The Old Sow is a place with very strong whirlpools. We got kicked around a little bit but not bad at all due to Jonny’s careful timing. It was a beautiful clear day but chilly so we were bundled up in layers. Archie and I cuddled under a blanket.
As we left Canada we used the boaters customs app to get back into the U.S. in Lubec. It is striking to see the difference in the number of lobster pots between the two countries. The Canadians end their lobster season earlier than we do so it was smooth sailing there but we are on hyper-alert now that we are back in the good old USA!
We sailed past the Libby Island Light on Machias Bay.
We had three recommendations for wonderful anchorages to choose from that day and we chose Mistake Island because it had an appealing walk to the nearby lighthouse. By 1:25 we found a gorgeous anchorage with only one other boat. This was definitely one of the very best spots we have anchored in this trip. After lunch we dinghied onto shore, most of which is owned by the Nature Conservancy. We tied up at a small dock next to a very rocky shoreline. There was a small locked shed there and a set of rough steps to climb. We were welcomed by this rustic sign.
Beyond the sign was a wooden walkway that led us through a wooded area that suddenly opened up to a stunning view of the Moose Peak Lighthouse on the opposite side of the island. Our assessment of this being our most beautiful anchorage on this trip was quickly confirmed.
The lighthouse was first erected in 1826 and this tower was built in 1851. Mistake Island is one of the foggiest locations on the Maine coast but we were blessed with a crystal clear day. We spent lots of time climbing over the rocks and looking for raspberries on the many bushes there though they had clearly been picked over. We know this to be true because there was a guest book in a plastic box and previous visitors had noted the healthy berry crop this year,
The lighthouse itself is abandoned though the fog horn is operated by solar power. The lighthouse was sold to a Connecticut couple who apparently have plans to restore it.
We had a call earlier in the day from MTOA friends Dan and Cathy Pearce who are port captains in Camden. Dan has been very helpful in giving us advice about cruising the Maine coast because he and Cathy know these waters so well. They just happened to anchor nearby and invited us over for drinks at 5. We had a nice visit with them before heading back to Zendo for dinner.
Jonny made lamb chops on the grill which we had with green beans and a tomato salad. That evening we talked to Andy by phone (which we do almost every night) and later we talked to our friend Michael Goldfield who confirmed that he and Melina would be around when we get to Northeast Harbor on the weekend.
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