Fifth Week - Made it to ROQUE ISLAND

Well we made it to Roque Island - Spent 2 days in Shorey Cove (opposite side of the Island from the main beach). We were the only boat for the two days we were here. What a lovely and stark area - looking out to Jonesport and the surrounding Islands. All we say was seals, eagles and the occassionaly lobster man. We arrived at Roque after a false start from Southwest Harbor (Mt. Desert) where we were fogged in as we left and had to bail out into Seal Harbor. This ended up being a wonderful side trip that had us staying at the Seal harbor Yacht Club (established in the early 1920's with the original boat house) and a beautiful beach. After the kids went swimming we took the Island Express bus to Jordan's Pond and had a wonderful 3 mile hike (Eli made it most of the way) around the two Bubbles (I swear the mountains must have been called the twin breasts before it was not politically correct). Anyway, the next day (Monday July 23) was crystal clear and we made the all day run from Seal Harbor to Mud hole off Great Wass Island. The sail across from Mt. Desert to Scoodic Point was a wonderful reach - Chris hated it (I fear the wind). The Maine Cruising Guide lists Mud Hole as a Hurricane hole and a 5 for what to see. Well to get into Mud hole you have a 10-15 FOOT WIDE path next to shear rock and two shoals that scared Captain Crusty to death. However, once anchored we took the hiking trail (Nature Conservancy Island) all around the Island to the Point over looking the Bay - the water was emerald green and was absolutely beautiful.

We left the next morning for Roque. After spending the first day on the Shorey Cove beaches - beautiful in their own right, we headed out in the fog by dinghy to try and get to the main beach on the other side of the archipelago. The fog was too dense so we tried hiking around the shore. We got most of the way to the beach but had to turn back after about 1.5 hours of hiking for fear of missing the tide (and watching our dinghy head out to sea). We saw a clammer go into Fishermans Harbor (desolate mud flat ) and on the way back went to his diggings and were able to get about 2.5 dozen little necks for a clams marinara dinner. We also picked up some wonderful rocks and sea glass. By the way we have collected soo many rocks and sea glass that we now literally have no place to store them. We have filled 4 jars and the larger ones are permanently in the cockpit. We will be sharing the wealth when we return home. The next day we sailed around the islands and anchored off the main beach. Where in the US could you go and be on a pristine 1 mile long sand beach with only 5-10 other people. Most of the people that came were locals in either lobster boats or motor boats. We spent the day walking the beach and watching the kids swim. Toward the evening others sailboats came in but no others anchored near the main beach. We found out the reason for this later in the night when we had the worst rolling, rocky evening of the trip - even worse than Camden Harbor. Next time we will anchor by the thorough fare (where all the other sailboats were). We left on Thursday and spent the next evening on Trafton Island. This folks is the sea glass haven of the north east. Sadly only yours truly (Captn Crusty) had difficulty finding keepers. Even Eli found more glass than the old geezer. We came off this beach with an entire bait bag of glass. By the way, the anchorage here was wonderful. I almost got yanked off the bow during the first anchor set. Both anchors (yes I am still setting 2 anchors every night) set immediately. Seemed like great sticky mud. Here the view was again stark and wonderful. Towards evening a small skiff came by with three kids and a dog looking to sell the Yachties newspapers, ice, and home made peanut butter and chocolate cookies (guess what we bought?). These kids even had their dog with them in case the Yachties didn't like kids. Anyway the two plates of cookies were excellent.

We sailed for Northeast Harbor the next day (Friday) and are now spending at least 2 nights here because of the expected weather and existing Fog.

Played sax to a full harbor last night and went through my entire repitoir without anyone throwing anything at us. In fact when I finished Rachel and I were invited over to a Catalina 30 with 2 couples on it (Hippies really) that paid me in wine. I am really enjoying getting back to playing and am so glad that Jake and I are making music.

I must turn the computer over to Chris now - We will try to update in a week - Lots of Love and best Wishes

Chris's turn: Well, Capt'n Crusty has covered a fair amount! We had a lovely week up by Roque and enjoyed the long beach and we all went swimming . It is a wonderful experience for all of us and we are learning so much. I have been reflecting on the lessons cruising can teach us and there are many ( besides getting along and sailing). Patience is one thing ( because it takes longer to do everything). I was thinking one day as I was rowing, that today in the age of fast food, microwaves,etc, we are getting so used to instant gratification. It is good, and helps you appreciate things when it takes longer to get somewhere, or cook something, or do laundry. It is good to slow down a bit. The simplicity of this life appeals to me ( though I have my moments!!). I am interrupted once more as Rachel would like a turn. One thing I have to mention is that the kids ( Rach and Jake ) have been reading " Stories from Shakespeare" to each other with great interest. ( I said to Andy- who would have thought we would be sitting in this beautiful place watching the kids make sea- glass jewlery and read Shakespeare to each other??? Well, they put on a play for us ( Primus and Thisbee- the play within a midsummer's nights dream). It was terrific! Eli was tthe lion, and the wall. I will remember it always.

For those of you interested, I still have 4 cans of tomato sauce but we have used half the spaghetti.The black beans were not a big hit as I have not yet learned to soak them properly. The one dinner that we made became known as the night of the evil beans. Next trip , I will take half the clothes and toys and twice the food. The books and games are a big hit also. Tortillas have been a wonderful discovery as you can store a bunch, and they keep well. Bread is bulky, expensive and we go through it very quickly. However, the tortillas can be used to make wraps, sandwiches and even can be used as hot dog or hamburger rolls. Chocolate chips work well for the same reason ( for those of us with a sweet tooth) and are a good way to get Eli to take his vitamin in the morning( 1 chocolate chip works wonders!) Andy made a small spice rack and that has been wonderful as storage, as you can imagine, is key.

Sorry for the lack opf pictures, but we are thankful for the public library system!! Judy, we took a picture at Roque Island ( our northenmost point) of everyone in their Paul's Marina shirts. We will get it to you as soon as we can

Thank you all for your friendship and support. All the best/ Chris