June 26, 2022

Oriane is on a concrete ocean in windless Pulpit Harbor. An eagle’s chirp somewhere in the early dawn forest surrounding the still waters beckons awareness of another day. Slowly the world comes alive as I sip coffee in the cockpit. It’s the morning of winter dreams.

Still Mornings

There are many reasons to cruise. The adventure of experiencing new sights and interesting places draws one away from home harbors. Seeking out quiet anchorages along the way is one of the considerations when cruising the coast. A cove or harbor that has protection and a degree of security that provides a bit of relief and promise of a good night's sleep is always welcome. Waking to a watery seascape so still that reflections become reality is a treat to be savored when it happens. A cup of hot coffee in hand makes it even more special.  

Moon and trees reflected - Perry Creek

Cool morning

Crawling slowly out of my warm cozy sleeping bag at the beginning of another adventurous day took some commitment this morning. The bright sunshine had yet to provide summer warmth for breakfast in the cockpit but a good sweater and hat helped provide the necessary substitute. Coffee and a plate of eggs, bacon, toast and potato pancakes were downed all the while enjoying the 360 degree harbor scape.

Plans for summer adventures and calendared commitments are discussed. Never before seen destinations are pondered.

Think we will move to another favorite anchorage this morning- Long Cove, Hurricane Sound.

Long Cove, Vinalhaven

On our way out, we’ll say “hey” to the Mayor of Perry Creek, John McCloud, who came into the anchorage last evening in his tug Cloud Dancer.

It’s going to be a good day.

What changes a day later can bring.

The lightening sky in the east slowly awakes the world around Oriane and beckons awareness by the crew. Not a cloud in the sky. Yesterday’s cold blasting rain has been relegated to a slight memory. The overnight coastal air left a coat of dew on everything. A swipe of a squeegee and some dry boat cushions insulates us from the residual dampness. Coffee in the cockpit listening to the world awakening in Perry Creek is one of life’s true gifts. We take stock on how privileged we are to be here.

Now the dampness is gone the sun warms the boat and a breath of air provides the impetus to press on.

Plans change, life moves on

 Back in the saddle with summer plans somewhat changed.

It’s June 9 and Polar Sun has sailed toward the Labrador Sea and the arctic without me. Emergency back surgery took precedent. A once in a lifetime opportunity passed by. But as I recover I have shifted my sights to the possible and now 12 days out of the hospital I am again sitting in the cabin of our Oriane and enjoying the peace and quiet of Perry Creek - one of the truly spectacular anchorages on the coast of Maine.

Perry Creek looking west.

Kathy took charge of bringing Oriane to Rockland’s dock with Rockland Mayor Ed Glaser acting as deckhand. Once on the dock our friends/mechanics Billy and Mikey came aboard and wrestled the alternator problem to the mat. The motor is finally charging the batteries. Turns out it was a hard to get to blown fuse that was blocking the field charge.

Taking it easy on my body, we motored across the bay this morning early in light winds and minimal seas and got in ahead of the predicted pouring rain. Hunkered down for the balance of the morning as cold rain and wind assaulted Oriane, naps and cleaning out the navigation desk were the order of the day. How many rolls of tape are required on a boat? We’re going to offload a dozen rolls back to New Hampshire leaving plenty for future boat tasks.

We still plan on heading up to New Brunswick Canada in August after the Pacific Seacraft GAM July 23/24. Before that we’re going to just putter around the coast.

Now on to a dinner of shrimp, mashies and broccoli. Tonight - dishes and games.