June 1

Gary’s Birthday (no telling how many) We started out from Portland early for a 60 NM run to Matinicus Island, a small island off the coast that would serve as  jumping off point for our run across the Gulf of Maine to Yarmouth. The trip was long but uneventful. Winds were light so we ran the engine just to augment the sails and keep the speed up. The engine ran well all day but at the end we started getting much smoke and heat. In the harbour we pulled up to the fuel barge. The owners came out to tell us that the entire island was populated by lobster fishermen who used it as a base for the offshore fishing grounds. The fuel was for the fishermen but when they heard we only needed ten gallons they sold it to us. We also leased a mooring for the night and discovered that lobstermen were not the only ones there. The other residents were vicious mosquitoes. I killed a number, at least three of which had already “filled up” on either Gary or myself.

Gary

What better way to celebrate a birthday than on a summer cruise!!  The weather was very good again.  The islands were interesting and provided very nearly waypoints for each third of the trip.  Matinicus is indicated on charts as having moorings for visitors.  There was no real sign that these moorings exist, but the fellow who puts them out says it isn’t quite the season yet (should have called ahead), but they were very accommodating.  Also indicated on the chart is a rock in the very centre of the small cove… the only marking for that was a flock of birds bobbing right over it.