Nothing but Blue Sky, from now on …

After a long stretch of rain, the clouds lifted, leaving blue sky for as far as the eye could see.

Buck’s Harbor Marine, Brooksville, ME

John Buck (similar in name to my beloved brother-in-law, John Buckendahl) and his family run a charming marina.  From the mooring field it was a quick dinghy ride to the land.

Outdoor Shower – clean and convenient.

Charming countryside.

This Van is for Sam

Dog is my Co-Pirate. Now that’s a great t-shirt.

Okay followers, including @DougAndDanaAndABoat, no tags this time, 1) what is this flower and 2) why is it of significance to me?  Cleverness encouraged, with a real answer intertwined.

Go ahead, Identify that wild blue flower in your comments!

From Buck’s harbor we motored to Brooklin, in the fog, again.

Wooden Boat School

Brooklin, Maine

As we headed to the school, David Bernstein observed a marine tragedy …. A moment of silence for this little guy.

David and Gail lead the way to the WoodenBoat School, where we observed plenty of retired dudes hard at work.  Faye and Tom rode along as well.

From Kayaks to Sailboats, exquisite craftsmanship. Hand-milled wood (Sam, you would have enjoyed this).

Kollegewidgwok Yacht Club , Brooklin

Don’t worry, we can’t pronounce it either. Call it KYC. It was another beautiful stop. We never get tired of this landscape.

Blue Hill, Maine

Photo of three boats together, courtesy of Treble.

Another sweet little harbor – we were the largest boats in the mooring field.

The Garmin reading on the dinghy captured the days low and high tides in Blue Hill Harbor. You can do the math, the difference is over 12 feet. At low tide, you cannot access the town dock, as you are completely surrounded by bedrock and mud.  The terrain might be heaven for seals, but it is not navigable for any type of watercraft – not even kayaks.

Actual dinghy ride conversation:

Mary, “This dinghy ride (at high tide) is very different from our ride yesterday (at low tide).” David, “Yeees, there are a lot less rocks.” Gail, “Hmmm. I think we have the same number of rocks.”

Blue Hill, Maine

From KYC we took the dinghy to Blue Hill – you can get there by water in a brief window of time – from two hours before until two hours after high tide.

A quaint little town, the City Hall is a local treasurer.

Blue Hill Grocery

Not your typical grocery store, this little treasure has an unexpected collection of retro games. And now for a blast from the way back. Recognize this?

Dinner at ArborVine, Blue Hill

We successfully made reservations for 6, and had the most unexpected meal in a remote spot. Amazing, and worth a return trip.

Maddie and her alligator buddy, wishing for dry land.  This is not staged.

Maddie Sue often carries her little buddy around the boat. The gator has been her constant companion, from Long Beach California, for roughly 10 years. I keep thinking I should ask her vet to officially declare Miss gator as a comfort pet – just can’t figure out how to get it TSA clearance.

Union River

Moonrise – enjoy the beauty.

Anchored out, again, Maddie makes the most of the situation.

Celebrating Milestones. Anniversary: Larry & Laura, July 26. Birthdays: SuperWoman Diana Giraldo, July 28; Ann Freedman, July 31.

Next Stop:  Pretty Marsh followed by Seal Cove