As predicted that alarm clock went off about 5 minutes after my head hit the pillow, or so it seemed. I jumped up and began the process of getting underway. Clothes on, coffee on, woof a quick bite, secure below decks, check the oil, warm up the engine, and cast off the lines. The departure from the dock went well and soon I was slipping through the slick waters of the harbor in the dark. I slipped by the Coast Guard boats, through the mooring field, and into the harbor fairway. It was cool, but the starry sky promised to turn blue later in the morning. I throttled the Song up and began the journey to Portland.

As I passed the light house at Owls head, it was easy to see in the dark where the point got it's name. It was still dark, but the moonlight reflected off the glossy wavelets and the breeze blew in that familiar salty and sea-weedy smell. Just as I rounded Owls head I could began to sense the ocean swell and I knew that if I could see far enough, I could see England that way. Upon making my turn into the Muscle Ridge Archipelago, I managed to turn and witness the first flash of orange as the sun crested the horizon over my stern. The photo in this blog update shows the sun rising over Fisherman's Island.

Navigating the "lobstah pots" in Muscle Ridge was easy compared to my last passage there, as many of the pots have been moved to deeper waters now. I snaked between the rocks and shoals of Fisherman's Passage as the blazing orange sun came into full view. Orange sun, blue sky, khaki rocks, green islands, and clear water - I'm really gonna miss this place. Soon I emerged from Muscle Ridge and into open water. The breeze blew plenty fresh and I hoisted all plain sail. I easily made 7kts on my course and it was on now.

The sailing was sweet for a few hours, then the wind slackened and I was forced to motor-sail in order to keep on schedule. I got good news, in that Tim & Kathy of s/v Carina did not depart Portland and I would get to see them there tonight. Tim invited me to join him in a sail race this evening, which I will do if time permits. I sailed on and I just found myself off Damariscove Island. I can use the present tense because you are now getting this real time! I engineered a method to put my PC under the dodger while I sit behind it. I can now con the boat and update my blog underway - how kewl! It took all my restraint not to pull in and drop the hook at Damariscove, because we definitely left money on the table there. We stayed there for a night, but we never went ashore. We missed some really cool hiking, scenery, and berry picking there. I guess we'll have to catch that next time.

I have been texting and emailing with Tim to determine where I will stay in Portland tonight. I don't want to go back to DiMillo's because they are expensive and hard to get into. My current plan is to anchor east of Portland's harbor entrance and to dinghy where I need to go. Tim said I could land my dinghy at his boat in DiMillo's since his is not there. I guess that means more rowing for the Captain. No worries, at least I can work off this extra gut I've acquired during this recent voyage.

I sailed into Portland about 1630. I was too late to get in on the race, but that was okay because I was totally beat. Waking up at 0400 and sailing all day took it out of me. After I anchored east of the port, the windlass broke and I had to repair it. I managed to jury rig it and will need to obtain a replacement part for it when I can. I then put the 15hp motor on the dinghy after looking at the distance I would have to row against the current. After that I took a shower aboard and I felt a lot better. I cleaned up, grabbed a few cold beers, and boarded the Dixie to find Tim and Kathy. They were just finishing the race and I met them at the Centerboard Yacht Club. I ferried their crew to shore with the Dixie and we had dinner and beer at the club as if I was on the crew. Rod Collins from s/v Cupecoy was there too and it was great to see them all again. After dinner I crossed the harbor in the dark aboard the Dixie and ended up sitting here now, updating today's blog.

It was an active day and I was able to knock out 60 miles from the 900 or so that I have to travel. Tomorrow I plan to lay over in Portland as the forecast calls for 20kt winds right on the nose. I don't mind the windy weather, but it really sucks when you have to go directly into it. Friday's forecast is somewhat better and that will give me chance to see Tim and Kathy one more time before I depart. I won't likely see them again for at least two years, as we don't currently have plans to return here next year. One thing I know for sure is that we will definitely return as soon as we can.

Cap'n Monty
s/v Song Of The South
At anchor in Portland, ME