family and revisit cruising grounds of early in their sailing history. Thus a trip of several days was in order to accomplish the relocation. 

The crew for the trip was Glen and I and Glen's friend Jim as seen in order in the photo below. You may say that the crew is not the youngest but I would have to say they are more than up to the task.

 

 

We traveled from Glen's house in MA to Robinhood in style chauffeured by Andrea. We arrived in good time at Robinhood and decided to head out early in the afternoon to take advantage of a great afternoon with a very nice breeze. The plan was to see if we could make it to Richmond Island just south of Portland.  As you can see that is about 38 miles - a ways in a sailboat but we had places we could stop along the way if needed.

 

 

All was great from the start - until it wasn't.

Glen looking back at Robinhood.

Sails are up and we are on long starboard tack to about 5 miles off shore.

When Jim took over the helm we changed to a port tack and were headed nicely south.

For the sailors reading this you may have noticed that we have reefed the sail (reduced it by lowering part of it) to balance against a beautiful 18 knot breeze.

All settled in for a nice sail

Shortly after taking the above photo I went below. Immediately I noticed water pouring from a locker door that accesses the stern of the boat. After an excited time, including calling the Coast Guard just in case we couldn't find the leak, we were able to get the sails down and the boat upright. The water intrusion stopped and we headed back to Robinhood - with an escort that responded to our security call. 

"And our Flag was still there" - thankfully.

On our way back in we found the source of the leak to be a hose that is connected to the propane locker  to vent any stray propane overboard. The hose exits the boat above the upright waterline, but when heeled to the starboard side it was placed underwater. The hose had developed a split and it is amazing how a "small hose" can flow a lot of water.

Robinhood staff was at the dock to meet us and repairs arranged for early morning. At least we will be able to start on the day as planned.

 So I am pleased to say ..................

 Good Night and May God Bless