Maine, Great Harbor Marina – Desert Isl.
As we approached our destination of Bar Harbor, Maine we encountered more and more boats, primarily lobster boats and then came thousands and thousands of lobster pods. It was such a shock to see and experience this density of population and ‘civilization’ as we call it for we had barely seen a boat here and there while driving along the coast of Nova Scotia and along the St. Lawrence River. It was a shock to experience the drastic change in temperature incline as well. Just coming from 43 at night and 57 at the peak of the day we landed straight into 81 degrees about mid afternoon. What a relief it was to have crossed this 100 mile run so smoothly and docked twice, once at the fuel dock and later at the dock designated for us to stay. So grateful I am for it all and now pray for the continuation of blue skies and calm seas till the end of our trip for sure.
Martina left to return back to her duties at work and her daily routine of life which she missed terribly. It was such a pleasure having her on board and with a heavy heart we wish her well and a safe return back home. Most certainly her presence on Contessa will always be welcomed!

As we extended our stay through Friday morning we had more time to relax and explore the neighborhood via our dingy Barefoot. She is a pretty little boat and so fitting to Contessa but launching and bringing her back on to her cradle at the swim platform was a chore and not easy to do. My comfort zone on Barefoot and the thought of these frigid waters of the north did not sit well with me at all, making me be very tense and unwilling to take a ride in her. Nevertheless I did, but my discomfort showed in my posture and my facial expression resulting that I was not invited for the next ride. Joe took his long and exploratory dingy ride by himself and enjoyed it immensely. He rode around a neighboring island and almost lost his point of reference on his return. Then came the scrub down and the relocating and fastening the boat on the transom of Contessa. That was such a chore and as difficult as could possibly be resulting in him making the decision to sell Barefoot right then and there. Next morning just before we departed from Great Harbor Marina he found a broker and off Barefoot went to be sold to her next willing owner. Sad to see her go but now we got our transom back and getting on and off the boat is so much easier to do.
Off we go exploring the fjords and numerous bays that this area has to offer. There are so many beautiful homes/estates that tower over theses incredible cliffs and rounded bolders in the midst of beautiful pine trees and well manicured lawns. Almost each of these majestic homes has a walk way and a dock extending far out on to the water, for the tides run high here. At the end of which are smaller boats docked and further out there usually sits a beautiful yacht waiting her crew for a scenic ride. Numerous islands and deep bays are fun to ride through and to simply admire Mother Nature’s creation form the times when huge glaciers retreated while creating what we now see as this beauty left behind. The only downsides to all of this are thousands and thousands of mine field like lobster trap havens. You have to be on constant alert while driving through these fields of colorful bobble heads indicating lobster cages filling up with the so much priced lobster feast. This incredible abundance of lobsters has driven the price down and the the fishermen are only getting $1.50 or $2.00 per pound these days. As we learned in some cases the locals have created ponds in the shallows of their bays where they let their lobsters live and grow till the price changes and they can get more money for their catch. Our new dockage is right next to such a facility named Billings Diesel and Marine. This marina is a bit outside Stonington, a very picturesque small coastal town located along several hills along the cost. There are many galleries and small shops in town while most homes have beautiful flower gardens and pots surrounding them. Here we decided to stay an extra day and just explore.
Right at the water’s edge there is a small Inn with an incredible history and a lovely lady Christina who is the current owner and was willing to share her story as well as the rich and colorful history of the “Inn on the Harbor”.
She has rooms with fireplaces, which peaked our interest to return and spend a few days relaxing and enjoying the sound of the waves gently rolling in and out right under her dwelling place and looking out on to several islands topped with Isle au Haute in the distance. Picture perfect setting to do some soul searching, and or simply drifting into the so needed space of peace.