We are back from a week's cruise downeast into Washington County. We (Sheila & I & 2 pooches) departed Castine on Sunday 8/22, returning on Saturday 8/28. We had only loose plans as to itinerary, and this is how it worked out:
Sunday night: Little Cranberry Island (aka Islesford), just south of MDI. [on the hook]
Monday night: Winter Harbor, just west of Schoodic Point. [rented a mooring]
Tuesday night: off Great Beach of Roque Island, east of Jonesport. [on the hook]
Wednesday night: Shorey Cove on north shore of Roque Island. [on the hook]
Thursday noon: stop at Mud Hole, on Great Wass Island.
Thursday night: back to Winter Harbor. [rented same mooring]
Friday night: Northeast Harbor, on MDI. [rented mooring]
As to weather, since Maine has had the best summer weather in memory this year, we were worried about getting a boring week of sunny & warm, sunny & warm, etc. Not to fear! This was a week of more typical Maine variability, with a calm-but-cloudy day Sunday, strong NE winds on Monday & Tuesday, some serious rain late Wednesday afternoon, thick fog on Thursday morning, and finishing with glorious weather on Friday & Saturday. Nothing boring about all that!
All in all, we had a great trip. There was a mix of stops in civilized areas and more wild areas, protected waters and open ocean, beach walking and woods hiking, good scenery and great scenery. Once we were east of Schoodic Point we lost most cell phone contact, and that was a good thing. It was fun having Riggs and Katie aboard, with their enthusiasm for exploring islands and beaches. Riggs continues as 'worlds best boat dog' and Katie wins the 'most improved' award as by the end of the week she was much more comfortable at sea. Best of all was having Sheila aboard who gave good marks to the recently completed shower setup.
