Farewell to Maine

After more than 2 weeks in Maine we finally said good-by to a beautiful state. In the time we were there we hardly saw anything but enjoyed lots of lobster and the unique and picturesque icons of what America used to be.

We made another early start this morning leaving York so that we could take advantage of the beginning flood tide. When we came into York Harbor we came in while the tide was still flooding and the current made controlling the boat difficult.The channel into York begins very wide and deep but soon becomes a very narrow and deep cut through a ridge that then empties out into the Harbor. As a result at most times the current is running several knots and ledges adorn each side under the fast moving water. We left within an hour of slack tide so the current was just beginning to flow in exposing many of the rivers secrets but the opposing current increased control of the boat without the current pushing us out onto a ledge. Looking up the York River and most of that water will go out the channel.

Once back on the ocean we enjoyed a clear blue sky with great visibility but again no wind. We set a course past the Isle of Shoals and then to the outside of Cape Ann.

About 7 miles off the shore of Maine and New Hampshire lie the Isle of Shoals. An outcropping of rocks that form several islands that have not been inhabited for years. They are a common boating destination in the region.

After passing them we were clearly out of Maine and headed for Massachusetts. As we approached Cape Ann on the Mass north shore we saw a huge plume of water about 50 meters from the boat from a large body and then a familiar tale in the air diving under water. How exciting when we saw it breach several more times spouting water into the air.

A short time later we saw another head peering at us just a few meters off the boat. A good-sized seal was swimming by. We circled back and watched him surface several times.

In a short while we rounded Thatch Island and its lighthouses to mark Cape Ann for mariners returning home to Gloucester. A short while later we rounded the turn past the breakwater and into Gloucester Harbor and got on a mooring we had reserved earlier in the day.

After cleaning up we took the launch into town and visited this historic seaport. For the first time in 2 weeks we opened the ports and hatches because it was warm and we welcomed in the fresh breeze. As we get farther south the water and the air are warming up finally.

From here we move into Boston tomorrow for a few days and then on down the coast.