Rockport – Exhale on the Water

We crossed into Maine some time ago; now we are in New York, again. That means this post will cover a lot of territory.

So, pour a cup of coffee, Ann Johnston, or a glass of wine, and let’s get caught up.

Dysart’s Southwest Harbor, Maine

Thanks to Jim and Susan Merritt, Exhale was scrubbed from top to bottom, just in time to say Hello to Ray and Caryl! Buttercup loves it when the cookie man is in the house.

Capt. Rick, Buttercup, Gail B, Caryl M, Jim M, Ray “Sideways”, and Susan Merritt

Reuniting with our 2018 Looper buddies, we intentionally overlapped our guests. Thanks to Gail and David B, Sideways was upgraded to premier class on the first night, spoiled in a cabin on Tonto’s Reward.

Visiting with two Hollywood Legends

An Elvis Co-star – It was a privilege to see Joan Freeman again. Look her up, she was an amazing star! She and her husband, Bruce Kessler were enjoying their summer in Maine.

Lobster Fest

Perfect Timing – Micah, the generous local lobster fisherman, holds an annual birthday party/lobster fest at the Dysart’s marina. We arrived just in time to chow down with old friends Bruce Kessler and Joan Freeman-Thank you Micah! Lobster-ific!

Rockport, Maine

We love Rockport. The sky tells the story, serene, and magical.

Unfortunately, Phil, there were no weddings to crash.

Boothbay, Maine

This photo was not altered in any way, the Maine weather was this perfect!

Portland, Maine – Dimillos

We said goodbye to Ray and Caryl in Portland, Maine – thanks for joining us guys!

Fashion Week – New York City, New York

I had the privilege, again, of supporting my daughter, Alisha Silverstein, during New York fashion week. Along with the insanely talented Carly Lennon Maurer (my niece), we spent 7 nights working in the Big Apple.

Hello New York! Carly Lennon Maurer and Alisha Silverstein

I am extremely proud of Mija who continues to elevate the Selkie brand with her exquisite talent. Here are just a few Selkie photos showing us at work behind the scenes in preparation of the fashion show

Alisha Silverstein and her cousin Carly Maurer

Alterations completed. Late night final touches.

A total of 64 outfits were displayed on the runway. All of them were customized to fit the models. Spectacular Results.

Yes, the starry night dress I am wearing and the black jumper Alisha is wearing are Selkie designs.

And yes, David Bernstein, we are drinking Aperol Spritz to celebrate!

Meanwhile, the show on Exhale went on as scheduled, with a well-qualified Understudy. A heartfelt thanks to First Mate / Photographer, Craig Adford! With Craig’s experienced, able-bodied support, Exhale continued to travel.

Crew change. First Mate, Craig Adford arrives.

Wentworth by the Sea, New Hampshire

Pickering Wharf Salem, Massachusetts

Witches for a Good Cause

For our Massachusetts friends, if you are looking for a local cause to support, check out this unique grocery store/food pantry.

The Daily Table, a Boston-based nonprofit. So far, the grocery store chain has a total of 5 stores, typically located in dense neighborhoods with little or no fresh food offered – known as food deserts. The Market is a unique food pantry found on the ground floor of North Shore CDC’s Lighthouses building at 47 Leavitt St. https://www.dailytable.org/

Photographed by Capt. Rick, the stores are absolutely beautiful.

Sandwich, Massachusetts

thru the Cape Cod Canal,

Pope’s Island, New Bedford, Massachusetts

uhhhhh – this is a hurricane warning flag

Flying towards the storm, again.

After an exciting fashion show, I met up with the crew of Exhale in New Bedford, MA, where they found protective shelter from hurricane Lee. Thankfully it was significantly less than predicted!

Note from the archives – New Bedford was the safe holdout we used when hiding from yet another hurricane in 2021. If you want to see the exceptional engineering watch this short video!

Closing the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier

I got to see Craig for one night, then he flew back to LA to celebrate Mason’s birthday. We said Goodnight under the Red Sky of New Bedford.

Mystic, Connecticut

Celebrating Milestones: Belated birthday wishes: September 10; Eileen Pitel; September 15, Tony Pearl Jam; September 18, Mason turned 5!

Coming Up: the next post will take us to Sag Harbor, New York. Thanks for following us!!

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.

4 of the 10: Claude and JoAnn Welles, Gail and David Bernstein

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.

Capt Rick, Maddie Sue, Mary S, Exhale; Gail B, Bert, EJ, David B, Tonto’s Reward;
Faye, Tom and Sandy Cocoa Puff, Treble in Paradise.

Sea Haven, Rockport, ME

Charming landscapes are abundant in Maine.

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.

Tag: Rockport

New York, New York

Oh, Elsa, enough already!