Seal Harbor, ME

After taking advantage of the outdoor showers at Buck’s Harbor and saying goodby to the Kings, we headed out at 11:45 on Friday, August 12 for a gorgeous four hour cruise through the Eggemoggin Reach to Seal Harbor. This is a very picturesque harbor filled with mostly classically beautiful sailboats.

Our friends, Mike and Melina (I grew up with Michael in Fairfield, CT) have a summer home here. We had visited them in Maine several years ago on the way back from our Down East Loop trip. Mike had arranged for us to get a mooring at the Seal Harbor Yacht Club to which they belong (along with other notables like Martha Stewart)!  They met us in their Boston Whaler and helped us tie up, then whisked us off to have a drink at their favorite watering hole - the bar at the Islesford Dock Restaurant.

That evening they had bought tickets to see the new Elvis movie in Bar Harbor. It was a unique little movie theatre that served dinner and drinks that we consumed during the show. The movie was excellent and we recommend it. But be prepared - it was long and even had an intermission!

On Saturday, Mike and Melina took us, along with Pat and Joe who were staying on a mooring in nearby Northeast Harbor, for a hike to the Thuya Garden. It was a beautiful spot with lovely gardens and outstanding views.

Afterwards, we took their Whaler to a cute little rustic outdoor restaurant for lunch on Cranberry Island.  Later that evening we enjoyed dinner with Michael and  Melina back at the Islesford Dock restaurant where Michael got us a table with a fabulous view of a stunning sunset.

On Sunday morning, Michael and Melina came on board Zendo before taking Pat, Joe, Jonny and me back to their favorite place for brunch.  There was a great little pottery shop in the same building where I bought a few little gifts and then we checked out the local history museum for an interesting review of Great Cranberry Island,  its people and their livelihoods (mostly fishing).  I was especially interested in the descriptions of island life in the winter.

It was a wonderful visit. Michael and Melina were so generous with their time and resources.  We hope we can reciprocate when they come to the boat show in Miami in February. Next time we see Michael will be at our 50th (plus 2) high school reunion in October.

 Next stop, an anchorage by Burnt Island.