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Wild Times

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Good morning everyone. Another delightful day here in windjammer world. After Wednesday night’s picnic we pushed across to Mackerel Cove, Swan’s Island. Of course we had to get up to visit the Earl of Swan’s. Earl was waiting to greet guests and talk about his garden and island living. This is the height of Earl’s social season so he couldn’t visit long. He had plans to go for a boat ride to North Haven for lunch with summer friends Becky, John, and Betty. Earl sent a bouquet of parsley and basil back for Ina and a very special something for Zeke. More on that in a moment.
Under way just before lunch with a light SSE wind that carried us out through Jericho Bay and down the east side of Isle Au Haut with the ebb tide. I am not sure what possessed me to stop at Great Spoon I. but it seemed like a crazy idea that might just work. We anchored up in the bight and got folks ashore with ease. Getting to the top of the island didn’t take long. I have admired the wildness of this remote offshore island for many many years and to have perfect conditions to get ashore for a hike was beyond what I could imagine. There is a black basaltic dike down the west side of the island like a great fissure in the otherwise undisturbed craggy landscape.... no trees.... just shrubs and grasses and a tide polished cobblestone beach berm that holds back a salt pond. I stood the watch aboard so the crew could enjoy the island. I wanted them to see what I feel so deeply about the wildness that is still here. On the distant horizon inshore I could see a flotilla of vessels from a well know yacht club cruise descending like clumsy ants on the islands of Merchant Row and was determined to avoid their din of activity. The wildness here is as much a feeling I cherish as it is a place to explore the empty corners of ones soul. These remote offshore islands are the pearl of wildness still here in the islands of Maine.

At days end as we were preparing for dinner Zeke asked a small favor. Apparently Earl, a fine judge of the ladies, secreted a female friend aboard for Zeke with one of the guests. I was a little taken aback by the suddenness of this decision but duly performed a wedding with ship’s company present, the third wedding ceremony this season. Ah, zucchini love!

Have a great day. Be well. Do good.
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Michele B said…
We're going to have to start calling the Mary Day the Love Boat. Congrats to Zeke & Bride. :)
August 13, 2010 at 7:14 AM
Dan Stuart said…
I wonder if Zeke got ashore on the Great Spoon or stayed on the Mary Day for some spooning of his own?
August 13, 2010 at 7:55 AM
Dudley said…
Ah. the adventures of Zeke and Zelda(?) are the stuff of soap operas! All we need now is a bit of theme music! A truly satisfactory and consuming repast!

Dudley
August 13, 2010 at 12:34 PM
Suzanne said…
Zeke, Zelda, Zak ...I will never forget you. I may never be able to eat squash again. And I will never forget climbing Mt. Spoon, or having the opportunity to vist such a beautiful, remote outpost on the coast of Maine. Barry's spontenaity and the crew's incredible response was equally amazing. The only part I regret was having to be ripped from the wheel when I was just about to get to thread the needle between the horses. Oh well, I'll be back!
Suzanne D
August 14, 2010 at 11:30 PM
Tinker said…
Alas! I'm afraid that Zeke and Zele will be off on their honeymoon when I join you in september.

On second thought, Zeke, the buccaneer, will more likely be off for another raid on hapless gold bearing seafarers.
August 15, 2010 at 6:57 AM
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