Up before 6:00, glassy calm morning on a favorite creek. Straighten up the boat, tuck away sleeping gear, break down the boom tent.
I motor over to Rich on KELLY RAE, thank him for pointing out the free mooring. He asks where I am headed today, laughs when I tell him that I am not sure. I expect to head north, but don't have a specific destination in mind.
Outside of Pulpit Harbor I am surprised to find a light southwest wind. Sailing at 2.2, headed north and aiming for the south end of Islesboro. I sailed this same path once before in a thick fog and my memory tells me there is a series of small islands - Goose, Saddle, Lasell, and Lime Islands - that lead from Pulpit Harbor to the cut between Middle Island and Islesboro. On this clear morning I can see that the string of islands is in fact a couple miles to the west, reminding me how disorienting thick fog can be.
8:50 a decent wind over the port quarter, 3.0. 9:35 Pendleton Point at the south end of Islesboro off the starboard bow, Middle Island ahead. 10:00 past Pendleton Point, Minot Island to port and less wind, making 1.0.
10:00 motor sailing at idle speed, Cradle Cove to port and a group of youngsters getting ready for a race.
Still not sure of where I am heading. Could be Turtle Head Cove at the north end of Islesboro. Maybe Belfast, or possibly the nice anchorages near Castine. Plenty of time to decide.
On Gilkey Harbor a seal makes a series of leaps from the water. 10:50, rounding Spruce Island, can see the ferry dock and beyond that West Penobscot Bay.
Pass the ferry dock, turn north in light wind, motor sailing. 11:20 no wind at all, motoring at idle speed. Getting hot. Debating going to Turtle Head Cove, a very nice anchorage, versus Belfast, which has laundry, showers and a grocery store. 12:50 wind, sailing. Then no wind.
2:15 wind and headed for Belfast. There is a channel into Belfast, but instead I wind my way through the mooring field, enjoying all the boats along the way. 2:45 main and jib down, under power to the dock. Tie up by the boat ramp, walk to the harbor master's office where I am pointed to a dock where I can spend the next two nights.
Tied up there, gear tucked away, I walk up to the Front Street Pub for a couple of large tumblers of iced tea.
A favorite town, I walk the waterfront in the evening and see the inexplicable site of a tray of donuts on a dinghy. I smile and head off to dinner.
18.4 NM
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