More Maine Windjammer Magic

Good morning everyone. Our dear friend the Major called this place the Foggy Kingdom. Yesterday proved him right, again. But at least we had some wind. We enjoyed some clearing in the afternoon and a walk ashore here in Mackerel Cove at Swan's Island. This morning we have clear blue skies and no fog in Blue Hill Bay though there looks to be a little hanging on offshore.

Yesterday I was hoping the helm watch would have another day of steering by line of sight but given the fog we were forced to steer by compass. The navigators were thrown headlong into dead reckoning and the bow watch sounded the foghorn at 2 minute intervals.

The marlinspike station had the crew learning the ropes, ticking them off as they walked about the vessel.

Gybing several times as we sailed down wind was our tacking drill for the day.

>A few bald eagles graced us with their hunting displays to the dismay of the gull colonies on Southern Mark Island. But the real thrill of the day was being overtaken by a seal pup. Late in the afternoon I heard a flapping sound under the transom. I figured we had hooked a lobster trap somehow and was pondering how to avoid the small yachts on the radar in front of us and shed this gear dragging behind us. Honestly it sounded like a cormorant beating it wings on the water…flap, flap flap…flap, flap, flap. I dreaded what I would see but peered over the transom just the same and there was a seal pup. Back to the wheel in a hurry to avoid gybing and the oncoming yachts I got the blow by blow from the guests gathered at the transom who said the pup was swimming alongside the rudder and under the yawl boat towing astern. And then it was gone without a trace or any explanation. How cool (and magical) is that?

Have a great day. Be well. Do Good.

Photos by Tom Haraden.

Hail Mary

My heart is heavy with sadness as I write this particular blog. Since the beginning of August our dear friend and cook for the last 12 years, Mary Barney, had been struggling with cancer. I have intentionally respected Mary’s privacy and I apologize to you for not sharing any news about Mary’s health sooner. On Monday afternoon Mary passed away very peacefully at home, surrounded by friends and “family”. Her departure was as graceful as the rest of her life. Many people, including Jen, have been doing heroic work to support Mary these last few weeks. Oddly enough Mary was never very excited about transitions though this was about the fastest transition she ever made. And as I struggle to let go of Mary I realize I am terrible with transitions as well. We used to joke about how we liked things just the way they are, thank you very much, so why change what is working already even if it might be less labor intensive. Hard works is its own reward. I used to joke about getting Mary a Cui...

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