Thursday, July 10, 2014

Another Day in Casco Bay

For me it is like a dream come true.  I awaken, once again, on an island and my first order of business is to get my boat in the water.  Conditions are ideal: west winds 5 to 10 knots, seas 1 to 2 feet, and the sun is climbing from the horizon.

My goal this morning is a counter-clockwise circumnavigation of Peaks Island with a short side-trip to Crow and Cow islands.  The cliffs of Cushing Island bask in the morning sun (at left) as I head towards the ocean side of Peaks where seabirds are about and an occasional seal pops up to check me out.

Swells riding in from the east and the incoming tide meeting the westerly breeze kept things lively at the entrance to Hussey Sound.  However, once astride little Pumpkin Knob the paddle could be put down long enough to snap a photo...

Paddling alongside Great Diamond Island I saw the Casco Bay Lines Wabanaki round the island's tip...

...and before I knew it my starting point and some breakfast were at hand...
This is an island where bicycles outnumber automobiles, both carbonated and non-carbonated beverage containers have redemption value and neither lay about as litter.

It is said that some Native Americans look forward to a hereafter called the "Happy Hunting Ground" where game will be plentiful and not too wary.  For an avid paddler such as I, a "Happy Paddling Place" such as the waters of Casco Bay and Peaks Island would do just fine.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

YOU ARE AWESOME!!!! YOU INSPIRE OUR FAMILY! WE BEGAN IMITATING YOU IN OUR CANOE :) KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK, IT'S SO NICE TO SEE SOMEONE ELSE CARE!!!! (WE LIVE IN CAMBRIDGE, MA.)
BEST- TINA

PenobscotPaddles said...

Interesting waters by Peakes Island, glad you got a chance to enjoy the island and waters! I bet it's good practice for the upcoming Blackburn challenge.

Al said...

Deer Drifter, Thanks for your kind comments. I enjoyed visiting your blog and seeing your many efforts at improving our world. Nice work!

Al said...

Penobscot Paddles, I do envy you Mainers (especially in summertime). So many bays and islands with fairly easy access.
I agree that paddling around Peaks is a good way to prepare for the Blackburn or, at least, I hope so.