If ever there is one word in the mind of sailors that is evocative of Maine beauty, it might be Roque Island. Here we are. Say "Roque" to mariners of any age and their eyes go distant and dreamy. Why is this such a magical place? Maybe it's because further east from here, the Maine coast has fewer mysterious places to visit and to anchor. Maybe it is because Roque is the culmination of all of the special anchorages to the west from Casco Bay, Muscongus Bay, Penobscot Bay to "east of Schoodic" to Great Waas to Roque. Maybe it is because Roque has such a characteristic shape with its curving white, sandy beach and ring of rocky islands. Maybe it is because we sailors all have stories, almost mystical stories, of our time at Roque.
Last night, we are anchored in Lakeman Harbor which is a cove off to the east of the larger Roque Harbor. On the airphoto, it is the cove to the right. We came in here because we saw there was a storm brewing to the southwest. It was bringing with it rain, fog and wind. We wanted a protected cove and Lakeman gave us that.
We could look across from our little cove to see a big motorboat snugged over on the west side of Roque Harbor. She was protected from the winds and waves that built all last night, just as we were in our cove. The fog came, lingered and then burnt off as the sun finally came out mid-day today.
Once the sun came out, the loons began their calls. They are strong and pronounced enough that they echo off the shores. Loud calls from small birds.
And another photo, please.
We spent a day here because the storm was still affecting the waters outside our cove. And, even though the fog retreated, a few hours later it began to creep back in to the cove from the ocean.
About an hour later, the fog was so thick, we couldn't see this rocky passage to the ocean any more. It was pea soup.
Speaking of food, soon after we arrived yesterday, it was time for a late lunch. Since it was chilly and damp, it was time to warm the soul.
Here's a plate of hot corned beef hash with poached eggs and a bowl of green peas. Yum.
Today, Steve decided it was time to celebrate and be festive with the sunshine following last night's storm. We had made it to Roque. Yes, we have another 50 miles or so to go to Grand Manan, but it was time to savor this quiet day and take the time to enjoy Steve's custards.
This is one of the blessings of Brio's galley, a fully functioning oven.
Yahoo!
Cheers,
Brio
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