Shelburne At Last

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

We arrived Shelburne in the early morning hours.  After just a few hours sleep we woke to a beautiful sight.  Now all we have to do is clear customs and then enjoy the wonderful hospitality that the place is widely known for.  The place may be small but they make up for it in spirit.

Not everyone is on vacation in the coastal town whose very existence revolves around the marine industries.

A Day At Sea

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011



Sunrise, the beginning of a beautiful new day at sea.

The day was spent reading stories and navigating.

Scallop draggers are a dime a dozen off of Cape Sable (Nova Scotia) this time of year.

Sunset of the longest day of the year.  It turned out to be a very special one.





We Are Off

Monday, June 20th, 2011

Suddenly our final maintenance issues are resolved.  We quickly realized that we had a nice "weather window."  We are finally off on our way to Nova Scotia.  As we leave we pass a lighthouse, on a small island,  that is being renovated.  Note the ferry with the cement truck.

One of the last navigation marks that we will see for a while.

As we leave land behind we can just make out the hills of Camden in the distance.

Monhegan Island

The big inn dominates the harbor at Monhegan.

The eastern headlands of Monhegan.

The sun sets on our first day at sea.

Exploring While We Wait

Sunday, June 19th, 2011

We passed time doing sail repair and other necessary preparations.

"Evergreen" is nearly ready for departure, with the exception of one last maintenance item.  Our Trinka is lashed to the coach roof for the anticipated passage to Nova Scotia.

We decided to take a drive inland, and explore some of Maine's hill country.  There are rivers and lakes everywhere.

A typical Maine river flowing towards the sea.

Nearly all the communities have built dams in the rivers in order to service the mills of past times.

A bridge across a typical mill pond.

As We Wait

Monday, June 13th, 2011

We must wait as essential work is done to Evergreen.

We remain at the dock, however, there are already a few folks sailing on the "head boats".



The sun may not be out, yet the seals still bask on the rocks.

Boothbay Harbor, early in the season, before the influx of "summer complaints."

No, they are not french fries.

The seaside venison alternative.

Do not feed or take your eyes off the bird, or else he will steal all your food.

Lobster coop boats at rest, during the late afternoon.

Waiting for a new day.



Stonehaven Guest Ranch

 Monday, June 6th, 2011

Our annual pilgrimage north must include a stay at the Stonehaven Guest Ranch, in Westport, Mass..  There we get to enjoy indulge our senses in many aspects of farm life, and also savour our last taste of fresh meat and farm grown vegetables  for a while (which is seldom enjoyed on a boat without refrigeration)

This years ducklings are growing fast even though it is early in the season.

Spring flowers to be seen everywhere.

Every sheep ranch must have at least one trained herding dog.  This is "Cody," a Border Collie.

This is "Max," the primary ram for the flock of Dorset sheep, and his current mate.

Checking the flock.

A ewe and her two spring lambs.  Eat up my little dears --- you would not want to disappoint.



Hey guys, you are on the wrong side of the fence.



Following Nature

June 4th, 2011

It is the time of year for many creatures to follow nature's cycles and migrate north for the warmer months.  We each must go our own ways.  This little bird will find it's way home to Shelburne, Nova Scotia.