Downeast!

We have certainly taken the long way around to get “Downeast” but it has been a fantastic trip! For us it is all about the journey! 

Departing Southwest Harbor on Mt. Desert Island, Maine, we wound our way around small islands and rocky ledges, much of it in the fog. 

 

              Some of the Small Islets Off of the Coast of Maine

As we reached Curtis Island at the mouth of Camden Harbor, the fog began to lift yielding a beautiful sight!  This quaint town seems made for boaters with marinas and moorings available and a plethora of shops and wonderful restaurants ashore. 

Curtis Island Light

Some of the Shops and Restaurants of Camden

Camden

Camden Harbor

We found a lovely little park at the head of the harbor complete with a waterfall and some very unusual ducks. Completely white, these ducks appeared to be wearing a toupee!

Pretty Park Near the Marina

Odd Looking Ducks

Hali Went For a Long Walk on a Short Pier!

Departing in the morning the sun shone brightly as we wove our way back past Curtis Island and more rocky ledges and islets on our way to Portland.   

Departing Camden Harbor

Fisherman Island Light

The busy commercial port of Portland was bustling as we passed a lovely schooner under full sail. 

Schooner in the Harbor

Passing the Spring Point Light, Fort Gorges came into view standing guard in the harbor, reminiscent of a bygone era.   

Spring Point Light

Fort Gorges

Soon we were tied up at DiMillo’s Marina ready to explore this vibrant city.  Portland is a city left unchanged in many ways.  It is still a work in progress but has a large number of tastefully restored historic buildings and boutique shops.  A cruise ship was in town adding to the bustle of downtown. 

DiMillo's Marina

DiMillo's Floating Restaurant, the Busiest Restaurant in Maine

DiMillo's As Seen From the Water

As we departed Portland Harbor, the light on Portland Head was clearly visible but nearby, the Ram Island Light was becoming enshrouded in fog, a sign of things to come.   

Portland Harbor Light

 

Ram Island Light

Navigating in fog has become the norm along this coast.   As we turned into York Harbor, our final destination in Maine, the fog lifted allowing us to fully appreciate the beauty.  There were some  magnificent homes overlooking the ocean.  All three boats rafted together, that is one boat, Miss Darlin’, tied to the dock, Kiwi tied to Miss Darlin’ and we tied to Kiwi. 

Preparing to Raft Up

This allows for more efficient use of the dock space.  Most marinas do not allow this practice but in small harbors this is one way to accommodate so many boats. 

Beautiful York Harbor

York Harbor Mooring Field

Mr. Donnell, the marina owner, drove us to the grocery, pointing out some of the most notable historic buildings along the way.  York Harbor is a lovely town with many beautiful and carefully restored historic homes and buildings.  Dinner at the York Harbor Inn was a fitting ending to the evening as well as to our time in Maine.  We look forward to exploring Massachusetts next.