Tranquil yet invigorating.
A week aboard the beautiful windjammer Angeligue was truly a unique experience. We enjoyed viewing the rugged and spectacular coast of Maine as we sailed gracefully around islands and past lighthouses in Penobscot Bay.
We gained a new appreciation for the hard work it takes for the energetic crew to hoist the sails, swab the decks and weigh the anchor. It was fun to watch them work and climb about the rigging like acrobats. And it was fun to help hoist the sails as about ten of us pulled mightily on ropes in synchronization to the crew-mate’s short haul shanties.
We joined fellow photographers through Maine Media Workshops to hone our photography skills under the guidance of acclaimed photographer Neal Parent. We cozied up with our new friends in tight quarters. We had plenty of room while on deck to spread out and enjoy the Maine breezes, but it was quite a challenge navigating around in the sleeping quarters. We experienced some fog (great for photography!) and a day of rain, so we gathered below deck for slideshows of our images and instructional critiques.
No specific route was planned. Captain Dennis chose the path each day dependent on the weather, the tides and the currents, to get us to interesting places to explore and to find a safe harbor at night. Click here to enlarge the map of our route each day. We made a few excursions to explore the local islands and harbor ports, including Swan’s Island, Islesford, The Wooden Boat School in Brooklyn, and the quaint historic town of Castine.
There was no shortage of fantastic food on this excursion. Despite limited kitchen area, head chef Ean managed to prepare exquisite menus and delicious gourmet appetizers during the daily happy hour. A highlight was when we all boarded the dinghys and rowed to a sandy beach for a Down East feast of all-you-can-eat lobsters steamed under seaweed over a driftwood fire. And there were plenty of delicious appetizers and salads (that we each carried in our laps in the boats if we weren’t rowing) and of course s’mores for desert.
The next morning we were greeted with a thick fog which provided a fun photographic challenge to capture the mystery of other windjammers appearing like ghosts in the mist. And in the fog the crew had to lower the top mast (amazing to watch) so the captain could navigate the Angelique through the currents at the right spot to cruise under the Eggemoggin Bridge at low tide. We all held our breath as we glided under the beautiful structure.
We were intrigued as we sailed around Mt. Desert Island and Acadia National Park as it was fun to look at the well-known sights from the water side. Swan Island is a small residential and fishing community. We walked to the beach full of beautiful round rocks that roll in the waves. Jim met some people who worked in a boat shop and they realized they had common friends from the Independence Seaport Boatshop. And Jim enjoyed visiting the classes in progress at Maine’s Wooden Boat School. Historic Castine is one of the oldest communities in North America, rich in history as the former home to several tribes of Native Americans. The quaint town includes magnificent American Elm trees, and we enjoyed the purple and blue lupine that was at its peak as we strolled through the neighborhoods. There were numerous historical markers that detailed the rich history of various occupations, Fort George, and military expeditions.
Evenings back on the Windjammer were relaxing as we enjoyed wine and forging new friendships as we watched beautiful sunsets and a full-moonrise. After our last anchor in Cradle Cove, it was back to picturesque Camden and then back to reality.
Here is a gallery of our favorite images. We hope you enjoy them!
