Cruising Maine June 2012 Sunday, June 17, 2012 Cliff Island Casco Bay, Maine Water temperature 59 F

As we headed down the Royal River on a falling tide yesterday, and waved goodbye to the Royal River Boatyard, it didn't feel like it had been eight months since we were last underway. The Admiral was stowing bumpers and dock lines and pointing out the mud bank that I was aiming for, the cat was curled up below on a settee with her feet wedged to keep from sliding off when the boat rolled, our 52 horsepower Yanmar diesel was purring nicely and the feel of the wheel in my hands was the most natural thing I could imagine.

We've been back in Maine for almost four weeks and it was a busy time with most of those days working on the boat. Last fall we took the mast off before the boat was stored for the winter and getting the mast ready to go back on added to the work list. We now have new spreader lights (super bright LED's), new steaming light, new loud hailer and new electrical connectors at the mast base. But, there was quality family time as well when we visited with our oldest son Glenn and his family and watched our oldest granddaughter Logan graduate from High School (with High Distinction!!!).

But finally, all the pieces have been reattached, all the lines have been run through the proper blocks and clutches (I think/hope), all systems seem to be operating and most of the pine needles and other yard crude have been removed. The food lockers have been re-stocked and the refrigerator is full. The transition from a dead piece of fiberglass and metal wrapped in white plastic, to a fully functioning cruising vessel has occurred. Sometimes it's almost magical to sense the boat coming alive. (It would be more magical if someone else was doing the work.)

Last night was our first night at anchor and the start of our summer cruise. We don't have any definite plans except to have fun and to go wherever we feel liked going (and the weather permits). We moved ten miles yesterday and expect to move about ten miles today. It is so nice to be back into cruising mode.