There are times when we could use a geologist on our explorations. At others, perhaps a Zen Buddhist master would be more appropriate.
This shot was taken during a shore visit from a cruise aboard the historic schooner Louis R. French last summer.
Tag: Outdoors
Reading the sky
Sailors learn to observe the clouds for clues about changes in the weather. The conditions can be especially crucial to vessels that rely on their sails.
This was one of those moments aboard the historic schooner Louis R. French last summer.
One more sunrise
This one’s from to our west, in this case Penobscot Bay during my cruise last summer on the schooner the Louis R. French. You’ll be seeing more images from that week as this year progresses. And, yes, I’m already signed up for another week of cruising.
We’re becoming a destination for cruise ships
As Bar Harbor, at the gateway to Acadia National Park, tries to limit the number of cruise ships coming to town, tiny Eastport has been reaping benefits.
For the past two autumns, as some of the ships have ventured our way, we’ve welcomed their arrival at our downtown Breakwater pier. As I’ve previously posted, they’ve extended our brief retailing season and brought delighted walkers to our byways, shops, eateries, and galleries.
Supporters point out that these guests and supporting staff don’t add traffic congestion to our narrow roadways, and their arrivals can be spaced to avoid times of busy events. The town is also limiting arrivals to one ship per day, unlike Bar Harbor or Portland.
It’s still early in the planning for the upcoming travel season, and things can change rapidly, but here’s what’s already slated.
At his point, we’re expecting ten ships to come calling, 23 arrivals in all and up to 55,000 day-visitors. A few are spread out over the summer, too.
- Azamara Quest: 593-foot length / 702 passengers / October 2
- Brilliant Lady: 908 / 2,800 / September 18 and 27, October 9
- Le Boreal: 466 / 264 / October 17
- Le Champlain: 431 / 184 / October 19
- Majestic Princess: 1,082 / 4,450 / August 24
- Norwegian Getaway: 1,068 / 4,028 / August 21 and 28, September 4, 11, and 25, October 16 and 23
- Pearl Mist: 324 / 210 / November 2
- Viking Neptune: 749 / 954 / April 27
- Volendam: 780 / 1,432 / June 14, July 13, September 5 and 20, October 4
- Zuiderdam: 936 / 1,916 / June 16, August 25
Three of them are too long to dock at the pier. Instead, they’ll anchor in the channel and relay passengers and crew to and from the dock.
The Zuiderdam, seen here in Rockland Harbor last year, will be making two visits. You can see one of its tenders in the water, conveying passengers to the town and back.
Sea smoke on a very cold morning
This happens when the air temperature approaches zero Fahrenheit, well below that of the Atlantic.
Scallopers venture forth in the icy dawn
They’ll even shuck their treasures from the shells before returning to dock, no matter how cold.
Wrapping up
Crew in Mary Day rigging
Christmas Day in the morning
Campobello Island, New Brunswick, viewed from Eastport, Maine.
As we return to port
the fog’s burned off
but still hazy
with another schooner far off to the left of the Angelique
a sailboat comes between us
another windjammer’s way off on the horizon
while we skirted a sandbar
Camden grows as we approach
the Congregational spire for navigation
perhaps there’s a third behind her
entry into crowded harbor even in shoulder season
a bit tricky
especially when a pleasure boat backs into our path
shouts of “get back!” or “keep moving” finally heard
Coast Guard a bit more astute
the transom of one sailboat ASTARA also the name of our messmate
should they get acquainted sometime
haven’t seen a Kroger product for ages till now
the logo popping above someone’s pack
My messenger bag has a conspicuous stain
its first
remaining as a badge of honor
or oarlock grease
as I’m getting off, “This is all you have?” as in surprised
while I’m realizing how much I overpacked
now to send off a deposit for next year
(which I did)
Santa fisherman
The hat makes all the difference.
Jnana's Red Barn 