August 23-September 14 Southwest
Harbor and Rockland, Maine
Work proceeded on refinishing the teak siderails and bow pulpit of the
boat. Miller insisted on ten coats of
varnish with sanding after each coat. As
the price was the same, we agreed. He
came promptly each morning and began work.
It was soon apparent the work was exceptional. We agreed to refinish the bar area on the aft
deck to make all the exterior wood look the same.
We drove to Bangor on September 11 to meet Dave and Samantha, our son
and his wife. They were eager to see
Maine and the weather cooperated to give them three glorious days exploring
Southwest Harbor and the nearby vicinity.
Of course, they dined on lobster and blueberry pie on our aft deck. Not at all shy, they each ate two and a half
lobsters.
We boarded the dinghy for one last trip this year into Soames Sound. Dave and Samantha are sailing enthusiasts and
they were awed by the magnificent sailboat owned by Charles Butts. With its cobalt blue hull, pristine wooden
deck and super structure crowned by hundred-foot masts, it is a sleek beauty
that looks fast even when anchored. Our
trip included visiting Northeast Harbor before returning to Beal’s Lobster Pier
for a great lunch of lobster rolls and sweet potato fries.
On Friday we departed early for Rockland, Maine. The boat had remained docked throughout the summer but its engines responded quickly and smoothly as we cruised out to sea. Dave was the captain and chose to go through
the islands rather than outside. This
provided a memorable journey of the beautiful coastal scenery of Maine with its
lighthouses, granite shores and densely forested areas. Hundreds of lobster pots were in our path but Dave skillfully dodged them.
With only occasional fog, we arrived in Rockland in early afternoon. I walked several blocks to the downtown area
and visited again the Farnsworth Art Museum.
Their collection of Maine art and artists is highlighted by wonderful
watercolors by Andrew Wyeth. Friends of
Dave and Samantha joined us for dinner at a favorite local seafood
restaurant. It was a festive occasion
with great food and good conversation.
