Amazing Grace

So there I was...hearing the hymn Amazing Grace wafting over the water on a very foggy day in Gloucester.  I stepped out into the cockpit of Eventide to search for the source of this haunting sound.  There, on the end of a dock, stood a lone bagpiper in full regalia playing this tune of hope, yet a sense of sadness permeated the air.  A boat with several well dressed people aboard appeared out of the mist and headed for the Scottish figure.  As it floated several yards off the end of the dock, I could see through my binoculars the people crying as they consoled one another.  Suddenly, the vessel turned toward the open sea, slowly making its way out of the harbor on its way to spread the loved ones ashes on the outgoing tide.  As I watched, it disappeared into the mist from which it came.  And the piper played on.

The Maine Attraction

So there I was...anchored in Harpswell Harbor, found on one of the many islands speckled throughout Casco Bay, Maine.  Only problem with this place was it was so calm and peaceful that I had no excuse to not get work done on the boat.  And so I made strides with my list of projects but not before taking an early morning dingy ride across the channel to Orr's Island where, after tying up at the dock of the Salt Cod Cafe, I would climb the ramp to the place that hunger and satisfaction came to start the new day.  Not only were the people about as nice as nice can be, but the Maine Blueberry Muffins were to die for.  I would take my coffee and muffin to the deck overhanging the water to watch the lobstermen bringing their fresh catch to the dock of the local waterside restaurant.  The scene was quintessential Maine.  I stayed in Harpswell Harbor longer than expected, for obvious reasons, then made my way to another beautiful island anchorage where I got invited onto a Grand Banks 52' yacht for coffee, then drinks, then fresh lobster salad, then more drinks.  He, Hungarian and she Australian were starting their adventure of living on the boat full time.  They had so many questions about life on the water and entertained me with stories of their youth that were fascinating and often heartbreaking.  I hope I run into them again.  Today, I'm in Gloucester, MA.  As I was coming over from Isle of Shoals yesterday, I caught a glimpse of a seal, fish in mouth and a guilty look on his face.  He was right next to a lobster pot and I know the lobstermen use that same fish for bait in their traps.  Bad seal.  I'll soon pick my lovely wife, Kim, up from the train station as she joins me in exploring several other harbors but not before I dive on Jack's sailboat to clean his running gear(propeller and shaft) of growth and barnacles. Jack is a new friend that I met in one of the harbors I anchored in.  He's from Holland but now lives on his boat full time in the Caribbean.  He has the greatest accent though I must admit, there are times I'm not quite sure what he said. The water is too cold up here for him but it's to my liking so I'll get the underside of his boat ready to make the long trip south.  This trip along Maine's coastline was on my bucket list and it has not disappointed.