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Not Half Bad

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Good morning everyone. We had quite the ride out of Blue Hill Bay
yesterday. With the apparent wind around 35 knots steady we were
thankful for the the deep reef in the main sail. We were just flying
at 10.6 knots with the few sails we had set. In no time at all we
were anchored in the village at Isle Au Haut.

Isle Au Haut is one of my favorites. Sharing that anchorage with
guests feels like real privilege.
We had a couple hours to hike in the park and explore the village.
The church there high above the harbor overlooks the Camden Hills.
Inspiration is not difficult to find in the simple hardwood pews and
stained glass windows. Coyotes have made their presence know there
recently. Last Fall we saw one swim across the Thorofare. The deer
are actually a sub-species of white tail that are genetically smaller
from having evolved to the limited food supply the island affords. I
have camped on Isle Au Haut many nights and cherish my sense of the
place. Of course I feel that way about all of the Maine coast but
some spots just sit a little closer to my heart.

Yesterday we sailed off shore to see the puffins at Seal Island.
They were there but not nearly as numerous as in past years. We
wondered whether scheduling a puffin cruise while the puffins were
nesting was such a good idea. You see... they nest in burrows
underground. You need real specially binoculars to see through the
granite ledge. Still we got our fill of puffins and many terns and
auks. The northerly wind that carried us offshore so effortlessly
came onshore just as we reached the Seal Island and carried us right
back in to the light at Owls Head. Not half bad I say... not half bad!

Have a great day. Be well. Do good.

Comments

Unknown said…
Sunday, June 22.

Fair winds and following seas to my friend and normal sailing partner Alabama Al. He should be boarding today for a great trip with his new camera and lenses.

Bring back some great photos, Al.

Ed
June 22, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Anonymous said…
Isle Au Haut is magical! We remember that coyote, the crisp fall air, and the beauty of simple vows exchanged in the serene little church on the hill.
Thank you, Captain, for sharing this place -- the privilege was ours.
July 8, 2008 at 2:09 PM
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