After a brief overnight stop in the historic town of Shelburne,pictured above, we awoke early to flat seas and calm breezes. Seizing the window of opportunity, we modified our plans and headed to the United States. For 9 hours we cruised open seas, accompanied by seals, porpoises, sun fish, puffins and humpback whales, all enjoying the perfect day. The humpbacks were especially acrobatic, diving and showing their flukes. What a wonderful day!
When we arrived at Southwest Harbor, we were greeted by an estimated 26 million lobster traps blocking the way into the marina, Dysart's Great Harbor Marina. Problem #2: the transmission on the starboard engine failed at that moment. We secured the boat to a mooring in the harbor to investigate the problem. We found there was a transmission fluid leak somewhere. Filled it up and hobbled into our slip. The Hinckley mechanic said we had a bad transmission oil cooler. He had one overnighted and installed it the following day. Perfect.
When we arrived at Southwest Harbor, we were greeted by an estimated 26 million lobster traps blocking the way into the marina, Dysart's Great Harbor Marina. Problem #2: the transmission on the starboard engine failed at that moment. We secured the boat to a mooring in the harbor to investigate the problem. We found there was a transmission fluid leak somewhere. Filled it up and hobbled into our slip. The Hinckley mechanic said we had a bad transmission oil cooler. He had one overnighted and installed it the following day. Perfect.
When we checked in at Dysart's, manager Jane asked if we would be interested in any lobsters. One of the dock hands was selling 1 1/4 lb lobsters for $5 each! We ordered 10. We steamed them in sea water in the dockside steamer and devoured every single one. Delicious!
Southwest Harbor is on Mt. Desert Island, the same island where upscale Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor are located, though Acadia National Park encompasses most of the island. There is a free shuttle, sponsored by L.L.Bean and Friends of Acadia, that runs all around the island so we were able to do some land-based touring. We hoped to catch Thunder Hole in full roar, planning our visit to coincide with high tide but unfortunately, the calm seas that blessed us the day before, rendered Thunder Hole mute. The coastline of Maine is beautiful. The town of Bar Harbor is pretty but too touristy for our taste. Northeast Harbor had many lovely shops.
Jon and Margaret's friends, Nancy and Harry, are in Maine and stopped by for a visit. We were delighted to hear the news of their new boat purchase, a Cape Dory 28! We enjoyed lunch together, catching up on all the news.
Jon and Margaret's friends, Nancy and Harry, are in Maine and stopped by for a visit. We were delighted to hear the news of their new boat purchase, a Cape Dory 28! We enjoyed lunch together, catching up on all the news.
After months of being the largest boat at the dock (and sometimes the ONLY boat at the dock!), we are suddenly amongst mega-yachts, dwarfing our 65 footer. What a contrast!
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