luluThere are many reasons I enjoy time in Maine. Primarily, it’s the natural beauty of the coast, especially as seen from the water which is my happy place.
Penobscot Bay is our cruising ground, and it is one of the most perfect boating places on either coast. I like nothing better than setting out in the early morning when the sea is calm and the sky a brilliant blue.
Except for an occasional lobster boat that left its mooring long before us, it is not surprising for there to be no other boats around early in the day.
Out in the bay, there are islands, hundreds of them created thousands of years ago by volcanic action.
Most are uninhabited, covered with spruce. Looking at them, I am reminded of the Tlingit stories having to do with regrowth that were heard recently in Alaska. How is it that nature can recreate without help from man?
Here and there a building is spotted, giving indication of life there now or in an earlier time.
Many of the islands have lighthouses, some still active but most not. I always try to imagine the life of the lighthouse keeper whose job it was to keep boaters safe.
Some islands are connected to the mainland by a bridge. This recently constructed one goes to Deer Isle where the much visited Acadia National Park is located.
Heading north from Rockport Harbor, islands are not all we see. High above Camden are the rolling hills which is why Camden is described as Where the Mountains Meet the Sea. What a wonderful combination!
As we go along, I study the charts which identify the islands and make notes about islands that may hold possibility for picnics and new discoveries.
Yes, Penobscot Bay is a beautiful, beautiful bay, Spruce covered headlands jut boldly from its shores, jewel like islands float on its surface and the gentle, glacier rounded contours of the Camden Hills look down on its broad reaches.
Louise Dickinson Rich, Coast of Maine.
I so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
In the blink of an eye we are beyond Penobscot Bay into the Atlantic Ocean which, thankfully, is quite calm this early morn. The only other vessels we see are lobster boats
and fishing boats likely looking for tuna. I would love to be close enough to this one to learn the reason for flying a confederate flag, not something you see in New England.
As we draw close to New Hampshire, I spy Smuttynose, part of the Isles of Shoals, off in the distance. Quite a history this little island has. I’ll spare you all of it, but know that pirates such as Captain Kidd and Quench are thought to have visited there. Blackbeard came in 1720 with his 15th wife. He left the island when the British fleet arrived, promising to return for his wife. She waited in vain until her death some 15 years later. It is said her ghost still roams the island optimistically thinking Blackbeard will return.
Later in the morning we were very surprised to see in the distance a tall ship with all sails unfurled. It is always a thrill to see one of these beauties on the water. If my eyes were correct, I think this one hails from Newport, Rhode Island.
Some 5 hours after leaving Rockport, we near our first destination, Newburyport, where a huge stone breakwater reaches far out into the sea. Both birds
and humans were nestled on the rocks enjoying the sun
and looking out to sea, perhaps dreaming their own adventures.
Just in time for lunch we arrived at our first destination, Newburyport. From a distance, it appears an interesting place to explore. First things first, however, as we have to do all things boat before heading into town. What we see there will have to wait until another day so stay tuned.
Penobscot Bay is chock full of islands, many of which have little protected harbors and coves which make for a very peaceful escape.
I especially like finding a place where we are all alone and the only sounds are the wind whistling through the trees and water lapping gently against the hull.
Once settled, it is time for a little refreshment 
and games of backgammon. Already, whatever we left behind is forgotten and it’s easy to enjoy nothing more than being.
As day slowly fades away, thoughts turn to dinner. I have no problem working in the compact galley where there is space for everything. 
Since this adventure was very last minute, I brought whatever I could find in the refrigerator. There were a few slices of salami, mozzarella, a tomato and some salad greens which when combined on a pizza crust made a very tasty dinner.
Before calling it a day, I wandered out on the deck to take in the beauty of the night. Surrounded by nothing but darkness, the light on the water couldn’t have been more beautiful. The sky was filled with twinkling stars, some seeming so close it would be possible to grab a handful of starlight. Such are the moments that remind me why I love being in Maine.
