Jun 21st-June 25th Mon-Saturday 12th-15th day
Reading back this is pretty boring so a synopsis of the last week. We have had a few good days but always followed by days of no wind. As this is a sail boat we do not use the motor so we are making slower progress than hoped. Everyday at 8pm UTC we listen to the weather forecast (Herb) and prepare for the next “big wind” Thursday we were expecting gale force winds and thunderstorms none of which appeared. We did get fog and the wind has died again. After a steady pace yesterday we were back to bobbing again on Friday. We are 50 miles off the coast of Boston and only 75 miles from our destination of Portland Maine so now very keen to arrive. Dolphins, Cruise ships & fishing boats are now appearing but still no whales!
June 26th arrive in Portland 16th day
Hurrah we have arrived! We actually reached Portland about 5am but waited about 5 miles offshore to ensure customs would be open. Americans you should sleep sounder knowing that Homeland Security has tightened up the coast and we are not allowed to step on US territory without first a visit from US customs to check us in and search the boat. We arrived and checked in by 9:30 and were having “petite dejuner’ with Jim’s friends TL & Diane by 11am. Portland is a charming seaside town and a bustling port with oil depots with big tankers arriving to load up, a fishing fleet with large and small vessels, many sailing schools and several smaller speed boats and sail boats. The marina is on a headland with a long 2.5 mile trail to run, cycle, walk etc. We are right on the doorstep of the city and a park right next door. Already in Portland’s vast harbor we’ve seen bottle nose dolphins, large tuna and sea lions so watch this space for the upcoming episodes of “Maine Magic”.
