Our spring and early summer had some unexpected glitches requiring our attention. Trawler Clare was essentially ready to go – shiny with new varnish, new painted water lines and bottom paint, rebuilt transmission and new cutlass bearings, and a few upgrades, floating in the water, and partially stocked – when we realized we had to put our trip on hold to assist Karen’s siblings who were in need. Situations are stable now (thank God!) and we are jumping on this window of opportunity to do a significantly modified trip, but thankful none the less to be on the water and traveling.

Our tentative plan, God willing, is to go a familiar route from Maine to NYC, up the Hudson River, halfway across the Erie Canal (again!), through the Oswego canal, across Lake Ontario, and into the Thousand Islands (NY). Possibly exploring a little of the Trent-Severn canal in Canada if we have time. Not our long awaited (thank you, COVID) trip to Lake Huron/Georgian Bay, but this should set us up for the possibility next year.

Today was day 1 of the voyage! We hastily packed and added fresh foods, fueled and watered up, and had a final dinner at the mooring in Back Channel/Kittery with Ethan and Lia last night in celebration of Ethan (and Gage’s) 33rd birthday and to send us off. Surprised by a rainbow! Quiet night on the mooring, under an almost full Buck moon, then rose at 5:15 am to catch the favorable seas and current.

Beautiful day to be out on the ocean, especially for a slow, rolly trawler like us. Saw dolphins, a quick glimpse of two whales, and had a convoy of navy training boats (PY boats) cross our bow.

Quiet pleasant passage through the Annisquam canal with beautiful sandy beaches, house barges, sailing clubs, and seaport houses. The fast and furious current channeling through the Blynman draw bridge popped us into Gloucester harbor after pretty big standing waves. A bit exciting for me, but Dean and trawler Clare handled it with ease.

55 nautical miles or 66+ miles, arriving in busy Scituate Harbor in the early afternoon. Scituate says hello to George, Terri, and Liz! Enjoying the beautiful surroundings, the quaint houses, the multitude of boats, and all the comings and goings as we plan tomorrow’s next leg! Early to bed!

Thankful!

Thanks for your patience and, as always, your reading this blog and following our adventures.

~ Karen and Dean