Criehaven

A lumpy broad reach with 4-8' swells leftover from the previous night's storms, all the while avoiding the ever present lobster pots, brings us from Tenants Harbor to Criehaven. A world apart. Nearly over the horizon; this is my fifth visit this tiny harbor. There's room for two visiting boats. We were pretty sure we had picked up the unmarked guest mooring when we arrived as we have been here three times in the past 5 summers. It's the one with the pickup wand. This was confirmed by the two women on the library porch, one teaching the other how to knit a sweater. We are immediately invited to a byob cocktail and croquet party at 4:30 pm. The folks who spend their time on this outpost make us quite welcome. There are by memory about 40 who spend their summers. Some fish, some do whatever they do.

We are in search of lobster. Four boats were expected in this evening. Four lobsters were acquired off the first boat in harbor late in the afternoon. Nothing fresher.

Life seems slow on this island. Time is measured by the rise and fall of the tide. Criehaven library has a wonderful gathering porch upon which to sit and ponder the landscape overlooking the tiny harbor. Walking paths crisscross the island leading to the airstrip, hidden coves and the island's highly recommended feature - the cemetery.

We're going to have a secure night.

Sent from Thom's iPhone

Sometimes she goes far

On still mornings Kathy takes her paddle board and goes exploring. 

Sent from Thom's iPhone

It’s been a day

So it's been a day. 

Appearing on deck at McGlathery Island  early this morning I experienced this wonderful scene. After breakfast we motorsailed to Rockland to visit with friends from the Friendship Sloop Society. Predicted storms seem to be disappearing. 

July 16 -Perry Creek

There's a certain bit of crispness to the air this morning. The sun rose pink and gold. Fleece sweater and early sunlight provide the necessary comfort in the cockpit of Oriane. A crow making his morning ritual caws, an unseen host of nearby forest birds and a lobster boat in the thoroughfare are the only sounds imposing themselves on an otherwise still morning.

The crew is still in bed and coffee is prepped awaiting. Today we'll continue east.  Sent from Thom's iPhone

Let the fun begin

I'm on sv Oriane for the next 7 weeks. 

The plan such as is is to spend the next week in a round trip to Mt Desert area then back to Rockland to visit with our friends on their sloops at the annual Friendship Sloop Homecoming then off to the Pacific Seacraft GAM in Seal Bay. Then another week with a destination determined by the wind. Then Kathy goes home for four days of work. My brother Bob and my grandnephew Kayden are coming to visit. After Kathy returns we intend to make a charge towards New Brunswick and or Nova Scotia for 4-5 weeks. The fun has begun. 

Sent from Thom's iPhone

Really kicking off summer

Friday we start on an extended time aboard Oriane. Kathy will be off for a few days in early August, but I will be on the boat for 6-7 weeks. Plans include a one week trip to Mt. Desert then back for a visit with friends at the Friendship Sloop gathering then Seal Bay for the Pacific Seacraft GAM on the 23/24th. Then, depending on weather, perhaps the small island tour of Monheghan, Criehaven, Matinicus until the end of July. Brother Bob and grandnephew Kayden will visit Aug 1-4. Then the current plan is to head to maritime Canada and who knows.