Bruce Kessler – Exhale on the Water

Castine, Maine

Simple living, with new friends. So far, Castine is our favorite respite in Maine.

Let’s start with the small world syndrome.

The owner of Otter’s Eatery, Rob DeGennaro, also owns a few familiar spots in Florida, including Ichabod’s (yum!), Nervous Nellie, RC Otter’s, the Island Cow on Sanibel, La Captiva Island Inn, Hungry Heron, and several more.

Housed in the former Dennett’s Wharf building on Sea Street, Otter’s Eatery is a casual, family style restaurant with delicious food! And, don’t you just love the whimsical logo – notice the Florida-style shirt on that otter! To our delight, after chatting with Capt. Rick (who was wearing a similar shirt, no surprise), and realizing the common Florida connection, Rob offered Exhale the floating dock for two nights! A much smoother experience than the rocking mooring ball. Thanks, Rob! Maddie appreciated the close proximity to the park – we will be back.

Castine Walking Tour

We explored the town with our personal guide, Gail, who took us on a walking tour filled with hysterical trivia.

F.L.A.G.

What a fabulous concept! The miniatures in the gallery were adorable. We only wish we had something to exchange.

Maine architecture

We never get tired of the beautiful architecture in Maine. Built on bedrock, these structures withstand the test of time.

Built in 1790, Bell and Cupola added in 1831

Wildflowers, vibrant and serene

While Tonto took a detour for some repairs, Exhale remained in Castine for an extra night or two.

Pentagoet Inn and Wine Bar

Built in 1894, the inn is Castine’s oldest, original “summer hotel” still welcoming guests of Penobscot Bay. This Queen Anne Victorian style hotel has a prominent three-story turret, gables, and a delightful wraparound porch.

Lured in by the promise of “wine perfectly paired with small plates“, we made reservations for a table to enjoy the evening jazz on the porch. Let’s just say it was Not what we imagined. Suffice to say the cook needed some lessons from Craig Adford, it was a weak attempt, with very little offered.

What do you do when the meal is a bust? Find a better option! Meet Danny, Murphy, and Bernie.

Pizza time!

Danny Murphy’s Irish Pub is a local spot that opens AFTER the last tourist boat departs. Named after the two Maltese pupsters, the proprieter, Bernie, pours a cold beer, accompanied by a hot pizza, worth the wait, and priced to attract return visitors.

Lobstah beer

Don’t be afraid, it doesn’t taste fishy at all, and it goes well with pub food.

Hold on tight, Maddie

The floating dock at Otter’s was a great find. BUT, the tide swing is more than 10 feet, we think the floating ramp was a 45-degree angle.

At one point, we were almost level with the restaurant. Notice the water marks on the dock pilings.

Camden, Maine

The run to Camden was about 4 hours, going super super slow. The water was flat and the weather delightful. We docked next to Sapphire Star, she hails from Juneau, AK. Notice the big dipper. Mr. Kaplan was a long way from home.

Camden foot bridge

Another fix it project

Did I mention that Capt. Rick loves projects!?! Broken slats require a mega toothpick.

Toothpicks and zip strips to complete the chair repair for Tonto.

Wish you were here, Chris Moles.

Zopilote

Translated: Black Vulture, a wise bird that picks up the leavings. This magnificent boat is 20 years old, and clean as a whistle. Cared for with a LOT of pride.

We have said it before, the best part of boating is the friends who join you, and, the people you meet along the way.

This one is for Mija. Introducing Bruce Kessler, the son of a clothing designer – a true living legend. An American racing driver, film and tv director his story is amazing. Holy crap. He’s 88. We encourage you to take a look at his Wikipedia page, and read the story about James Dean. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Kessler