Wooden Boats to Contested Territory

Wooden Boats to Contested Territory

Although it was difficult, we managed to drag ourselves away from Mt Desert, Northeast Harbor, and Alizann.  Of course, it turned foggy when we finally decided to pull the lines.  We had to stop and water up before leaving, so between the time we dropped our lines on the mini floating dock and finished filling our water tanks on the face dock, the fog had settled in big time.  It was Canada all over – just enough viz to see those charming lobster buoys and miss all the dramatic scenery as we headed out through the Bass Harbor bar channel across Blue Hill Bay into Penobscot Bay. 

Our first stop was at the Wooden Boat School – a quick walk around this expansive complex which teaches all things wooden boat – from sailing to gluing.  It was delightful to breathe the sawdust and dream. A friend calls it summer camp for BIG boys (and girls). 

From this brief pause we continued on up the euphonious Eggemoggin Reach to a hurricane hole in Bucks Harbor.  This tiny little town boasts an enormous anchorage tucked behind Harbor Island that offers 100% protection from all winds.  Thankfully there were no winds to hide from so we could enjoy a walk in this picturesque town.  The old style yacht club was a scenic treat as were the granite docks dating from the old days when rock was shipped from here to build impressive structures in New York. Thankfully the fog lifted before we arrived so we could enjoy the run though blessed buoy free waters.

 A short run the next morning took us to Castine, ME.  This town has the notorious reputation of changing hands 26 times between the Americans, British, Dutch and even Spanish – although we saw no evidence of their occupation .  It is also the site of an infamous naval defeat for the American navy in 1779 – probably why this sad event has mostly been eliminated from our history books. Nevertheless it is alive in Castine – placards dot the town with the events and battles of July and August, 1779.  We walked up to the remnants of Fort George and Fort Madison to pay our respects to those that lost their lives here and celebrate the eventual retreat of the British from these shores. Seeing the similarities and proximity between Maine and Nova Scotia, it is indeed amazing that this is the United States and just across the Bay of Fundy is Canada. Thankfully, since those early years, things have remained peaceful between us.