happy birthday to ME

for my birthday, i found myself in portland maine, my favorite city in the summertime.
i went out to the portland head light and then went on another windjammer cruise.

it was a perfect day, the sky was clear, and the winds were just right.  we were able to set sail at the dock, and sail away into the casco bay.

and i met two new friends (from portland) while sailing.

karen and liz

more schooner photos

i had a good time trying to capture some of the close-up equipment.

jammin'

i have been trying to go on a windjammer cruise in portland, maine and every time something seems to go wrong.  weather, rescheduling, and today seemed like it was going to be another problem.


when i awoke, it was overcast and foggy.  i decided to walk to becky's diner for (maine) blueberry pancakes (yum).  it would be iffy as to whether i could have breakfast and still make it to the terminal in time.  when i stepped into becky's there was a line waiting, so i decided instead to walk to the schooner dock.


i spoke with the crew and yes, they were going out.  (yea!!)  only two other people were there, so the cruise was for only 3 of us...a private charter.  it began in the fog, but that soon burned off and we had a wonderful, serene cruise around the islands of casco bay.

as an added surprise, we saw an osprey nest out in the harbor!

socked in

portland was "socked in" this morning,

rain and fog halted my big plans to sail today.

at 6 am you couldn't see your hand in front of your face!

by 10 it was beginning to lift, but there was still no life

in the bay.  soon the boats began to start their engines, 

and moved out of the wharf area.

\

one of these days, i will get here on the right day!!