We motored up towards Castine in a near gale, with southerly winds gusting up into the low thirties. Leaving Islesboro to starboard, we were in relatively flat seas, and our brave little dinghy suffered no harm. Nevertheless, the only other boats we saw on the move were windjammers and an Outward Bound boat full of unfortunate kids – can’t think they were having the greatest time!

We came into Holbrook Harbor, just outside Castine, and anchored under the protection of high ground, relieved to get out of the wind. In the morning the winds were lighter, the sun was out, and the woods around us were full of eagles, osprey and herons. As the wind had gone around to the northwest we moved to a more protected part of the bay, close to an island that is a nesting site for eagles.

Jack and Dru joined us on Gannet and we went over to Holbrook Island to explore, and then enjoyed sunset cocktails on board Persephone.

Next day, we motored into Castine for essential supplies – which is about all Castine provides! It’s a pretty town, and one day we’ll spend a little more time there in nice weather (we always seem to visit when it’s raining!). From there we headed for Eggemoggin Reach. We know we have clearance under the bridge from mid-tide on, but it’s always a bit of a nail-biter! We tried to sail down this classic passage, but the winds were light so we didn’t have much luck. We came back down to Merchant Row and this time anchored off Camp Island. Although we were barely half a mile from the Hells Half Acre anchorage, it still felt like a very different place. It poured with rain and was very windy during the night – I hope the campers on the nearby islands weren’t too soaked!