2018 Return to Maine

May 27-June 11                                          Southwest Harbor, Maine

We were eager to return to Southwest Harbor and The Bottom Line but once again our trip was delayed.  David had a persistent ear problem that could be exacerbated by flight pressure.  We waited a week and then, armed with all sorts of antihistamines and other medications, David insisted he was ready for the trip.  Fortunately, he experienced no aural discomfort and slept most of the way to Bangor.

Micah, the dockmaster and our good friend, greeted us warmly and carried our luggage to the boat which waited in the same docking position as the previous year.  Recently removed from storage, the boat’s exterior had been thoroughly cleaned and the interior was free of dust.  What a great way to be welcomed to Maine!  From the aft deck, we had a lovely view of the expansive harbor, filled with small craft and mooring balls, partially hidden behind the breakwater of massive granite blocks.  The osprey nest remained at the top of the marker designating the breakwater.  There was no visible activity but we will keep watch for future occupants.

Our next days were spent checking the systems to be sure all was well and enjoying the great marina ambiance.  It soon became obvious we were experiencing a familiar problem.  The holding tank for the heads was filled and would require a pump-out.  This had resulted from the failure of the storage crew to properly adjust a seacock valve that admits seawater.  Fortunately, David was able to go below and make the necessary adjustments and the problem was quickly solved.

The boating season in Maine usually begins after June 15 and becomes most active in July and August.  Our marina was mostly occupied by lobster boats and small locally-owned recreational boats.  We were pleased Peter and Kim with their big shaggy dog Jack were once again docked near us.  They live in New Brunswick but keep their boat at Southwest Harbor and make the two-hour drive to spend long weekends here.  Other close boating buddies, Linda and Phil Hardberger and Jill Cohen and Jerry Orloff will not be joining us this summer.

Five days of wonderful weather with sunshine and light breezes encouraged us to make forays to Bass Harbor for a great lunch at Seafood Ketch, Ellsworth for fresh Spring Rolls at Shinbashi, our favorite Asian restaurant, and drives through the countryside to re-acquaint us with the old and let us view the new.  The sunshine enhanced the dark green foliage of the forests and expedited the blooming of fields of pink and lavender lupines and white and yellow daisies.  Bushes of lilacs, covered with either white, pink, fuchsia or lavender blooms, were seen in most yards.  Rhododendrons, the queen of azaleas, presented a magnificent display which will last for several weeks.  Maine in early summer is actually a floral extravaganza.

Three days of rain finally ended with a brilliant afternoon of sun and warmth.  Time to go to Bar Harbor and celebrate with a special dinner.  We arrived early and had time to explore the charming downtown area.  A small cruise ship was departing but there were many people left on the streets and in the stores enjoying the fabulous weather.

The only French restaurant in Bar Harbor is Mache Bistro, located in a small nondescript old home on the main street.  The menu was limited but diverse and definitely nouvelle French.  My appetizer was a white asparagus salad with a grilled salmon entrée.  David enjoyed white anchovies and roasted lamb.  The food was excellent, the ambiance understated and quiet, and the service friendly and attentive.  We will definitely return!

A welcome indication that David has made considerable recovery from the persistent pain and weakness of last summer is his renewed interest in doing tasks on the boat.  He spent several days in the engine rooms organizing his shelves of tools and cleaning to make easier access.  In addition, he has kept busy on the phone and computer with business projects.  Fewer long afternoon naps interfere with his progress this year!

Micah brought us four medium lobsters from the catch of the lobster boat on our dock.  The season for lobster is still early and therefore, most of those caught have soft shells.  We like those best because they are easier to crack and have a sweeter taste.  Two lobsters made dinner and the others were enjoyed the next day for lobster rolls.  I am trying to emulate the “best lobster rolls ever” served at the Dry Dock Restaurant in Southwest Harbor—lots of lobster, minced celery, garlic salt, lemon juice and just a taste of mayonnaise served on a buttered toasted roll.  Simple and delicious!  The hard part is procuring fresh Maine lobster cooked in seawater if you are not in Maine!

After our departure for home last year, Miller continued to finish some maintenance tasks.  As Pretzel had ruined the carpet on the aft deck, Miller removed it and laboriously sanded, primed and applied several coats of non-skid paint to the area.  It looks fabulous and once again we are grateful for his skill.  Perusing most of the home décor sites on the internet, we eventually found exactly the rug we wanted—a 9’ red round indoor/outdoor braided rug.  It was ordered, shipped and installed within days.  The aft deck looks great and we are very pleased.