Talisman and Acacia cruise mid-coast Maine (pics)(and now video!)

[StevenBauer]

Well the 2nd annual Welfare Fleet Cruise was a huge success. We sailed from Portland just after lunchtime on Friday the 13th. Oops. Double bad luck. Good thing I'm not superstitious. Here we are just before shoving off:

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0004.jpg?t=1282576225

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0005.jpg?t=1282576225


Before leaving the Casco Bay we went past Wendameen:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0007.jpg?t=1282576225

Always a treat.

Once out of the Bay we were beating out Hussey Sound between Peaks Island and Long Island and who did we see but Roger Long on Strider:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0010.jpg?t=1282576225

I think the lubberly fender we were dragging was on the opposite side of the boat so I hope he didn't see it. His crewmate had a camera and I really hope it didn't see it either. Once out of the Sound we had a beautiful wind for a nice run all the way to Seguin Island.
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0012.jpg?t=1282576225

Looking back towards Portland:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0013.jpg?t=1282576225


Vinny and Shawn left Boothbay Harbor that morning and also sailed out to Seguin. Vinny called me when he got there to tell me that there were only three moorings in this year instead of the 6 that were there last year. They were planning on waiting for us like they did last year but all the moorings were taken. They thought that most of the boats on the moorings wouldn't be staying the night but instead of waiting to see and they decided to head up the Sheepscot River to Love Cove. As the wind died down a little over the afternoon we realized we wouldn't be to Seguin until 7pm. If all three moorings were taken there isn't really anyplace else to go closer than a couple of hours away. There is no anchoring at Seguin because the cove is an underground cable crossing area. As we got closer we saw a big cabin cruiser leaving so we knew there was at least one free mooring. But no! Another sailboat coming from the North darted in just before us. Did they take the last mooring? For a little while we still didn't know if we were all set. Finally we rounded up into the cove and that sailboat was the only one there. Yes. What a relief. Anchoring in the dark at an unknown spot was not sounding like fun.

Dinner was chicken curry with rice, with a cold Belhaven for me and a Woodchuck Cider for Mary.

[StevenBauer]

Day two

It was a beautiful morning but we didn't really stick around to see the lighthouse and museum like last year. Just a quick trip to shore to use the composting outhouse that the boyscouts built. The old ramp is still there where the lighthouse keeper would pull up his dory and the track that they used to haul the lamp oil for the light and coal for the keepers house is way cool:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1277.jpg?t=1282606063

Our neighbor was a couple from Germany in a steel boat. They were staying for the day to do some engine work.
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1278.jpg?t=1282606063


Then we sailed out to meet up with Acacia. We saw this serious looking boat:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1280.jpg?t=1282606063


We headed to Squirrel Island:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1282.jpg?t=1282606063

And there they were:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1283.jpg?t=1282606063


We had a little planning session and decided to head for Harbor Island.
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1288.jpg?t=1282606725

[AJZimm]

Can't wait for the next installment

[FSS172]

Fabulous!!! I want to BE there!!!!

[hikingchrs]

looks like fun, I wish I could have made it.
Chris

[Thad]

That serious looking boat passed us with a wave, headed East, the day we had dinner with you, outside Harpswell as we came across Casco Bay toward Portland.

[StevenBauer]

More day two

Here is the view aft from Acacia about the time that last pic was taken:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/Aug2010SailingVacation010.jpg?t=1282654956

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/Aug2010SailingVacation0082.jpg?t=1282654955


We went past the lighthouse just off Fisherman's Island:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1286.jpg?t=1282655262

Then past Pemiquid Point and up to Harbor Island:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1294.jpg?t=1282655378

Mary got cleaned up a little with the solar shower:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1296.jpg?t=1282655378

And we cooked up some ribs on the Cobb Cooker to bring over to Acacia for a pot luck dinner:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1297.jpg?t=1282655378

We decided to stick around the following day and explore the island a little. It really blew during the night, I went on deck at 3am to put some line around the halyards. Nothing like the sound of your halyards slapping against the mast to keep you awake.


Steven

[Jon Agne]

Bravo!

Did you go ashore at Sequin? On a clear day, the view from the top of tower is the BEST in Maine, and you get to see the fresnel lens up close....you can touch it.

Harbor Island is also really neat. I do try to keep well off Pemaquid as the swells bouncing off the rocks can lead to some very confused seas and uncomfortable motion.

Eagerly awaiting more!

[rbgarr]

The 'serious boat' is Barbara and was designed and belongs to Michael Porter of Chebeague Island in Casco Bay.

http://www.mp-marine.com/voyager.html

[Thad]

Thank you Dave.

[Mrleft8]

Damn! Steven........ You look HUGE in that picture! (Post #7) What sort of optical dillusion caused you to be half the size of the boat!?
Looks like a great sail though.... And looks like a good time was had by all!

[StevenBauer]

Damn! Steven........ You look HUGE in that picture! (Post #7) What sort of optical dillusion caused you to be half the size of the boat!?



Well it is just a wee little boat dontcha know. :D


Steven

[John B]

No kids!


yeeeha, party time.

[StevenBauer]

Before we move on to day three just a few loose ends from day two.

During dinner I snapped this pic over my shoulder of Acacias's deck beams/sheerclamp. She is one massively built boat!
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1300.jpg?t=1282655378


Her galley:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1301.jpg?t=1282655481

The view through a screen of Talisman:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1303.jpg?t=1282655481

Shawn and Kipper:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1306.jpg?t=1282655481

And Mary ready for bed:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1307.jpg?t=1282655481

[peter radclyffe]

it all looks lovely,thanks Steven

[StevenBauer]

Day three

The plan was to head in to Harbor Island but there was no hurry so we had a big breakfast and relaxed for a while.
It was a beautiful day:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1310.jpg?t=1282694649


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1311.jpg?t=1282694649


Our neighbor:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1315.jpg?t=1282694662


Heading in:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1318.jpg?t=1282694662


Are these two just the cutest dinghys? I think I'll send one of these prints to Iain in Scotland. He sure can design a nice tender:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1319.jpg?t=1282694662


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1322.jpg?t=1282694982

[StevenBauer]

Harbor Island is privately owned but the owners allow visitors. There are quite a few trails on the island and this beautiful old stone house:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1357.jpg?t=1282695432


Check out the granite beam at the top of the wall:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1323.jpg?t=1282695409

The view from the house looking out at the anchorage:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1355.jpg?t=1282695432


And if you own your own island on the coast of Maine it has to have its own golf course, eh?
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1324.jpg?t=1282695409

Shawn was searching for blackberries and though most had gone by she did find some in a shady spot off one of the trails.

On the other side of the Island are the most amazing rock formations and caves. This one 50 foot tall section broke off from the main cliff at a perfect right angle:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1325.jpg?t=1282695409


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1329.jpg?t=1282695409

[StevenBauer]

As you walk through the woods you'd suddenly look up to see views like this:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1330.jpg?t=1282695409

The caves were cool, too:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1335.jpg?t=1282695409


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1339.jpg?t=1282695409


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1343.jpg?t=1282695422


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/Aug2010SailingVacation014.jpg?t=1282696231



We saw the first of many Fairy Houses here by the caves:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1337.jpg?t=1282695409

[StevenBauer]

Some of the Fairy Houses were pretty elaborate:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1350.jpg?t=1282696440


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1351.jpg?t=1282696440


Some were more Flintstony:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1352.jpg?t=1282696440

Is this real Spanish Moss?
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1353.jpg?t=1282696440


When we got back to the beach we grabbed our lunch and found a shady spot to eat:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1361.jpg?t=1282696626


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1362.jpg?t=1282696626

[erster]

Another fine thread representing the intent of the forum! :ycool:Thanks for taking the time to share the shots!! Sharing the waters with your best friend only gets better with more avaliable time too as all the kids leave home too.;)

[StevenBauer]

The plan was to spend another night here at Harbor Island but the wind was perfect and we'd had a nice relaxed time exploring so we decided to head over to Port Clyde. We could top off our fuel tank and get some ice and water. We bought a new cooler for this trip, one of the new Coleman Xtremes. It was amazing! All we started out with was two frozen three liter water jugs. After three days they were both still frozen! But we didn't have any cubes for drinks. It's no fun having Dark And Stormies when you don't have any cubes.

After a bracing swim we were off:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1363.jpg?t=1282696626

On the way over to Port Clyde we passed these guys:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1365.jpg?t=1282696626
It's amazing how many 12 1/2's we saw on our trip.


It was a beautiful sail, Port Clyde was just a few miles away:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0028.jpg?t=1282697495


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0031.jpg?t=1282697495


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1367.jpg?t=1282696832

This island was near the entrance to the harbor, pretty nice setup, huh?
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0037.jpg?t=1282697651

[PeterSibley]

|:) Thanks , a great essay !

[StevenBauer]

Port Clyde is a fishing town and there were lots of working boats:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0039.jpg?t=1282697651


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0040.jpg?t=1282697651


And then there was this thing. What the heck is this?
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0044.jpg?t=1282697651
Look close, so you see Vinny there by the wheel!

This thing was huge!
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0045.jpg?t=1282697651


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0046.jpg?t=1282698099


There were a few yachts, too, like Whimbrel:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1372.jpg?t=1282698358


We had dinner at the restaurant at the dock by the General Store. Good food, good beer, I guess I didn't get a picture.

[sailboy3]

Keep going. I am thoroughly enjoying this.

[Ed Harrow]

Sweet.

[JimConlin]

Thanks, Steven. Does the Port Clyde General Store still sell native ice cubes?

Once again this year, I didn't get organized for a Maine cruise in Damfino.
Next year, without fail!

[Vinny&Shawn]

Jeepers Steven! We are totally enjoying your picture story. I had already forgotten how much fun we had! Your narratives put it all together nicely! Thank you for taking the time.
Shawn & Kipper

[Mrleft8]

Lotta red xs :(

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

Amazing just amazing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[StevenBauer]

Jeepers Steven! We are totally enjoying your picture story. I had already forgotten how much fun we had! Your narratives put it all together nicely! Thank you for taking the time.
Shawn & Kipper

I've been having fun doing it, Vinny. And we aren't even halfway done. :d


Lotta red xs :(

Bummer, Doug. All the pics are on Photobucket. I can see them on four different computers (2 apples, a windoze and a linux machine) and my phone. Others seem to be seeing them, too. Sounds like there might be a problem on your end. Have you tried Carter's computer? Or a different browser?


Steven

[Roger Long]

I not only passed Talisman on their way out of Portland but on their way into Harpswell Harbor for their last night as I was heading to Robinhood Cove. What are the chances?

[StevenBauer]

Amazing just amazing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tidbit was on her trailer when we left, you could have just launched her up here and joined in the fun. ;)

Speaking of Tidbit, have you been out sailing?


Steven

[StevenBauer]

I not only passed Talisman on their way out of Portland but on their way into Harpswell Harbor for their last night as I was heading to Robinhood Cove. What are the chances?

That was amazing, Roger. Nice wind that day, huh? I've got pics but don't want to get ahead of myself. :)

Steven

[Canoeyawl]

From where I was it looked like you finally got your northerly...

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

Tidbit was on her trailer when we left, you could have just launched her up here and joined in the fun. ;)

Speaking of Tidbit, have you been out sailing?


Steven

Check my Facebook ;)

[Duncan Gibbs]

Thanks for sharing Steven! :)

[John B]

Thanks Steven, always neat to see a different cruising ground. I've probably asked before but apart from the bay with cables.. is it normal to pick up a mooring most places rather than anchor .. regulations? too deep??

[StevenBauer]

It's usually anchoring here. Port Clyde is a busy harbor so we paid for the mooring there - $30. We paid in Boothbay, too, another busy harbor. We could have anchored out but by renting the mooring you get to use the shower. Very important to keep the crew happy when your boat is only 24'.

[John B]

Doesn't matter how big the boat is, you still have to keep the crew happy.:d

[StevenBauer]

Day four

5:30am I hear raindrops. Not good when all your food is out in the cockpit in canvas totes uncovered. I jumped out of my bunk and dragged all the food bags in and put them on my bunk, their usual spot when we are sailing during the day. Only now I had nowhere to go back to sleep. Oh well. We got out the boom tent and set it up over the cockpit and had a nice big breakfast. Bacon with an onion, pepper and cheese omelet.
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1373.jpg?t=1282793657


This Wharram catamaran came in to the harbor:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1374.jpg?t=1282793657

I hoped to see them again during the cruise but we never did.

The rain never really amounted to much and we decided to make the trip to Tenants Harbor. First we went in to town and did some shopping and visited some galleries. We gave one of our cameras to Shawn so we could have some pics of us underway on our own camera. It turns out we were lucky she got any pictures at all. We knew it was pretty windy before we left the harbor but we didn't realize just how windy it would be. We rolled up a reef, all the way to the first batten. As we headed out we almost immediately got in to some pretty big waves. Rounding Mosquito Island and out into the open ocean we looked back to see Acacia come off a huge wave and, I swear, the whole front half of the boat was out of the water. She looked like a broaching whale. Of course there are very few pics of the trip but it was a wild downwind ride.

Leaving Port Clyde:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0050.jpg?t=1282794736

Mosquito Island:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1383.jpg?t=1282793657

The swells were really big. Every few minutes Acacia would just disappear in the troughs. All we could see was her rig. And she's a big boat.

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0052.jpg?t=1282794736


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0053.jpg?t=1282794736

[StevenBauer]

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0054.jpg?t=1282794736

I just checked the GOMOOS buoy info and the waves were even bigger than I thought. We were out during the afternoon so the right hand side of the charts is the part to look at:

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/custom20100816T080000-20100816T180000_002.png?t=1282795431


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/custom20100816T080000-20100816T180000_003.png?t=1282795431


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/custom20100816T080000-20100816T180000.png?t=1282795431


So it looks like the waves were 5.5 to 6.5 feet and winds were about 16 knots, gusting to 20.

We had on our rain bibs and raincoats and wore our pfds but Talisman handled it really well. I was glad we had reefed as much as we had. The GPS recorded a max speed of 7.1. A few hours of this was plenty for us so we were glad to arrive at Tenants Harbor.

Coming in to Long Cove we passed the Jenny Ives, Vinnie's old boat!
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1393.jpg?t=1282796373

Safely at Anchor:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/Aug2010SailingVacation020.jpg?t=1282795431

[StevenBauer]

Today was the day that we were supposed to meet up with Canoeyawl. He was driving down from Searsport. Cell phone reception had been pretty bad but we did manage to get a call to his friend to tell him where we were. Long Cove is a little bit removed from Tenants Harbor proper so we hoped CY could make it out there. Not to worry, though. When I saw this sail I knew he had found us:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1399.jpg?t=1282796373


He and his nephew were in an 11 foot skiff and remember it was still blowing 16 knots!
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0056.jpg?t=1282796829


They came aboard for Dark and Stormies while the meatloaf cooked in the Cobb Cooker.

Meanwhile Shawn was busy with the berries over on Acacia:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0057.jpg?t=1282796829


After cocktail hour we all headed over to Acacia for dinner. We brought the meatloaf over in the Cobb Cooker still cooking, I think the Cobb is the only BBQ you can do that with.
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0061.jpg?t=1282796829


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/100_0058.jpg?t=1282796829


Here is the sign of a great dinner aboard:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1412.jpg?t=1282797302

[StevenBauer]

The Jenny Ives came by on her way back to town, what a beauty:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1411.jpg?t=1282797286

Dinner was wonderful, Mary's meatloaf was a success and Shawn's tart, too. Here is the happy crew:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1416.jpg?t=1282797302

After dinner CY and his nephew jumped in the skiff and rowed off upwind into the dark. They made it somehow, but it was a feat of boat handling I'm sure.

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1422.jpg?t=1282797699


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1424.jpg?t=1282797699

We headed back to Talisman for some much needed sleep:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1419.jpg?t=1282797302
Steven

[Russ Manheimer]

Steven,

Great story and pics. The cabin photo shows so much of what we all dream about. Bravo all.

Russ

[Thad]

When we were in Tenants we ran into Henry (Jenny Ives owner) on the porch of the Eastwind Inn. Fun. Good it was last week not this week, if your weather has been anything like here.

[Hwyl]

. The GPS recorded a max speed of 7.1.

Wow

[Vinny&Shawn]

Give us this day our daily thread.

This is great Steven and Mary. Thanks so much!

[Dick Wynne]

A glorious account Steven, of an area I thoroughly enjoyed with Thad this month, thanks for going to this trouble! I have a Cobb cooker but as yet unused. Theoretically, and if you gimballed it somehow, it could cook your entire dinner while at sea, but maybe you wouldn't trust it between Port Clyde and Long Cove that day . . .

[John Boone]

Great stuff Steven, thanks for putting it together and sharing.

Regards, John

[kazeai1969]

Very nice!

[Phil Y]

excellent:)

[BrianW]

Thanks Steve! Lots of time and effort goes into a great thread like this.

We've got to get to Maine!

[Ed Harrow]

Even Sweeter!

[StevenBauer]

Day five

Started out a little foggy and the wind had calmed down a lot.
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/08-17-10_0949.jpg?t=1282912212


This interesting crew came by during breakfast:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/08-17-10_1004.jpg?t=1282912212


Vinny knew of an old quarry he wanted to take us to so we headed over to the abandoned looking lobster pound:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1427.jpg?t=1282912398


And left our dinghys at their dock:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1428.jpg?t=1282912398


The old quarry was pretty cool:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1434.jpg?t=1282912398


Quite the hang out spot for the local teens:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1433.jpg?t=1282912398

[StevenBauer]

The water was lovely, cool enough to be refreshing but warm enough to just hang out in and enjoy:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1432.jpg?t=1282912398


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1431.jpg?t=1282912398


We had lunch at some picnic tables by the lobster pound then brought Mary and Shawn back to the boats and headed in to town for some supplies:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1438.jpg?t=1282912536


We passed this sweet setup on the way in to town:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1441.jpg?t=1282912536


This guy was at the Lyman Morse dock:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1443.jpg?t=1282912536


Unloading the goods:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1447.jpg?t=1282913057

After getting some groceries and fresh fish the plan was to head back through Port Clyde and up the St. George River to Maple Juice Cove.

[Allison]

It just keeps getting better. great trip, Thanks for sharing.

[StevenBauer]

This one is a beauty, eh?
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1458.jpg?t=1282913424


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1460.jpg?t=1282913424


Coming in to Maple Juice cove we saw Alleen with a crowd in her cockpit. There wasn't much wind but she was ghosting along quite nicely:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1468.jpg?t=1282913446


MJC was beautiful and not a single lobster buoy in sight. Something to do with the Andrew Wyeth estate?
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/08-17-10_1852.jpg?t=1282913710


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/08-17-10_1945.jpg?t=1282913710


We cooked up our fish and had a quiet night before turning in early.

[Jim Ledger]

The Maine coast in the middle of August, what could be finer?

Thanks Steven, a wonderful thread.

[Roger Long]

The Maine coast in the middle of August, what could be finer?

The Maine coast in the last half of September and early October.

[StevenBauer]

The Maine coast in the last half of September and early October.

Says the guy with a heater on his boat. |;)


Steven

[Roger Long]

Says the guy with a heater on his boat.

Actually, I've made several September / October cruises but never yet with a heater. The warmth of the water actually makes this time of year as pleasant as late June or early July. There is less fog, the air is crisp and enticing, the fall colors begin to appear along the rivers, harbors and marinas are uncrowded, the gulls glide up the wind in search of food and the sky at night looks deep and far away. (With a little theft from Billy Atkin)

Still, I'm really looking forward to firing up that Dickenson that's been sitting there cold all summer. Last year, I could have used it all summer long. All you New England folks have me to thank for spending all that money on it so we would have this great summer.

[StevenBauer]

Sorry for the delay, now where were we, oh yeah, day six.

By now we were so into trip mode we didn't even know what day it was anymore. We wanted to get back past Pemiquid point but didn't want to go to Boothbay yet (Acacia's home port). So we figured the anchorage behind Witch Island in So. Bristol would be just right. We could get gas and water at the lobster coop and it is a beautiful spot.

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1488.jpg?t=1283196886

Pemaquid Point Light:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1504.jpg?t=1283196870


In John's Bay:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1507.jpg?t=1283196870

There were some very nice boats by Witch Island:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1512.jpg?t=1283196961


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1514.jpg?t=1283196961


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1539.jpg?t=1283197218

[StevenBauer]

And some nice properties, too:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1520.jpg?t=1283197149


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1521.jpg?t=1283197149


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1522.jpg?t=1283197149


Talisman at anchor:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1531.jpg?t=1283197180


Mary on Acacia:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1534.jpg?t=1283197180


Kipper again:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1537.jpg?t=1283197218

[StevenBauer]

Day seven

We went out the Gut to the Damariscotta River. A couple of cute little tugboats:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1549.jpg?t=1283197218


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1550.jpg?t=1283198059

And, of course, Chris's Victoria:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1551.jpg?t=1283198059


Then through the swing bridge:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1554.jpg




We planned to go to Love Cove on the Sheepscot River but as we got out to the mouth of the River we saw a huge wall of fog a few miles offshore. "Good thing that's out there and not in here", we said.
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1568.jpg?t=1283198323


As we got closer we realized the fog was indeed moving in on us. First we lost Damariscove, then Fisherman's Island was gone:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1571.jpg?t=1283198323


Soon all we could see was about a 200 foot radius circle around us. We were in bright sunlight, but couldn't see more than 200 feet. Vinny made the call to go in to Boothbay Harbor to wait for the fog to clear.

[StevenBauer]

We picked up some moorings and waited a bit:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1580.jpg?t=1283198594


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1583.jpg?t=1283198594


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1585.jpg?t=1283198594

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1586.jpg?t=1283198837

We called RBGarr but he was out of town.

The fog seemed like it was sticking around so we decided to spend the night in Boothbay. We took a mooring at the Tugboat Inn and did some laundry, took showers and went to dinner at a little Vietnamese restaurant.

The fog came and went a few times through the afternoon:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/08-19-10_1632.jpg?t=1283199270



There is a slightly different feel to Boothbay Harbor than the last few places we had been. This is Nauti Girl from Palm Springs:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/08-19-10_2030.jpg?t=1283199078

[ILikeRust]

I very rarely use this word, because it is so overused these days, but ... awesome! Looks like an absolutely fantastic time!

THIS is why I bought a sailboat. Very much looking forward to similar adventures of my own.

[Larks]

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1416.jpg?t=1282797302
Steven

Russ is right, there is a cover photo if ever I've seen one, complete with gratuitous WB mag' in the background. Lovely story Steven, thanks for sharing it mate.

[StevenBauer]

Here is my first attempt at a video. I don't really know what I'm doing, my 15 year old helped me.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FDLqSUlTAo





Steven

[Thorne]

Great pics and report! Also wonderful to see a face I recognize from TSCA events out here - Canoeyawl.

[Canoeyawl]

Yup!
And that dinner and the hospitality was great,
Where else but Maine could two strangers show up alongside in the dark and bingo! be invited on board for dinner and drinks?
Excellent, and many thanks again, it was a highlight of the summer.
(Stephen, I have news about the item(s) from California that we spoke of - canoeyawl at hotmail...)

[Vinny&Shawn]

Nice video Steven, Talisman is an amazing little vessel, takes whatever Maine weather gets thrown at her and always in safety. Nice shots of our travels.

[Domesticated_Mr. Know It All]

Awesome!
Thanks.

[Thad]

Ah, youth (15)!

[Ed Harrow]

And still sweeter!

[David G]

Most enjoyable. Thanks!

[Allison]

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/Talismans%202010%20cruise%20with%20Acacia/IMG_1585.jpg?t=1283198594

Does anybody have any info about this little schooner? She looks great!
Thanks for the thread it's good to see people having fun the way we all wish to do it.

[seanz]

Here is my first attempt at a video. I don't really know what I'm doing, my 15 year old helped me.


Steven

Say thanks from me, to the 15 year old, that was worth watching.
:)

[HR]

What a great journal of a fantastic trip. Thanks.

Howard

[Vinny&Shawn]

Does anybody have any info about this little schooner? She looks great!
Thanks for the thread it's good to see people having fun the way we all wish to do it.[/QUOTE]

That is the Lazy Jack, she charters out of Boothbay Harbor, owner operator Joseph Tassi
http://www.sailschoonerlazyjack.com

[Allison]

Thanks, she looks good, I wasn't sure who's design she was. Schooners are just beautiful! But I'm biased.

[Vinny&Shawn]

We love schooners also,and we were looking into them before we bought Acacia, but 32' is easier to maintain than say 37 to 45 or larger, which is were we feel the proper ratios are represented.

[Chris Coose]

Yesterday I was having brunch in the Gut and I get a knock on the front door, which usually indicates neighbors rather than mariners. Vinnie and Shawn come in to visit. They are anchored just outside by Witch and it's blowing hard WSW which puts them in the lee. (They didn't approach by way of the pier, not knowing who may be at the house) We visit and catch up.
I screwed up my vacation/rental schedule this year and was unable to join the cruise.
So I'm thinking, as soon as Mary or anybody else knows the August week they have off, I'll set into my vacation, work, rental calanders the dates for the 3rd annual Welfare Fleet Cruise.
I can't think there is anything more important in a year than making this trip.

[Howard Sharp]

Agreed and seconded. Looking forward to it.

[Geoff C]

Terrific thread. We were on John's Bay for most of July and August.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4969490295_3c8eefce23.jpg
My wife's family had a cottage in McFarlands Cove overlooking Witch Island (in background above). This summer, after 40 years, I finally learned where the name came from. It was named for Hetty Green, known as the Witch of Wall Street, the who owned it and built a house there more than a hundred years ago. She and her husband abandoned the house and it fell into ruins. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hetty_Green

[FSS172]

Agreed and seconded. Looking forward to it.

Thirded....??? God willin', we'll be there!! Or maybe that should be "God, Willin', we'll be there!!"