Friday Night Thank You Notes and More

I love to watch Jimmy Fallon, especially on Friday nights when he does his sketch "Friday Night Thank You Notes".  While trying to fall asleep last night I kept thinking of some things I am thankful for during the trip so far.  I don't pretend to be as funny as Jimmy Fallon, but I hope I've hit on some things I wanted to share with you but haven't so far, as well as a few repeats.  Here goes.

Typical island outcropping all along the coast line

Thank you for excellent weather so far this trip, but then again - a little more wind so we could sail more would be nice.

Thank you for the delicious lobster we've had so far this trip - but really guys, do you need to put your pots so close to each other?

Thank you Linda Bean for how you are improving Port Clyde.  We will return in the future to see more improvements.

Thank you for the panoramic views, the quaint and picturesque coves, the cute boutiques - is there a Walmart nearby? (just kidding)

Thank you for the lack of wi-fi and TV reception.  I'm beginning to go into iPhone withdrawal and David is watching all the DVDs/movies he loves over and over.

Coveside Marina - thank you for your dock for $40.00.  Just wish your entertainment last night was a bit more musically talented.

Thank you David for figuring out the problem with the engine overheating, for unclogging the forward head, raising and lowering the dinghy, and putting up with me!  You have the patience of a saint!

Thank you all my friends who are reading my blog, I hope you are enjoying it, and that I'm not boring you too much!

If you enlarge this picture of the chart you will find Tenants Harbor on the right hand side, and Port Clyde on the left hand side.  

Now back to describing Port Clyde and Christmas Cove.  We had been to Port Clyde 6 years ago on our 36.  It was very, very foggy, and we didn't appreciate the beautiful area, the many rock outcroppings, nor did we venture ashore.  There wasn't much here then.  Just a General Store not even as well stocked as Cuttyhunk's store.

General store to the right, notice the steep gangway because of  the tidal differences

So, this year, when we got ashore and found the store doubled in size and selling everything from soup to nuts (produce to liquor) fresh bread daily, and of course fresh fish and lobsters we were pleasantly surprised.  Not to mention a cute "Store Upstairs" with local artists' paintings, jewelry and knick-knacks for sale.  It was fun to browse.  There was an art gallery across the street - David commented that if this art sold for the $300.00 price tag then he should be an artist.  He felt he could paint better than some of the featured artists.

Just couldn't resist this picture. So colorful

Linda Bean has bought up a lot of property here, and it's my impression that Port Clyde will become a busy and inviting harbor in the near future.  She has some innovative ideas.  I have some for her too - like keep the cars away from the waterfront - it destroys the view.  Maybe a shuttle bus from a parking lot to the ferry dock would eliminate some of this.  By the way, the ferry runs to Monhegan Island delivering overnight guests, and giving puffin and lighthouse tours. It's on our to do list for a future trip.

The Dip Net outdoor restaurant served delicious steamers and Lobster Ale for an afternoon snack,

Lobsters in a bathtub?

 then a walk up to the Lobster Barn to buy 2 more lobsters for a second steamed lobster dinner.  They were cheaper here than in Tenants Harbor so we just had to have more.

Purchasing fuel was our morning chore on Friday, then a short motor to Christmas Cove.

The route we traveled out of Port Clyde to Christmas Cove was the same we traveled 6 years ago in the 36, but we actually could see what was around us this time.  I don't know how we maneuvered through the fog that year, the islands and the rocks are very close, and you have to maneuver around the lobster pots.  This time though, I steered our way through.  David said I did a good job.  But steering means I can't take pictures!

Christmas Cove is described in the Cruising Guide as a place like Cuttyhunk.  Well, I beg to differ.  It was busy, yes, but not as remote or Caribbean feeling as Cuttyhunk since there are no sandy beaches.  We ended up dockside at the Coveside Marina/Restaurant.  We watched many small power boats overflowing with family members come and go - they would tie up at the dock, have a late lunch or early dinner, then head back out.  Most of the boats were vintage - like the Lyman I took a picture of.

This one's for you Dad.  A Vintage Lyman.  And very well take care of.  Heard someone say that after Labor Day Weekend this boat is stored in a HEATED garage until Memorial Day.

Before the day was out 2 more boats tied up at the dock to spend the night.  We met a young couple aboard LUNE, their 1980 C&C 36, watched a family with 3 young boys - all under the age of 8 come in and pick up a mooring.  The 4 or 5 year old snagged it with the pick-up stick.  He was so proud of himself he jumped up and down on the deck singing, "I did it, I did it!" Reminded me an awful lot of Baleigh.  His younger brother watched carefully.  I'm sure today he'll be the one picking up the mooring - just like Payton!  I offered wedding arrangements!  Their father says they're available!

There was entertainment at the restaurant at 8:00pm so after a REAL shower we decided to join the crowd at the bar.  Dan Stevens, you are not our cup of tea!  I'm not sure if he sang country, or rock, or what, but not much of what he played/sang seemed to have a tune, or resembled anything I had ever heard before.  We didn't stay long.

Obsession dockside at Coveside Marina/Restaurant

Saturday we left early - about 9:00am for Boothbay Harbor.  Some serious retail therapy is in order for the day.  The weather isn't supposed to be good on Sunday - rain and thunderstorms.  We might stay here 2 nights.