On our early arrival in Five Islands, we were lucky enough to pick up a free mooring ball just as another boat was leaving. The Five Islands Yacht Club (with no building or facilities - just the genial host from Malden Island) maintains 4 or 5 good moorings - free for two nights. This was a pretty little spot that we visited on the way south and decided it was worth a second visit.

It's a lovely cove surrounded by islands and home to lobster boats, some local skiffs as well as cruising boats. One big draw is Five Islands Seafood that serves lobster and other goodies to eat on the picnic tables overlooking the cove. It's a picturesque spot.

It got even better though. We trekked up the hill to the Five Islands Farm Market where we purchased wonderful veggies, a couple of bottles of well priced wine and a round of delicious goat cheese. While we bagged the fresh corn, we met Clayton - also buying the freshest corn he could find - who told us about the establishment he and his brother run and we decided to go find it.

Just a short dinghy ride around the corner, we spotted Sarah's Dockside and met Matthew - Clay's brother. After looking over the menu and chatting with this amiable and enthusiastic young man, we hustled back to see if Mike and Susan (Tabbycat) were interested in joining us there for dinner. They were and we went.

The trip was not uneventful! Our motor died halfway there and we got towed the rest of the way by Mike and Susan. Good thing we had decided to take both dinghies! Dinner was delicious - $20.00 for a market lobster, red potatoes, cob of the fresh corn, cole slaw. While the others had lobster, I decided to try the saut�ed scallops (perfectly done) and we all thoroughly enjoyed our meals - expertly cooked and served with a flourish. These brothers know their stuff! It's BYOB and we had taken wine so we sat on the deck enjoying the freshest food and good company. Ahhh - a perfectly wonderful evening.

Next morning, we chatted with Dot and John (Dotsea) and they highly recommended a place just up the River a mile or two. We had heard of Robinhood before but because it was so close, hadn't thought of going there. However, since we needed a motor fix, desperately needed laundry done and some wifi time, and they were insistent that this was a not-to-be-missed spot, off we went.

What a very good thing local knowledge is. Robinhood Marine Center in Riggs Cove is a beautiful spot and an excellently run Marina. Mooring balls are $35. and the attention to detail and extra service are beyond belief. The staff was warm, friendly and helpful. Meg was our first contact on the dock; she checked us in, told us where everything was, wrote out directions and was an absolutely first class contact. The grounds, gardens, historic buildings are well tended and welcoming. They maintain two courtesy cars, one of which we borrowed to take the motor to Sheepscot Bay Boat Yard - where Carroll fixed it the same day - and to Bath for groceries. We did the laundry up, settled back in the charming Library - a fine old cottage with dark wood beams, comfy chairs and shelves filled with books to enjoy (take one/leave one) and wifi connection. On the dock, we met Scott - the chef - who told us about the lobster special he was running that night and encouraged us to dine at the Ospery. Service there was expert, food was good, and we had a pleasant chat with the man who runs it - never did get his name.

All the boaters we met were equally enthusiastic - and the good feeling generated here seemed to expand to all our encounters.