Ok...another season is here....where's everyone going? What are your cruise plans?
Going to head up North in September again. A week or so in the San Jauns and the same in northern Desolation Sound.
Thats a beautiful erea. Can't get much better scenery. Interesting navigating too with the entrance tidal currents. We cruised there last november...loved it.
We're going to shake down all the new systems with a sail up to Cape Scott and down the other side. But starting this week I'll be heading over to Vancouver Island hopefully to get some canvas work done, and maybe start in on the varnishing I've been procrastinating.
More time gunkholing more creeks in Chesapeake, a trip to Bermuda, and maybe one to LIS.
I just got back from scoping out a few boat launch ramps up north, when my sailing canoe is done, maybe I will haul it up there. Here are some pics from my trip to the Wemindji and Chisasibi, Quebec.
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Absolutely AWESOME shots of the falls, what river is that Paul?
That is the Rupert River. Unfortunately, the water source will be diverted for hydroelectric power this fall, and the falls will be no more.
:( I am sorry I asked. Still, thanks for the photos, sounds like a great trip.
A couple of us "trailersailors" are meeting at Moosehead Lake in Maine to go exploring. Very pretty lake...quite interesting with great backdrops. Should be a good week. Will leave early sunday mornin. Hope to go back to the North channel of Lake Huron again in August.
Moosehead sounds great. I'd love to head up w our sailing dinghy....I've yet to raise the sail :'( on it but would really enjoy sailing on some Maine lakes. I know of one 'Namantucket' where you have to travel about 25 miles on logging roads and it would be pristine sailing...I think whomever does it will be first.
We head across Cape Cod Bay in August. We'll be enroute to Nantucket to drool over the oldies that will be there for Race week. Not that the newer 12m aren't nice to see but the real sailing 'oldies' are classier. IMO
Quote from Joe......"Not that the newer 12m aren't nice to see but the real sailing 'oldies' are classier. IMO"....... amen ;)
We're at day 3 out, and 'island time' is beginning to set in. It looks like a brisk day ahead of us - 10-20, on the nose of course - so we decamped to the internet lounge for coffee and the biggest slice of bumbleberry pie I've ever been served. Do they do doggy bags for pie?
Last night was my first thunderstorm in the PNW; quite a fireworks display! We were wandering back toward the boat from a (successful!) quest for garlic and green beans when I caught a whiff of ozone and remarked to my partner that it'd been 5 years since we'd smelt that scent. There was time to make mashed garlic potatoes, the beans, and grilled chicken breasts (maple syrup and black pepper glazed, just perfect for once), and then the first sprinkles hit the deck, very cooling after a 30 degree day. Cleaning up to the sound of light rain was relaxing, and the first storm was followed by the most amazing orange and gold sky as the sun sank behind the hills surrounding the bay. Then, in the middle of the night a rain heavy enough to wake me went through, so hard I couldn't see the surrounding boats in the dark, and left us downright chilled and happy to cuddle under the blanket.
I s'pose we'd better head back to the boat soon, the tide just turned, but I can't honestly say I'm too worried about catching it just on the shift. Not sure when the next wifi will be found. Not too worried about that either.
We will do our normal Lake Texoma stuff this summer since our boat is there. Boots is in September and we always do it. We have been daydreaming today about a big trip maybe next summer or the one after. The North Channel is calling us :) :)
Since my family (and in law family) spent the majority of June/July here, my wife and I do not have much leave left. So, our cruise for this year will consist of a 5 day trip from Halifax to Chester and back, assuming the weather cooperates. If not then a quick day sail to Rogues Roost 5 days at anchor there then back to Halifax.
Short but good for a first multiple nighter.
Moosehead Lake in Maine turned out to be an extremely beautiful spot. I'd thought we would head to the north channel in late august but wasn't thinking about the fact we have 2 girls off to college. Late august will be packing and setting them up. Judy's got a bit of the 'empty nest' blues and they're not even gone yet. :o Looks like early september will be the North Channel getaway. Should be fun as there will be way less boats. We should end up with very private anchorages,less bugs and hopefully good fishing.
Summer Fall 09 plans?
We're back from our trip which, despite delays for repairs, got us north of 51°. Now I'm looking at when/where to haul the boat for over-winter repairs, and eying another possible trip up-island. We had a couple of days beating into some high winds, and both the partner and I pushed the dodger to the top of the priorities list, but the stbd coaming has a lovely split about 20" long and creeping, and... So finding a good, accessible yard with a good canvas shop is my number one task.
Still, it might mean another cruise before the end of the season...
OK...its 2010 !! What is everyone doing? Trips planned? Adventures? New boat projects? New toys for the boat?
As I've mentioned earlier on this board, my adventure is to sail from Greenport, Long Island, to Bermuda and back. We're scheduled to leave in just about exactly two weeks. (Oh, I'm also planning to sail back.)
I'll be going as one member of a four-person crew on a Cape Dory 33.
Should be awesome!
--Joe
I'm sure you'll enjoy your trip. Just remember there will be envious people here awaiting pics and updates ;D
When you get to St Georges make an appointment to visit the RCC. Long walk up the hill but worth every step.
Thanks Dave,
I think the skipper has already set this up, as well as a meeting with two locals who just bought Cape Dory Typhoons and had them shipped to the island.
--Joe
Heading for Alaska in a couple weeks. Put a small RV on the Alaskan Marine Highway for the way up and drive the Alcan back.
Figuring to be gone a couple months will be able to stay in contact through modern technology though :)
If we get back early we will probably run up to the Canadian Gulf Islands or Desolation Sound again for a couple weeks.
Cruising locally for the summer, here in Maine. Moored right off Eggemoggin Reach, so I'll be sailing along the Reach for short daysails, but good days should put me out in either Penobscot Bay, Jericho Bay, or Blue Hill Bay. Also, some weekend or overnight cruises with friends a bit further afield. I love sailing the coast of Maine.
I've sailed her twice already, and I don't know how many of you have ever bought a boat on the hard, but it sure is comforting to finally get her out sailing and see that you were right about how well she sails.... :)
Come Sept 1, I go south....but that's another story.
Maine sure is pretty. An Alaska tour is going to be awesome. Good stuff....have fun
We're off to Moosehead lake again in Maine for 9 days in mid july. Went last year...simply beautiful but it rained every day. Hopefully we'll encounter better weather this year. It should be called 'Loon Lake' as they are everywhere. It certainly creates quite the orchestra while at anchor. The lake itself is huge with many bays and islands....all surrounded by mountains. It's a trailer-sailers delight. Rick is joining me again on his M15. It'll be our 7th cruise together. I'm breaking tradition this year as Judy is coming along as well. Looking forward to some quiet times,reading,fishing and hopefully some good sailing days with sunshine too. It works out well as it's about 450 miles to get there from home for both Rick and I. Gotta love trailer boating.
Joe, Have a great voyage to Bermuda! A CD33 seems like a comfortable and seaworthy boat for such an adventure. Look forward to reading about it and seeing some photos. Fair winds.
Frank, Moosehead has been on my short list of places to go, starting with Lily Bay State Park. I need to get another trailer sailboat...(should have kept that ODay Mariner 19 centerboard). Unfortunately, there is a large (for this area) development planned for there that has many concerned...
http://www.environmentmaine.org/preservation/save-moosehead-lake (http://www.environmentmaine.org/preservation/save-moosehead-lake)
Tim, My sister and her husband lived near Craig, on Prince of Wales Island, for two years. It was quite an experience for them. A couple years ago, they moved from Down East Maine to Ojai, CA. With them and a couple friends in (your) the San Francisco Bay Area, I have been imagining spending part of the winter out there (possibly including the Gulf of California). It's a long way out there, though... I started reading Passage to Juneau: A Sea and Its Meanings by Jonathan Raban, about the area that you are going...his description of Port Townsend reminded me of the fishing communities in Down East Maine.
Greenman, On my more ambitious days I dream of sailing up to Halifax, and Cape Breton Island, and bringing my father along (his father was born in Windsor).
Would like to get up to Penobscot Bay in August, and combine some sailing there with the Folk Festival in Bangor [August 27, 28, & 29], which I've enjoyed in previous years. Perhaps I'll see you up there Marujo_Sortudo, and others may make it a destination event? (How far North are you headed, CJ and Laura?) [Here's the website for the event... http://www.americanfolkfestival.com/ the Holmes Brothers (Blues/Gospel/R&B) are back again this year. I saw them at the festival a few years ago, and they were great. They always have wonderful Celtic performers, and this year it will be Paddy Keenan on Irish pipes. Admission is free, although they do seek voluntary contributions.]
Maybe I'll be able to trailer sail there. I have just lifted the Hurley 18 out of its cradle and loaded it into the float-on trailer that I had used with the CD Typhoon 19 for years. The H18 has a 3'-3" draft, and it didn't seem like it would be that much of an increase over the Typhoon's 2'-7", but it looks like a lot now that its loaded in the trailer. So it may have to be a very good ramp to float it off the trailer, even with the trailer's 8-foot extending tongue, and an additional 10-foot extension.
With the uncertainty of the economy, and the disaster in the Gulf play out, I'm finding it an effort not to feel pessimistic about things in general...and making plans...
All the more reason to go sailing.
A big development on Moosehead would be a shame. Other than the little hamlet of Greenville at the southern tip and sparse cottages..again mostly at the southern end, this lake is prestine and much as it was 100's of years ago. I certainly hope it stays this way.
Frank,
Moosehead is fabulous, a veritable inland sea with beautiful, wild shores, some islands that are open for camping and fantastic views of the mountains. If I remember from my days as a Maineac, there's plenty of wind. The lake is shallow in many parts, but if you've got a centerboarder (like Jim's old Mariner), it would be a great place to sail.
Enjoy!
--Joe
PS, gotta agree that shoreline development would be a real crime.
Yep...the suncat's only 14in board-up. The pic under my name was taken last year @ Moosehead. Thats Rick's M15 beside....sure makes a suncat look big.
Frank & Joe, The controversial development plans were approved by the state's regulators in September of 2008.
Here is one article that sums up the situation...
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aHVhhWBUh.A0&refer=home
and others here...
http://www.moosehead.net/news.html
I haven't heard much about it in the news recently. I don't know whether the development has started, or if it may have been delayed by the recession, including the soft real estate market.
Sadly, we all may need to get up there and experience that pristine character of Moosehead Lake before it is lost.
Jim:
Thanks for the links; I do remember reading about Plum Creek's plans.
They're probably facing the same shortage of financing that's put so many construction projects on hold.
But that doesn't mean the condos won't get built, once the economy heats up again.
Frank:
Get to Moosehead now, before Plum Creek has a chance to restart its project!
--Joe
Yes, get to Moosehead while it's still pristine!!!! ...and look me up if you get anywhere near the Blue Hill peninsula before Sept. 1. Maine is such a gorgeous place and I have high hopes for this summer...
This will be my 3rd Maine trip...2nd to Moosehead Lake. It is beautiful and very 'remote' feeling .... I've met some great people there too. Reminds me of home...hot summers and cold snowy winters.
Not much. Just trying to cope with a herniated disk :'(. I don't even have the boat in the water yet but hope rains eternal, doesn't it?
Fair winds,
Pappy Jack
Just back from 8 days on Moosehead Lake. We had a great week.. only rained one day...good reading day. Last year it rained every day. This lake is simply beautiful. I feel it is wrongly named...should be "Loon Lake". They are everywhere and the concerts put on by their calls are amazing. I'll post a few pics once I reduce them.
PS...lost an anchor for the 1st time ever. Simply could not break it loose.Did all the things that worked before...none even made an inch difference. It was in about 18ft of dark/cool water...too deep for me to dive it. We figure it got wedged in rocks. I've never used a trip line...thinking of one now
Maine sailors are very fond of trip lines. All my anchors have one permanently attached. Methinks you found out why....
I was pulled up at the dock in Belfast the other day to refill my water tanks. A passerby commented, "Nice boat you have there. Too many anchors, though." (4) Good thing I didn't tell him I was planning on getting another one.... :o
pics.
pics
pics
Moosehead was well worth the 9hr drive (oneway) Its the second biggest lake in the USA with a multitude of bays, islands and wildlife....all surrounded by mountains. The little village of Greenville at the S end has docks, eateries, hardware and foodstore. It is very 'boat friendly' with good charts and nav aids.. The S end has a few cottages but they soon thin to next to none and boat traffic, even on a sunny high season week, was minimal. The lake has a multitude of loons and you are constantlyy seeing wildlife. Thoreau toured this lake twice and I doubt it has changed much The winds were good with one daya requiring the second reef tucked in. Only one rain day this year which was great for reading.Judy and I have often sailed together but this was the first time doing eight days on a lil trailersailer. Good news is we were still talking and laughing on the long drive home. Great sailing, great wilderness type lake
Beautiful place Frank. Thanks for sharing. Sorry for my lack of knowledge, but more precisely where is this lake?
Moosehead is in northern Maine, USA. Its a great, if long drive getting there as well.
Ah, OK, so the Great Lakes doesn't really count as the biggest? ...'cause at least half canadian?!
;D ;D ;D
Frank,
Beautiful pics. Thanks.
Views of Mt. Kineo always send chills up my spine.
--Joe
Maxi...you're right...but that should read "half Canadian eh" ;) ;D :o
PS...the old steamer (converted to diesel) was built in 1914, refurbished in 97. Still runs daily. Great lines...it has "soul"
Great Report Frank :) Grog ya and speaking of things Canadian ;) that's where I am at
http://lostpetral.blogspot.com/
Frank, Enjoyed your photos and writing about the Moosehead Lake visit.
Somehow I thought you were coming in August, and was thinking of trying to get up there, too. It's the American Folk Festival in Bangor that is is August. Oh well...next year.
Updated plans: Would still like to get up to that festival August 27, 28, & 29 and to trailer-sail in that area (Penobscot Bay). Maybe I'll get the Hurley 18 up there.
I've done a couple short sails on Sebago Lake, in a boat that I traded a friend for an older Dodge pickup with diesel that he found for me. A vehicle that should allow me to do some long-distance trailer-sailing, perhaps over the winter.
The Sebago Lower Bay is controlled by the Portland Water district, so the shores are undeveloped. In fact, there is no "bodily contact" allowed with the lake in the Lower Bay and some distance outside of it. This is confusing to my dog, who seems to think that it is a complete waste of a perfectly good beach.
Tim...I envy you. That entire erea is beautiful. I was in the Yukon only once...vista after vista. Enjoy it.
Jim...have fun with the Hurley. Neet boats. Have you posted pics?
Thinkin a fall getaway to the North Channel might be fun. Leaves should be changing there in a few weeks and it will be beautiful. It would be very quiet as it's well past cruising season but would certainly be cold. I've got a down coat and a great sleeping bag....lil oil lamp below warms things a bit too at night. A sunny week with the colours would be great.
Uh, this is not Summer '09. ::) ::) ::)
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Sounds like a great trip. Have fun, and post some PICTURES for me to drool over; while you are out havin' fun, I'll be here recoring the deck and doing other glass work.
My "Fall '10" plans are to get the boat back into sailing trim; been too long.
Dang Canadians and their "free time." ;D
Is it 2010 already? How time flys ;D