August 30th, 2019
CASTINE
From Belfast we had a lovely sail to Castine which has a lot of history as it was fought over by the French, British, Americans and even the Dutch. Changing hands innumerably means that there is a fantastic walk around town with signs everywhere highlighting historical locations and facts. This one caught my eye for its brutality.
The other thing about Castine is that it is home to the Maine Maritime Academy which is an amazing facility. Loads of sailing boats in the estuary, a huge training ship and a sprawling campus. We arrived the day after the new intake arrived who are known as Mugs. It bought many memories back to see them learning how to row lifeboats, or in reality teamwork. As an aside the lady eating her lunch opposite me overheard me checking that I had got the name right. Low and behold Andrea was the first female entrant in 1974. Havent times changed.
August 30th, 2019
MUSIC
Once again I have left the blog far too late and if there is such a thing as an excuse its because of sporadic mobile wifi, a penchant for remote anchorages and having too much fun. I have also had a lot of writing with a couple of columns and a fair amount of work to cover.
We are now in Rockland which is a hub of civilisation and so I have good wifi and a table to sit at as we wait for the laundry. Tracey is downloading some films to her iPad and we have a big food shop on the cards.
This was the last picture I took in Belfast which is a lovely place thanks to a great community spirit. Every Thursday they have live music sponsored by local companies and everyone turns out to listen, chinwag and dance.
August 14th, 2019
GIG
This mornings paddle board bought on a double take when I saw what looked just like a Cornish Gig. I paddled over to find that it was and was soon recruited as a crew member pulling on an oar as we towed my board. It never ceases to amaze me where I come across these wonderful boats. The club is putting a male and female crew into the next world championships in the Scilly Islands.
August 14th, 2019
Finally a decent health food shop!!
August 14th, 2019
Estuary
We have anchored off Belfast and its a lovely town which is very much alive and industrious. We have met lots of interesting people and will stay here for a few days to soak the place up.
This morning we went for a five mile walk up the estuary and at times it was as if we were back home Cornwall.
August 12th, 2019
SHIP HOUSE
From Perry Cove we launched the dinghy and bombed over to North Haven for the best Pizza we have ever eaten and to enjoy the live street music thanks to a Community Day.
On the shore side is this rather splendid house based on an old ship
August 12th, 2019
BOATHOUSE
Tracey has fallen in love..........a future project perhaps?
August 12th, 2019
FERNS
My morning paddle took me right up to the head of Perry Cove where I ended up in a little ravine which had some lovely ferns growing on the rock face.
