Oh, Elsa, enough already!

On the theme of being cold this picture missed the last post from Booth Bay Harbor.  Thanks to David B, Rick was well-bundled, with a proper coat.

Rockland, Maine

The run from Booth Bay to Rockland was bumpy, until Maddie remembered to turn on the Sea Keeper. Our favorite feature on the new Exhale, the gyro creates a smooth ride when the seas are not so calm.

Owls Head

Have you ever seen a tall ship?  How about two schooners together?

For your viewing pleasure

We were joined in Rockland by Claude and JoAnn Welles, friends we had cruised with in the Bahamas.

Rockland is home to countless parks, museums, galleries, and boutiques.  Local restaurants offered an array of farm to table and fresh fish options, with far too many to choose from!

Harbor Square Gallery

Thanks to JoAnn and Claude we found a perfect local gem.  Best little gallery, ever.  Built in 1912, this former bank (Security Trust), is magnificent.  Inside we toured the underground vault, the main floor, mezzanine, and a roof top garden – an oasis of trees and sculpture.  Every nook and cranny had a sweet surprise.  My personal favorite was the bank manager’s corner office on the mezzanine level – complete with a private balcony and exterior staircase.  Oh, Peter Zamarillo, may you rest in peace, the strategically located manager’s exit would have been well used by you!

This link will give you more interior pics. Click Here: Check it out!

And then there were 10

With Rick and Karen Smith (not pictured) on board Tonto (4), the Welles on Exhale (4) and the Turkes from Treble (2) it was a full house. After a visit to the local seafood market, another fresh fish dinner was prepared by Chef Capt. Rick and enjoyed by all.  Thanks again Gail and Greg for the yummy recipes.

Trivia for our friends from Doyle Lumber:  The Native Indians called Rockland Catawamteak, meaning “great landing place.”  Greg Doyle, notice the “teak” part in the name.  Maybe it should have been Cat-a-wam-oak, or Cat-a-wam-pine, since this location is a BIG oak and pine spot.

Rockland Lighthouse

As Elsa approached, we moved from Rockland to Rockport.  Distance between the two is about 6 nautical miles, or roughly 45 minutes – shortest run ever

Rockport Harbor

Arriving in Rockport in record time, Maddie seemed a little confused by the short journey. No time for a nap, no chance to bark at anything. What the heck?

Rockport, Maine

Ms. Abbie Leonard is the Harbormaster in Rockport; she gets more than a gold star for customer care.  Most shocking, Rockport Harbor marina is a City dock!  Would you believe Abbie called Tonto, and then spoke with us, to make sure we knew the dock could be rocking and “a tad bit uncomfortable” when Elsa arrived. She posted this bulletin on the website:

MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN 03-21

Date: July 7, 2021 Time: 1500

Safety Alert in Preparation for Tropical Storm ELSA

We are currently tracking Tropical Storm ELSA’s path along the Atlantic coast. The most recent National Weather Service Hurricane Center predictions indicate gale force winds (sustained winds of 39 – 54 MPH) may impact some Northern New England ports within the next 72 hours. Ports in the Northern New England Captain of the Port Zone remain open to all commercial traffic.

Restore your faith people, government employees are nice people too.

The harbor is absolutely picturesque. 

Sadie and the Train – Fancy a Cuppa?

With a watchful eye for the imminent rain, a handful of silver-haired female artists were painting the historic structures and picturesque landscape surrounding the Harbor.

Miss Sadie looked a bit chilled. Perhaps it was the lovely British accent that prompted me to offer a spot of tea … or maybe it was the reminder of our sweet friends, Maaaack and Heather Rutherford on Bushranger. Sadie’s subject was the Vulcan Steam Locomotive, a little 040 saddletank steam locomotive dating back to the late 1800s. 

The Maine Event

And now for a shameless commercial break.  6 adults, 3 trawlers, 2 dogs, and 2 international bears. Look for pictures by Gail Bernstein and Simon Murray in a future edition of Power & MotorYacht. Details later.

Sea Haven, Rockport, ME

Weather Report: about that looming storm – Elsa diverted to the east, thank goodness!

No, Elsa did not bring any snow to Rockport, Maine, but she dumped enough rain to drown mosquitoes.  No worries, now there is plenty of standing water to restart the process.

Did you know there are over 3,000 types of mosquitoes worldwide, with 40 types in Maine.  I want to know, why would anyone actually signup to count and catalogue those pests? Oh, and which states have the most mosquitoes? Count down #5: North Carolina, #4: Georgia, #3: Louisiana, #2: Texass, and drum roll please, #1 is Florida.  No surprise.

When it Rains – take a nap

Maddie said, when you can’t do anything ab0ut the storm, take a nap.

Finally, a little local humor for Marty Liljequist.

And yes, we love our multi-function CrockPot! Thanks, Marty, we think of you often.

Next Destination: Castine, ME

Celebrating Milestones:  Birthdays:  Rodger Swink, Reality, July 7; Jamie Hendry, July 10; Laura Jo Straley, July 13. Miss you beyond measure.