August 30th, 2019
LOBSTER
This how they cook Lobster Maine style although normally it would be topped by corn on the cob but we didn't have enough room. Basically you put a couple of inches of seawater in the pot, bring it to the boil, pile in the Lobster, add Clams and give it about fifteen minutes. This is Dana's Grandmothers pot and believe it or not there is four Lobster in there and I cant describe how tasty they were. The sweet flesh requires no flavouring but a dip in melted butter makes it.
August 30th, 2019
MOUNTAIN
From Castine we stopped in a number of lovely places including Bucks Harbour where Ian and Michelle dropped in for the night as they were driving north to see Ians Mum. Many moons ago we showed Keith and his wife Kathy round Pearl as they were interested in a Garcia and they kindly let us use their stunning mooring in Horseshoe Cove. I have tons of anchorage pictures but don't want to bore you. They might look similar but the reality around here is that they all have something about them be it wildlife, a lovely place to paddle-board or interesting people that we have met.
This Plaque half way up Somes Sound, which is the only Fjord on the eastern Atlantic seaboard, is to celebrate the donation by Rev Connely and Mary Wheeler of Acadia Mountain to the community. I can imagine it being a rather biblical speech!
August 30th, 2019
HOUSE
During our Castine walk I was taken with this house which has a huge fire. I wonder if it started as a Pizza oven and then grew from there. Daft idea I know but I like great things that spark off something random. When I look back its a bit like my life has unfolded - a series of daft ideas.
August 30th, 2019
CASTINE
From Belfast we had a lovely sail to Castine which has a lot of history as it was fought over by the French, British, Americans and even the Dutch. Changing hands innumerably means that there is a fantastic walk around town with signs everywhere highlighting historical locations and facts. This one caught my eye for its brutality.
The other thing about Castine is that it is home to the Maine Maritime Academy which is an amazing facility. Loads of sailing boats in the estuary, a huge training ship and a sprawling campus. We arrived the day after the new intake arrived who are known as Mugs. It bought many memories back to see them learning how to row lifeboats, or in reality teamwork. As an aside the lady eating her lunch opposite me overheard me checking that I had got the name right. Low and behold Andrea was the first female entrant in 1974. Havent times changed.
August 30th, 2019
MUSIC
Once again I have left the blog far too late and if there is such a thing as an excuse its because of sporadic mobile wifi, a penchant for remote anchorages and having too much fun. I have also had a lot of writing with a couple of columns and a fair amount of work to cover.
We are now in Rockland which is a hub of civilisation and so I have good wifi and a table to sit at as we wait for the laundry. Tracey is downloading some films to her iPad and we have a big food shop on the cards.
This was the last picture I took in Belfast which is a lovely place thanks to a great community spirit. Every Thursday they have live music sponsored by local companies and everyone turns out to listen, chinwag and dance.
August 14th, 2019
GIG
This mornings paddle board bought on a double take when I saw what looked just like a Cornish Gig. I paddled over to find that it was and was soon recruited as a crew member pulling on an oar as we towed my board. It never ceases to amaze me where I come across these wonderful boats. The club is putting a male and female crew into the next world championships in the Scilly Islands.
August 14th, 2019
Finally a decent health food shop!!
August 14th, 2019
Estuary
We have anchored off Belfast and its a lovely town which is very much alive and industrious. We have met lots of interesting people and will stay here for a few days to soak the place up.
This morning we went for a five mile walk up the estuary and at times it was as if we were back home Cornwall.
