17 Aug 14

Did I mention the broadside swell rolling us around last night? OMG, it practically threw us out of bed about 01:00, and we never really got back to sleep very well after that. We finally staggered out of bed at 07:00, immediately got the anchor up and left. We motored all the way to Portland, ME, 47 miles by course, 54 N-miles through the water - why is the tidal current always against us? We crossed the the 43rd parallel a couple of miles after we left Smuttynose I. behind. About 15 miles out of Portland, I noticed on my AIS that “Seeadler” (our boat-neighbors in Provincetown) was about 5 miles ahead of us and headed into Portland. We agreed to meet them after we all got settled in; turns out, we were headed to the same marina. We tucked into South Port Marine about 14:45, cleaned the boat and ourselves and hosted the crew of “Seeadler” - Bill, Barb, and Frank - for cocktails. Afterward we went out to dinner together at DiMillo’s; excellent lobster and pleasant surroundings on a former ferry converted into a restaurant. 43-38.567’N, 070-15.113’W.

18 Aug 14

Ah, a good night’s sleep makes a huge difference. Weather is again fine and cool (forecast high of 75F; i love Maine in summer), although there is a bit of a breeze. Chore day today: Terri did laundry and I did boat chores - various planned/routine maintenance items, followed by application of 2nd of 3 coats of varnish on to our port side lee board. And I topped up the water tanks. After lunch, we walked 2 miles to West Marine, where they replaced my defective binoculars - no questions asked, no hassle - kewl. Also found some slightly shorter U-bolts for the lee board; my ankles will be happier. We also did a preliminary grocery shop at Trader Joes, followed by a taxi home. Friends of ours from Houston, Scott and Carol (and daughter Evelyn), who are visiting parents in Scarsborough, dropped by for cocktails, followed by dinner at Duck Fat Restaurant. Another fine day in paradise. I feel for any of you working stiffs who read this.