Monthly Archives: September 2012

An osprey standing watch at sunset.

“Constant vigilance is the price of safety.” And vigilant we were through the night responding to every twitch of the anchor chain, every gust of wind. Of course prior planning positively prevents poor performance so there really wasn’t much we needed to do but watch for anything out of the ordinary. We had 250′ feet of chain payed out and good stout anchor in the mud. Deck chairs had been battened down. Topsails had especially tight furls and a few extra gaskets were put around the headsails. Nothing is worse than trying to secure things after the blow has started. With Mary Day’s high bows she tends to hunt back and forth at anchor on these windy nights. The sound of the anchor chain rubbing the bobchains as we stretched back in the gusts made for very little sleep in the fo’c’s’l. But as they say, there will be plenty of time to sleep in November or when we’re dead, whichever comes first.

Have a great day. Be well. Do good.

Good morning everyone. Last week we completed our second lighthouse tour of the 2012 windjammer season and we did it in fine fashion. Pharologist Ted Panayatoff was in great storytelling form and we had a chance to get up close and personal with 11 coastal lights here in Penobscot Bay. Thankfully we had a wonderful mix of weather including a morning of fog just to make sure we understood the genuine significance of these coastal beacons.
On Friday we left Isle Au haut after seeing the Isle Au Haut Light at Robinson Pt and we motor sailed across the bay to the east end of the Fox Island Thorofare. We could hear the signal blowing at the Goose Rocks Light, what we fondly call the Spark Plug. Built in 1890. this caisson light is built with a cast iron housing filled with concrete. The original cistern for fresh water is still there. The keepers quarters are beautifully appointed by the Beacon Preservation Society, the private non-profit that makes this light available as a sort of B&B.
When we anchored 5 young “keepers” had just arrived that morning for a couple nights stay. They were pretty darn excited to see a schooner anchor off and quickly invited us to come on up for a tour. On the coming tide the fendered ladder was on the down stream side of the current hitting the base of the light. Of course, we reciprocated by having the “keepers” aboard. They were just as in awe of the schooner as were with the chance to see the light up close and personal. It was truly a once in a lifetime event.

Have a great day. Be well. Do good.