Maine 2020 Cruising Newsletter, Issue #3, July 6

Maine 2020 Cruising Newsletter, Issue #3, July 6

Staying Together by Staying Apart!

What better place to self-isolate & “quaranteam” than along the Maine coast!

SUBSCRIBING TO THIS NEWSLETTER:  If you got this newsletter by email, you are subscribed. If someone forwarded it, you are not. To subscribe or unsubscribe, go to the CCA website  HERE. (you will need to login)

Updates: Many updates this week, thank you. Please send new information and corrections or updates to marklenci@gmail.com  Keep it coming!

Items of special interest:
  • Residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut – along with Vermont and New Hampshire residents – are exempted from Maine’s requirement for 14-day quarantine or a negative COVID-19 test. The requirements remain for residents from Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
  • Is your boat & profile up to date on the CCA website? Many boats do not have their MMSI listed. That means you will not be shown in the CCA boat tracker and other CCA members cannot identify specifically in AIS or DSC as CCA boat. Please check that the information for you boat, and for you, is up to date. THANK YOU!!
  • Special CCA price on locally made COVID-19 PPE face masks. Dr Jeff Wisch (Wischbone) has negotiated a special CCA price of $8.75 per mask for an excellent mask made in Bristol, RI. You can order this mask from Kinder Industries at: https://www.kinderindustries.com/product-category/kinder-safety-supply/ Select the option to purchase a single mask (not one of the packages). Then select the number and size of the masks you wish to order. When checking out, apply the coupon code “CCAMASK2020” for your discounted price. Both Jeff and I have purchased them and recommend them.

News of the Week

Members have encountered this pest! (just when you thought it was getting safer outside …..)

Browntail Moth: The browntail moth is an invasive species found only on the coast of Maine and Cape Cod. This moth is an insect of both forest and human health concern.

The browntail moth caterpillar has tiny poisonous hairs that cause dermatitis similar to poison ivy on sensitive individuals. People may develop dermatitis from direct contact with the caterpillar or indirectly from contact with airborne hairs. The hairs become airborne from either being dislodged from the living or dead caterpillar or they come from cast skins with the caterpillar molts. Most people affected by the hairs develop a localized rash that will last for a few hours up to several days but on some sensitive individuals the rash can be severe and last for several weeks. The rash results from both a chemical reaction to a toxin in the hairs and a physical irritation as the barbed hairs become embedded in the skin. Respiratory distress from inhaling the hairs can be serious.

Sunflower’s crew MD, Dr. Anne Kolker, reports that there does not seem to be specific treatment. The problem is itching which can be treated with a variety of available over the counter topical creams:  Calamine, caladryl (a combination of calamine and Benadryl), Benadryl cream alone, hydrocortisone cream, WitchHazel... anything that helps reduce itching. Oral Benadryl can also work if itching interferes with sleep (it causes sedation which can be good ) and dry mouth which can be annoying.

Caterpillars are active from April to late June. Hairs remain toxic throughout the summer but get washed into the soil and are less of a problem over time.

This Week's Items of Interest – US Coast Guard in Maine

How do you contact the USCG in an emergency?

  • VHF radio CH 16 [preferred method on the water]
  • Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) [by land line, cellular phone, satellite phone]:
    • Atlantic Area SAR Coordinator (Portsmouth, VA) 757-398-6700 (this number should be in your satellite phone if you have one and in your cell phone)
    • RCC Boston 617-223-8555
    • Sector Northern New England (covers Maine) Emergency 207-767-0303, primary 207-767-0320
  • Dial 911
  • Other methods: EPIRB, Personal Locator Beacons, MF/HF-DSC
  • USCG App (“Emergency Assistance” button steps you through the methods to contact the USCG, gives your location, and prompts you for the information needed)

The USCG “App”: Did you know that you can download the free USCG app to your phone? Check it out! Using the app you can:

  • Get the list of required and recommended safety equipment for your specific boat using the profile of your boat in the app.
  • File a float plan
  • Get the Rules of the Road
  • Get data from all NOAA buoys
  • Report a hazard, pollution, and suspicious activity

Where are the USCG assets in Maine?

In general, all of the Coast Guard stations listed below have one or more small boats. We do not list the specific small boat at each USCG station listed below because the small boats rotate between stations. The small boats are either a 47-foot Motor Life Boat (MLB) or 29-foot small Response Boat (RB-S). These two types of boats are the primary emergency response and routine patrol assets along the Maine coast.

 

              47 foot Motor Life Boat (MLB)                 29 foot small Response Boat (RB-S)

  • Portsmouth, NH: shore station, small boat(s), and USCGC Ocracoke (WPB-1307) – a 110-foot cutter.
  • South Portland: Sector Northern New England, shore station, small boat(s), USCGC Marcus Hanna (WLM-554) - 175-foot buoy tender and USCGC Shackle (WYTL-65609) – 65-foot small harbor tug
  • Boothbay Harbor: shore station and small boat(s),   
  • Rockland: Shore station, small boat(s), USCGC Abbie Burgess (WLM-553) – 175-foot buoy tender, USCGC Thunder Bay (WTGB-108) – 140-foot ice breaking tug, and USCGC Tackle (WYTL-65604) – 65 foot small harbor tug
  • Southwest Harbor: Sector Field Office, small boat(s), and USCGC Bridle (WYTL-65607)– 65-foot small harbor tug
  • Jonesport: shore station, small boat(s), and USCGC Amberjack (WPB-87316) – 87-foot large patrol boat.
  • Eastport: shore station and small boat(s)

Air assets: MH-60T helicopters and HC-144 Medium Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft (fixed wind, twin engine) – Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Tips, Reports, and Information from CCA members by Region

     Information applicable to all areas
  • People who are not Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New Jersey, New York or Connecticut residents must complete a Certificate of Compliance form indicating they have received a negative COVID-19 test result, or that they will quarantine in Maine for 14 days, or that they have already completed their quarantine in Maine.
  • The Harbormasters we contacted seemed welcoming and just requested that out of state sailors follow state and local COVID-19 protocols when going ashore. It is recommended that out of state sailors make an entry in their vessel’s log when the quarantine was started.

     Southern Coast / Casco Bay
  • Quahog Bay: Sunflower (Mark & Bev Lenci) reports that guest moorings are available for $35/night at Great Island Boatyard CCA member Steve Rowe is the GM. Full services.
  • Casco Bay Restaurants:  Libra (Caroline and Barney Baker) have provided the following list of restaurants in Casco Bay:
    • Saltwater Grille, 231 Front Street, South Portland. Saltwater Grille welcomes boaters with a private dock and a large deck offering panoramic views of Portland’s city skyline. The menu includes plenty of locally caught fish and seafood, steaks, and owner Mark Loring’s signature pizza—lobster, grilled corn salsa, and basil.
    • Diamond’s Edge Restaurant, Diamond Cove, Portland. On the grounds of historic Fort McKinley, Diamond’s Edge Restaurant and Marina gives boaters the chance to escape the hustle of Portland for a relaxed island setting. The lawn overlooking the cove is a popular spot to enjoy a meal and a glass of wine.
    • North 43 Bistro, 1 Spring Point Dr., South Portland. Overlooking Port Harbor Marina, North 43 Bistro has decks on two levels and a contemporary feel. Chef Stephanie Brown’s sophisticated yet soulful menu changes every three weeks and has more varied choices than most waterside restaurants.
    • Crown Jewel - Dale Bruce reports that this is a restaurant on Great Diamond Island in Casco Bay now offering boat side delivery. 207-766-3000
    • Dockside Grill, 214 Foreside Rd, Falmouth.
    • Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster, 36 Main St, South Freeport. Cozy coastal vibes fill this seasonal, seaside pier in a working harbor. With bright red picnic tables, a lobster pound, and a classic Maine menu, the restaurant provides a real taste of local character.
    • Royal River Grill House, 106 Lafayette St, Yarmouth. This stylish waterfront restaurant boasts a large deck with heaters, firepits, and a harbor view, with a slip available for boaters at Yankee Marina just next door. The lively bar is a popular gathering spot for locals, and the large menu offers something for everyone.
    • Chebeague: updated by Trinket (Jim and Ruth Harvie). Chebeague Island Inn is not open this season. On the ocean side of Chebeague is the boat yard with a place you can get wine/sandwiches and there’s a beach: http://chebeagueislandboatyard.com/the-niblic/
    • The Dolphin, 515 Basin Point Road, Harpswell. On the edge of Potts Harbor, the Dolphin has its own marina and a deck with sweeping views of the Casco Bay islands. Known for its traditional Maine fare served with blueberry muffins, the restaurant has been a local favorite since 1966.
    • Erica’s (like a dairy queen for fish and lobster - low key) and working lobsterman’s dock you can tie up. Colorfull! Near the Dolphin.
    • Morse’s Cribstone Grill, Bailey Island  (Ocean side)  Great little low key place with great menu and all seats have views.  You can get lunch or dinner there and they sell lobster to take home. They have dock to tie up to too.  https://www.morsescribstonegrill.net/ You sneak under the Cribstone bridge between Orrs Island and Bailey island to get there or you can run along the oceanside shore of Bailey’s .
    • Cooks Lobster: Indoor seating: other side of cribstone bridge from Morse’s You might be able to arrange a mooring at Orrs/Bailey island YC.
    • Cundy’s harbor) Dock and good seafood eating out on the pier. https://www.holbrookwharf.com/
    • Anna’s Waters Edge Restaurant- Haven’t been here yet but it is on my list! Looks great and unpolished. Address: 75 Blacks Landing Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562 Phone: (207) 389-1803
    • Sebasco  Lodge: (more polished) updated by Allegro (Buell & Anne Heminway): 29 Kenyon Rd, (877) 420-1701 Oceanfront resort hotel. Dining on the terrace under a tent and indoors in the tavern. Very limited seating. Launch service. Golf course & a harborside pool.
    • Five Islands Lobster Co., Sheepscot River, https://fiveislandslobster.com/ There is a dock.  And if you just want to hang on a yacht club free mooring head to restaurant and look to port and there will be complimentary moorings

     Mid-Coast / Penobscot Bay /  Mt. Desert
  • Christmas Cove: Nancy Snow (Bruce and Linda MacNeil) recommend the Coveside Restaurant and Marina in South Bristol, Maine. 207-644-8282 The restaurant overhangs Christmas Cove and has a fabulous menu with lots of seafood, shellfish and beef. They have 7 moorings and overnight slips in the marina, all on Dockwa. Currently they will be open Thursday through Sunday from 11:30 till 9:00 pm. There is inside dining, outside dining and takeout delivered to the docks. www.covesiderestaurant.com
  • Damariscotta River: Five miles up the river there is a small, full-service boatyard, Gamage Shipyard.  They have diesel and gasoline available on their face dock 7 days per week. 207-644-8181.
  • Tenant's Harbor:
    • Charles Starke reports that his CCA guest mooring in Long Cove, #200 on the CCA list, was not set up with a ball this summer and is not available.
    • Simba (Frank & Linda Cassidy) mooring at 43 57.80/69 11.87 White ball marked with #1364, yellow floats on pennant. On approach into Tenants Harbor it is located opposite Long Cove approximately 0.1 NM SW of the speed limit buoy. Serviced this spring it is a 4,000 pound granite block with 5/8-inch chain.  Call Frank at 207-832-1650 if there are questions.
    • PrimeTime (Ed Freitag and Molly Haley).  Luke’s Lobster is currently closed. The Happy Clam is open. The Tavern at the East Wind Inn will not be open for the summer. The Inn is currently serving breakfast and lunch upstairs.
  • McLoon’s Lobster Shack Tag (Nancy Cook) reports that this is off the beaten path but has the best lobster rolls she has ever had!! Now that’s saying something! McLoon’s is 315 Island road in Thomaston, ME. This is on Spruce Island (can be reached by car) near Muscle Shoals Channel. You can reach it by boat and dinghy ashore. Worth the stop.
  • Rockland:
    • Wischbone (Jeff & Cindy Wisch) reports from the harbormaster that docks and moorings are in. 207-594-0312 There is a Farmer’s Market on Thursday’s from 0900 – 1300 in the field adjacent to the town dock.
    • Jo Jo (William Strassberg) reports the Grasshopper Shop downtown on Main Street has great boater friendly items such as Melamine dishware, plastic cups and glasses, placemats, Stonewall Kitchen condiments, jams, mustards. 
    • Windermere (John & Wendy Richards) reports on the following restaurants:
      • Archers on the Pier- easy walk from the town dinghy dock. they have a deck and inside seating spaced out. no reservations but will move you up the list if you let them know you are coming soon. big menu.
      • Park St. Grille - seating inside spaced and outside they have about 5 or 6 tables. no reservations big menu good Mexican food and margaritas! walk up the hill from the town dinghy dock and turn right on Main St and go 2 blocks.
      • Cafe Rustica- takes reservations for seatings 5pm, 6:30pm, 8pm. spaced out seating. smaller menu but good food. walk up from town dinghy dock, turn right on Main St. and go 3 or 4 blocks.
      • McLoons- in Sprucehead near Owlshead open 11:30-7pm closed tues and weds. You can anchor in the harbor, dinghy dock walk to it. it is on a rise by the water. lobster shack style good food. eat outside picnic tables
    • Windermere (John & Wendy Richards) report on the following stores:
      • Hannefords is in the north part of the harbor. Joe’s Taxi is out of business but try Schooner Bay Taxi 207-594-5000 (they also do Camden) wear a mask and don’t bring your cloth bags. They won’t let you bring them into the store. They are limiting the number of people inside but I have never had to wait. It is well stocked except paper towels are not there. Toilet paper is there.
      • Main St Market is small but has organic things and a place to get salads and sandwiches and take out hot things. from the town dock, go up the hill turn right and walk 6 blocks. 207-594-8515
      • Wiggins Meat Market 207-594-1118. 148 N Main St. has a great selection of vacuum-packed meats and fish and pastas. They are on Main street south. take your dinghy to the dinghy dock/boat ramp at Snow Park in the south of town and walk down Mechanic St to your left till you hit Main and turn right. The market is on your left a ways up Main. you can also come at it from the Town dock and walk south on Main St
      • Jess’s Seafood Market  207-596-6068 118 S. Main St.  is south of Wiggins so closer to Snow Park area.
  • Rockport: Windermere (John & Wendy Richards) report Market Basket is open. 207-236-4371
  • Camden (from Dale Bruce)
    • Camden Town docks are welcoming transient boats but expect guests to honor 14 day quarantine, stay socially distant and wear masks. Harbor master: Steve Pixley. Monitors VHF Ch. 16 or Phone: 207-236-7969 Docking fees: $2.50 per ft night for under 40’ -  $3.50 per ft for 40’ to 70’ Power: 30amp - $15 night, 50 amp - $30 night  There is water on the dock, but supply your own hose. Pump out boat is available & can come to you at anchor or mooring. Call dockmaster to arrange – 236-7969 or VHF Ch 16. Restrooms on the public landing are partially open – one person allowed inside at a time.
    • Lyman Morse Dockmaster: Charlie Foote 207-236-7108 Moorings: $45 night Inner harbor float: $60 night (42’ maximum) Dock: $3 per ft per night up to 59’ length, $4.25 ft per night for 60’-99’ length They offer laundry pick-up and delivery through Camden Clothesline, 207-230-1166. Due to a fire on the property the laundry and showers are closed indefinitely. They  have water available on the docks and at the fuel dock. They also have a free pump-out service in the harbor.
    • Camden Yacht Club Dockmaster: Barb Goss Please contact the Dockmaster’s office at 207-236-3014, via VHF 68, or docks@camdenyachtclub.org Moorings available for $40 night. Inner harbor floats $50 night (42’ maximum length) NO other services available – no launch service even if you’re on a mooring. Please do not come to the docks, even in a dinghy. Use the town public landing.
    • Groceries: French and Brawn (1 Elm Street)  is one block from the public landing in Camden and offers most everything you may need. Deli, fish & meat departments as well as most groceries and produce. Mask required inside. Delivery to Public landing offered. Call or email an order for curbside pickup if you’re quarantined or wish delivery: 207-236-3361 or fandbmarket@gmail.com If requested ahead, they will package and freeze items for you.
    • Rhum line closed indefinitely – on the dock at Lyman Morse
    • Blue Barren Distillery - https://www.bluebarrendistillery.com/ Locally distilled Gin and Rum. Located on the Lyman Morse property, near the head of the harbor. There is talk that Blue Barren MIGHT start serving some food. Please call 207-542-7741 to schedule a curbside pickup at the distillery.
    • The Waterfront Restaurant – 48 Bayview Street On the water, nice deck overlooking the harbor. 11:30 - 2:30 serving lunch, from 2:30 - 4:30 serving drinks and light fare, from 5 until close only serving dinner. You can order take out from 11:30 am - 5 pm. Please wear a mask if you come into the restaurant for anything.
    • Peter Otts - 16 Bayview Landing – right on the harbor. Currently offering outdoor dining, take-out and curbside pick-up. Not currently accepting reservations. Open Wednesday – Sunday 12pm-8pm. To order by phone call 207.236.4032 or order online: https://www.peterotts.com/reservations
    • Camden Deli - 37 Main Street. Has a nice upstairs deck and is a great spot for breakfast or lunch.
    • Bagel Café – 25 Mechanic Street - is offering curbside take-out. Open 7 days 7am-2pm Great bagels, sandwiches, salads, baked goods. Call 207-236-2661 to order.
    • Hartstone Inn – 41 Elm Street. Upscale, lovely restaurant offering curbside pickup. Menu changes daily-see it online. An easy walk from the public landing. Open Wednesday-Sunday https://www.hartstoneinn.com/camden-maine-restaurant or 207-236-4259
    • 40 Paper – 40 Washington Street – Upscale Italian with Gluten Free options. An easy walk from the public landing. Right under the smokestack. Open 4-9. Curbside pickup (including fun cocktails), Indoor and patio seating – properly spaced out... Call 207-230-0111 for reservations. New menus posted on their Facebook page daily. Closed Sunday and Monday
    • Windermere (John & Wendy Richards) reports there is a farmer’s market at 116 Washington Street, 9 – 12 Saturday. Walk from the town dock.
  • Belfast:
    • Wischbone reports that the harbormaster says moorings are available but there are a limited number and reservations are accepted. Skye (Glen Porter) reports they have rented moorings from Kathy the harbormaster 207-276-5737
    • Jo Jo (William Strassberg) reports that the Belfast COOP is one of the safest in store shopping experiences he has had. It is a short walk from the harbor, and they will do on-line orders with curbside pick-up if desired. See https://belfast.coop/shop-for-me/  Windermere (John & Wendy Richards) report that you walk up Main Street from the dinghy dock and turn left on High St and walk a block and look left. lots of fresh vegetables, organic products, lunch area for good sandwiches, etc. to eat in or take out.
    • Jo Jo (William Strassberg) reports Darby’s Restaurant, The Neighborhood and Meanwhile Restaurant have outside dining.
  • Perry Creek (Fox Island Thoroughfare) – Skye (Glen Porter) reports there are almost no private moorings. Also the boats moored in the Fox Island Thoroughfare are sparse.
  • North Haven:
    • Hearts Desire (Dan & Joan Amory) report North Haven is welcoming visitors as long as you respect the health precautions – wear masks and social distance.
    • Pulpit Harbor: Sweet Dreams (Maggie Salter/Alan Hickey), and updated by Hearts Desire (Dan & Joan Amory) report North Haven Grocery  is an easy walk, ½ mile, from the harbor. Open 6 AM to 7 PM daily. For smaller orders call 207-867-2233. For larger orders email  Nhgrocery2019@gmail.com)  Maddie, just graduated from Bates College, offers a delivery service if you & your crew are in quarantine. Email Maddie at  maddiesmobileLLC@gmail.com
    •  They will deliver to the town dock or the Pulpit Harbor dock. Call to pick up an order. Restocked Monday and Friday afternoons.
    • Pulpit Harbor: Sweet Dreams (Maggie Salter/Alan Hickey) report they buy lobsters from April Brown 207-542-3894/207-867-2209. She will also cook them for you.
    • Bluebird (Gust Stringos) reports the Nebo Lodge (207-867-2007) has indoor & outdoor dining (dinner?). Food is great and proper safety is observed. open Tuesday – Saturday. 
    • Bluebird (Gust Stringos) reports moorings are available from J. O. Brown (Brown’s Boatyard – (207-867-2282)
    • Sweet Dreams (Maggie Salter/Alan Hickey) report Calderwod Hall Bakery & pizza, curbside pickup (5 pm – 8 pm) and delivery to the town dock (4:30 PM). 207-867-4700. Menu & order on the website: http://www.calderwoodhall.com/
    • Turner Farm: Sweet Dreams (Maggie Salter/Alan Hickey) report Turner Farm is selling take-out food and vegetables. Anchor in Kent Cove. They have a dock you can dinghy to and walk to the barn. See the website for hours and menus. www.Turner-farm.com
  • Carver’s Harbor (south end of Vinalhaven Island) Windermere (John & Wendy Richards) report the  The Carver’s Harbor Market is quite big and right on the main St in the Harbor .207-863-4319 It is across the street from the dinghy dock. They offer curbside pickup. The harbor is crowded but there should be room to anchor out in the Reach area and dinghy in.
  • Castine:
    • Doug & Dale Bruce report that this is a pretty town to walk in. Lots of historical information on signs.
    • Wischbone reports from the harbormaster that town moorings are available 207 266 7711 or Eaton’s Boat Yard 207-326-8579
    • Windermere (John & Wendy Richards) report on the Mini Market. 207-326-9920 Walk up the hill to the first intersection and turn left and walk 100 ft. simple small market with deli.
    • Doug & Dale Bruce report Markel’s Bakery is open for take out only – Tuesday – Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM for lunch. 207-326-9510 to place your order.  Dennett’s Wharf restaurant is permanently closed.
  • Buck’s Harbor: Windermere (John & Wendy Richards) report on the Buck’s Harbor General Store. 207-236-8683 They are open 8-7, not Sundays. Take your dinghy to the yacht club dock and walk out the driveway to the main road. Look across the street and you will see the General Store. They have market things, a deli, and some pastries.  The Buck’s Cafe restaurant behind the store will be open for takeout only for the summer (at this point).
  • Center Harbor: Skye (Glen Porter) reports they have rented moorings from Brooklyn Boat Yard.
  • Stonington: Wischbone reports that Billings Marine has moorings and dockage available 207-266-7711 No lobsters at the docks this year but the COOP is open.
  • Northeast Harbor:
    • Wischbone reports from the Harbormaster that Acadia National Park is open for hiking. Biking on carriage trails prohibited. No Shuttle Buses. Pine Tree Grocery Store will deliver to the dock. Moorings and dock available for rental. Reservations only for dockage accepted. Rental moorings are available on a first come first served basis. (207 276 5737) Clifton dock is open for fuel.
    • Pine Tree Market on Main Street (easy walk from the town dock) is open 9 AM to 8 PM. They are happy to take phone orders 207-276-3335. Jo Jo (William Strassberg) reports they will deliver to the town dock.
  • Southwest Harbor:
    • Sawyer’s Specialties (wine and cheese shop) is open Monday – Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM.
    • IGA Southwest Food Market Grocery is a larger store but is 1.5 miles from the town dock.
    • Sunflower points out that if you are eligible to shop in military exchanges, there is a small USCG exchange on the Coast Guard base.
  • Great Cranberry Island: Josephine (Stafford and Susan Keegin) report:
    • I’m hugely partial to the Cranberry Island General Store.  It is about 100 feet across the parking lot at the head of the Great Cranberry Island town dock (which is the first dock/pier easterly of the substantial residential dock on the northwest corner of the island nearest SWH). Holly, who is wonderful, runs the place, and you can usually find all you need there, including some of Lauren Gray’s wonderful, local oysters. Great Cranberry Island maintains three moorings on the outside of the mooring field from which you can dingy in to the finger float on the westerly side of the town dock.  You can also grab a good lunch at the store, including soft ice cream.  If you find Scott Bracy there, he’ll sell you lobsters “off the boat.” If you can’t find a convenient mooring closer in, you can always use our little-used CCA guest mooring farther to the east or anchor northerly of the mooring field (beware of unmarked green ledge northeasterly of the Newman & Gray boatyard.
    • In addition to the CCA mooring there are two “KEEGIN” moorings which are available if no one is on them. 
    • Dining is more limited out on the Cranberries, but quite nice.  On Great Cranberry there is Hitty’s, a nice outdoors lunch place.   It’s about 1/2 a mile up the Main Road from the town dock.  There’s a free shuttle service that takes folks up-island and that stops and pick ups from Hitty’s.  Out the road farther up island is a Maine Coastal Heritage trail through the woods to the outer shore, and the trailhead is  also serviced by the shuttle.
  • Little Cranberry Island: Josephine (Stafford and Susan Keegin) report:
    • The lobster coop on Little Cranberry (Islesford) has a very nice small retail operation from which one may find lobsters and misc. food items.  I’ve always been a little uncertain about public moorings at LCI, but there is plenty of anchoring room.  The dingy space on the Islesford town dock behind the main float is rarely less than jammed, but always seems to accommodate at least one more dingy or skiff.
    • Dan and Cynthia Lief sold the Dock Restaurant a  couple of years ago,  but the new owner has kept in going pretty much as the Lief’s ran it.  I’m told from a usually reliable source that it will be open this summer, maybe already is.  Also, the Islesford lobster coop offers cold cooked lobsters in sandwiches, etc.
  • Bar Harbor: Jo Jo (William Strassberg) reports the Atlantic Brewing Company has a very good BBQ restaurant in Town Hill with outdoor dining called Mainly Meat BBQ. Address is 5 Knox Rd Bar Harbor, ME 04609, phone 207-288-2337 (BEER). It is a car ride from any harbor.

     Down East  / Passamaquoddy Bay
  • Jonesport: Stewart’s Grocery is a full service convenience store. 207-497-2921 Their Facebook page has photos of what they carry. Sweet Dreams (Maggie Salter/Alan Hickey) report the store is a 2 to 3 mile walk. Google shows it only about 2/10 mile from the harbor. ???
  • Eastport: multiple attempts to reach the harbormaster have been unsuccessful. (Anyone having information on Eastport please send it to us.)
 

References

 

 

As it will look mailed...

CCA Logo

Staying Together by Staying Apart!

What better place to self-isolate & “quaranteam” than along the Maine coast!

SUBSCRIBING TO THIS NEWSLETTER:  If you got this newsletter by email, you are subscribed. If someone forwarded it, you are not. To subscribe or unsubscribe, go to the CCA website  HERE. (you will need to login)

Updates: Many updates this week, thank you. Please send new information and corrections or updates to marklenci@gmail.com  Keep it coming!

Items of special interest:
  • Residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut – along with Vermont and New Hampshire residents – are exempted from Maine’s requirement for 14-day quarantine or a negative COVID-19 test. The requirements remain for residents from Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
  • Is your boat & profile up to date on the CCA website? Many boats do not have their MMSI listed. That means you will not be shown in the CCA boat tracker and other CCA members cannot identify specifically in AIS or DSC as CCA boat. Please check that the information for you boat, and for you, is up to date. THANK YOU!!
  • Special CCA price on locally made COVID-19 PPE face masks. Dr Jeff Wisch (Wischbone) has negotiated a special CCA price of $8.75 per mask for an excellent mask made in Bristol, RI. You can order this mask from Kinder Industries at: https://www.kinderindustries.com/product-category/kinder-safety-supply/ Select the option to purchase a single mask (not one of the packages). Then select the number and size of the masks you wish to order. When checking out, apply the coupon code “CCAMASK2020” for your discounted price. Both Jeff and I have purchased them and recommend them.

News of the Week

Members have encountered this pest! (just when you thought it was getting safer outside …..)

Browntail Moth: The browntail moth is an invasive species found only on the coast of Maine and Cape Cod. This moth is an insect of both forest and human health concern.

The browntail moth caterpillar has tiny poisonous hairs that cause dermatitis similar to poison ivy on sensitive individuals. People may develop dermatitis from direct contact with the caterpillar or indirectly from contact with airborne hairs. The hairs become airborne from either being dislodged from the living or dead caterpillar or they come from cast skins with the caterpillar molts. Most people affected by the hairs develop a localized rash that will last for a few hours up to several days but on some sensitive individuals the rash can be severe and last for several weeks. The rash results from both a chemical reaction to a toxin in the hairs and a physical irritation as the barbed hairs become embedded in the skin. Respiratory distress from inhaling the hairs can be serious.

Sunflower’s crew MD, Dr. Anne Kolker, reports that there does not seem to be specific treatment. The problem is itching which can be treated with a variety of available over the counter topical creams:  Calamine, caladryl (a combination of calamine and Benadryl), Benadryl cream alone, hydrocortisone cream, WitchHazel... anything that helps reduce itching. Oral Benadryl can also work if itching interferes with sleep (it causes sedation which can be good ) and dry mouth which can be annoying.

Caterpillars are active from April to late June. Hairs remain toxic throughout the summer but get washed into the soil and are less of a problem over time.

This Week's Items of Interest – US Coast Guard in Maine

How do you contact the USCG in an emergency?

  • VHF radio CH 16 [preferred method on the water]
  • Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) [by land line, cellular phone, satellite phone]:
    • Atlantic Area SAR Coordinator (Portsmouth, VA) 757-398-6700 (this number should be in your satellite phone if you have one and in your cell phone)
    • RCC Boston 617-223-8555
    • Sector Northern New England (covers Maine) Emergency 207-767-0303, primary 207-767-0320
  • Dial 911
  • Other methods: EPIRB, Personal Locator Beacons, MF/HF-DSC
  • USCG App (“Emergency Assistance” button steps you through the methods to contact the USCG, gives your location, and prompts you for the information needed)

The USCG “App”: Did you know that you can download the free USCG app to your phone? Check it out! Using the app you can:

  • Get the list of required and recommended safety equipment for your specific boat using the profile of your boat in the app.
  • File a float plan
  • Get the Rules of the Road
  • Get data from all NOAA buoys
  • Report a hazard, pollution, and suspicious activity

Where are the USCG assets in Maine?

In general, all of the Coast Guard stations listed below have one or more small boats. We do not list the specific small boat at each USCG station listed below because the small boats rotate between stations. The small boats are either a 47-foot Motor Life Boat (MLB) or 29-foot small Response Boat (RB-S). These two types of boats are the primary emergency response and routine patrol assets along the Maine coast.

 

              47 foot Motor Life Boat (MLB)                 29 foot small Response Boat (RB-S)

  • Portsmouth, NH: shore station, small boat(s), and USCGC Ocracoke (WPB-1307) – a 110-foot cutter.
  • South Portland: Sector Northern New England, shore station, small boat(s), USCGC Marcus Hanna (WLM-554) - 175-foot buoy tender and USCGC Shackle (WYTL-65609) – 65-foot small harbor tug
  • Boothbay Harbor: shore station and small boat(s),   
  • Rockland: Shore station, small boat(s), USCGC Abbie Burgess (WLM-553) – 175-foot buoy tender, USCGC Thunder Bay (WTGB-108) – 140-foot ice breaking tug, and USCGC Tackle (WYTL-65604) – 65 foot small harbor tug
  • Southwest Harbor: Sector Field Office, small boat(s), and USCGC Bridle (WYTL-65607)– 65-foot small harbor tug
  • Jonesport: shore station, small boat(s), and USCGC Amberjack (WPB-87316) – 87-foot large patrol boat.
  • Eastport: shore station and small boat(s)

Air assets: MH-60T helicopters and HC-144 Medium Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft (fixed wind, twin engine) – Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Tips, Reports, and Information from CCA members by Region

     Information applicable to all areas
  • People who are not Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New Jersey, New York or Connecticut residents must complete a Certificate of Compliance form indicating they have received a negative COVID-19 test result, or that they will quarantine in Maine for 14 days, or that they have already completed their quarantine in Maine.
  • The Harbormasters we contacted seemed welcoming and just requested that out of state sailors follow state and local COVID-19 protocols when going ashore. It is recommended that out of state sailors make an entry in their vessel’s log when the quarantine was started.

     Southern Coast / Casco Bay
  • Quahog Bay: Sunflower (Mark & Bev Lenci) reports that guest moorings are available for $35/night at Great Island Boatyard CCA member Steve Rowe is the GM. Full services.
  • Casco Bay Restaurants:  Libra (Caroline and Barney Baker) have provided the following list of restaurants in Casco Bay:
    • Saltwater Grille, 231 Front Street, South Portland. Saltwater Grille welcomes boaters with a private dock and a large deck offering panoramic views of Portland’s city skyline. The menu includes plenty of locally caught fish and seafood, steaks, and owner Mark Loring’s signature pizza—lobster, grilled corn salsa, and basil.
    • Diamond’s Edge Restaurant, Diamond Cove, Portland. On the grounds of historic Fort McKinley, Diamond’s Edge Restaurant and Marina gives boaters the chance to escape the hustle of Portland for a relaxed island setting. The lawn overlooking the cove is a popular spot to enjoy a meal and a glass of wine.
    • North 43 Bistro, 1 Spring Point Dr., South Portland. Overlooking Port Harbor Marina, North 43 Bistro has decks on two levels and a contemporary feel. Chef Stephanie Brown’s sophisticated yet soulful menu changes every three weeks and has more varied choices than most waterside restaurants.
    • Crown Jewel - Dale Bruce reports that this is a restaurant on Great Diamond Island in Casco Bay now offering boat side delivery. 207-766-3000
    • Dockside Grill, 214 Foreside Rd, Falmouth.
    • Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster, 36 Main St, South Freeport. Cozy coastal vibes fill this seasonal, seaside pier in a working harbor. With bright red picnic tables, a lobster pound, and a classic Maine menu, the restaurant provides a real taste of local character.
    • Royal River Grill House, 106 Lafayette St, Yarmouth. This stylish waterfront restaurant boasts a large deck with heaters, firepits, and a harbor view, with a slip available for boaters at Yankee Marina just next door. The lively bar is a popular gathering spot for locals, and the large menu offers something for everyone.
    • Chebeague: updated by Trinket (Jim and Ruth Harvie). Chebeague Island Inn is not open this season. On the ocean side of Chebeague is the boat yard with a place you can get wine/sandwiches and there’s a beach: http://chebeagueislandboatyard.com/the-niblic/
    • The Dolphin, 515 Basin Point Road, Harpswell. On the edge of Potts Harbor, the Dolphin has its own marina and a deck with sweeping views of the Casco Bay islands. Known for its traditional Maine fare served with blueberry muffins, the restaurant has been a local favorite since 1966.
    • Erica’s (like a dairy queen for fish and lobster - low key) and working lobsterman’s dock you can tie up. Colorfull! Near the Dolphin.
    • Morse’s Cribstone Grill, Bailey Island  (Ocean side)  Great little low key place with great menu and all seats have views.  You can get lunch or dinner there and they sell lobster to take home. They have dock to tie up to too.  https://www.morsescribstonegrill.net/ You sneak under the Cribstone bridge between Orrs Island and Bailey island to get there or you can run along the oceanside shore of Bailey’s .
    • Cooks Lobster: Indoor seating: other side of cribstone bridge from Morse’s You might be able to arrange a mooring at Orrs/Bailey island YC.
    • Cundy’s harbor) Dock and good seafood eating out on the pier. https://www.holbrookwharf.com/
    • Anna’s Waters Edge Restaurant- Haven’t been here yet but it is on my list! Looks great and unpolished. Address: 75 Blacks Landing Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562 Phone: (207) 389-1803
    • Sebasco  Lodge: (more polished) updated by Allegro (Buell & Anne Heminway): 29 Kenyon Rd, (877) 420-1701 Oceanfront resort hotel. Dining on the terrace under a tent and indoors in the tavern. Very limited seating. Launch service. Golf course & a harborside pool.
    • Five Islands Lobster Co., Sheepscot River, https://fiveislandslobster.com/ There is a dock.  And if you just want to hang on a yacht club free mooring head to restaurant and look to port and there will be complimentary moorings

     Mid-Coast / Penobscot Bay /  Mt. Desert
  • Christmas Cove: Nancy Snow (Bruce and Linda MacNeil) recommend the Coveside Restaurant and Marina in South Bristol, Maine. 207-644-8282 The restaurant overhangs Christmas Cove and has a fabulous menu with lots of seafood, shellfish and beef. They have 7 moorings and overnight slips in the marina, all on Dockwa. Currently they will be open Thursday through Sunday from 11:30 till 9:00 pm. There is inside dining, outside dining and takeout delivered to the docks. www.covesiderestaurant.com
  • Damariscotta River: Five miles up the river there is a small, full-service boatyard, Gamage Shipyard.  They have diesel and gasoline available on their face dock 7 days per week. 207-644-8181.
  • Tenant's Harbor:
    • Charles Starke reports that his CCA guest mooring in Long Cove, #200 on the CCA list, was not set up with a ball this summer and is not available.
    • Simba (Frank & Linda Cassidy) mooring at 43 57.80/69 11.87 White ball marked with #1364, yellow floats on pennant. On approach into Tenants Harbor it is located opposite Long Cove approximately 0.1 NM SW of the speed limit buoy. Serviced this spring it is a 4,000 pound granite block with 5/8-inch chain.  Call Frank at 207-832-1650 if there are questions.
    • PrimeTime (Ed Freitag and Molly Haley).  Luke’s Lobster is currently closed. The Happy Clam is open. The Tavern at the East Wind Inn will not be open for the summer. The Inn is currently serving breakfast and lunch upstairs.
  • McLoon’s Lobster Shack Tag (Nancy Cook) reports that this is off the beaten path but has the best lobster rolls she has ever had!! Now that’s saying something! McLoon’s is 315 Island road in Thomaston, ME. This is on Spruce Island (can be reached by car) near Muscle Shoals Channel. You can reach it by boat and dinghy ashore. Worth the stop.
  • Rockland:
    • Wischbone (Jeff & Cindy Wisch) reports from the harbormaster that docks and moorings are in. 207-594-0312 There is a Farmer’s Market on Thursday’s from 0900 – 1300 in the field adjacent to the town dock.
    • Jo Jo (William Strassberg) reports the Grasshopper Shop downtown on Main Street has great boater friendly items such as Melamine dishware, plastic cups and glasses, placemats, Stonewall Kitchen condiments, jams, mustards. 
    • Windermere (John & Wendy Richards) reports on the following restaurants:
      • Archers on the Pier- easy walk from the town dinghy dock. they have a deck and inside seating spaced out. no reservations but will move you up the list if you let them know you are coming soon. big menu.
      • Park St. Grille - seating inside spaced and outside they have about 5 or 6 tables. no reservations big menu good Mexican food and margaritas! walk up the hill from the town dinghy dock and turn right on Main St and go 2 blocks.
      • Cafe Rustica- takes reservations for seatings 5pm, 6:30pm, 8pm. spaced out seating. smaller menu but good food. walk up from town dinghy dock, turn right on Main St. and go 3 or 4 blocks.
      • McLoons- in Sprucehead near Owlshead open 11:30-7pm closed tues and weds. You can anchor in the harbor, dinghy dock walk to it. it is on a rise by the water. lobster shack style good food. eat outside picnic tables
    • Windermere (John & Wendy Richards) report on the following stores:
      • Hannefords is in the north part of the harbor. Joe’s Taxi is out of business but try Schooner Bay Taxi 207-594-5000 (they also do Camden) wear a mask and don’t bring your cloth bags. They won’t let you bring them into the store. They are limiting the number of people inside but I have never had to wait. It is well stocked except paper towels are not there. Toilet paper is there.
      • Main St Market is small but has organic things and a place to get salads and sandwiches and take out hot things. from the town dock, go up the hill turn right and walk 6 blocks. 207-594-8515
      • Wiggins Meat Market 207-594-1118. 148 N Main St. has a great selection of vacuum-packed meats and fish and pastas. They are on Main street south. take your dinghy to the dinghy dock/boat ramp at Snow Park in the south of town and walk down Mechanic St to your left till you hit Main and turn right. The market is on your left a ways up Main. you can also come at it from the Town dock and walk south on Main St
      • Jess’s Seafood Market  207-596-6068 118 S. Main St.  is south of Wiggins so closer to Snow Park area.
  • Rockport: Windermere (John & Wendy Richards) report Market Basket is open. 207-236-4371
  • Camden (from Dale Bruce)
    • Camden Town docks are welcoming transient boats but expect guests to honor 14 day quarantine, stay socially distant and wear masks. Harbor master: Steve Pixley. Monitors VHF Ch. 16 or Phone: 207-236-7969 Docking fees: $2.50 per ft night for under 40’ -  $3.50 per ft for 40’ to 70’ Power: 30amp - $15 night, 50 amp - $30 night  There is water on the dock, but supply your own hose. Pump out boat is available & can come to you at anchor or mooring. Call dockmaster to arrange – 236-7969 or VHF Ch 16. Restrooms on the public landing are partially open – one person allowed inside at a time.
    • Lyman Morse Dockmaster: Charlie Foote 207-236-7108 Moorings: $45 night Inner harbor float: $60 night (42’ maximum) Dock: $3 per ft per night up to 59’ length, $4.25 ft per night for 60’-99’ length They offer laundry pick-up and delivery through Camden Clothesline, 207-230-1166. Due to a fire on the property the laundry and showers are closed indefinitely. They  have water available on the docks and at the fuel dock. They also have a free pump-out service in the harbor.
    • Camden Yacht Club Dockmaster: Barb Goss Please contact the Dockmaster’s office at 207-236-3014, via VHF 68, or docks@camdenyachtclub.org Moorings available for $40 night. Inner harbor floats $50 night (42’ maximum length) NO other services available – no launch service even if you’re on a mooring. Please do not come to the docks, even in a dinghy. Use the town public landing.
    • Groceries: French and Brawn (1 Elm Street)  is one block from the public landing in Camden and offers most everything you may need. Deli, fish & meat departments as well as most groceries and produce. Mask required inside. Delivery to Public landing offered. Call or email an order for curbside pickup if you’re quarantined or wish delivery: 207-236-3361 or fandbmarket@gmail.com If requested ahead, they will package and freeze items for you.
    • Rhum line closed indefinitely – on the dock at Lyman Morse
    • Blue Barren Distillery - https://www.bluebarrendistillery.com/ Locally distilled Gin and Rum. Located on the Lyman Morse property, near the head of the harbor. There is talk that Blue Barren MIGHT start serving some food. Please call 207-542-7741 to schedule a curbside pickup at the distillery.
    • The Waterfront Restaurant – 48 Bayview Street On the water, nice deck overlooking the harbor. 11:30 - 2:30 serving lunch, from 2:30 - 4:30 serving drinks and light fare, from 5 until close only serving dinner. You can order take out from 11:30 am - 5 pm. Please wear a mask if you come into the restaurant for anything.
    • Peter Otts - 16 Bayview Landing – right on the harbor. Currently offering outdoor dining, take-out and curbside pick-up. Not currently accepting reservations. Open Wednesday – Sunday 12pm-8pm. To order by phone call 207.236.4032 or order online: https://www.peterotts.com/reservations
    • Camden Deli - 37 Main Street. Has a nice upstairs deck and is a great spot for breakfast or lunch.
    • Bagel Café – 25 Mechanic Street - is offering curbside take-out. Open 7 days 7am-2pm Great bagels, sandwiches, salads, baked goods. Call 207-236-2661 to order.
    • Hartstone Inn – 41 Elm Street. Upscale, lovely restaurant offering curbside pickup. Menu changes daily-see it online. An easy walk from the public landing. Open Wednesday-Sunday https://www.hartstoneinn.com/camden-maine-restaurant or 207-236-4259
    • 40 Paper – 40 Washington Street – Upscale Italian with Gluten Free options. An easy walk from the public landing. Right under the smokestack. Open 4-9. Curbside pickup (including fun cocktails), Indoor and patio seating – properly spaced out... Call 207-230-0111 for reservations. New menus posted on their Facebook page daily. Closed Sunday and Monday
    • Windermere (John & Wendy Richards) reports there is a farmer’s market at 116 Washington Street, 9 – 12 Saturday. Walk from the town dock.
  • Belfast:
    • Wischbone reports that the harbormaster says moorings are available but there are a limited number and reservations are accepted. Skye (Glen Porter) reports they have rented moorings from Kathy the harbormaster 207-276-5737
    • Jo Jo (William Strassberg) reports that the Belfast COOP is one of the safest in store shopping experiences he has had. It is a short walk from the harbor, and they will do on-line orders with curbside pick-up if desired. See https://belfast.coop/shop-for-me/  Windermere (John & Wendy Richards) report that you walk up Main Street from the dinghy dock and turn left on High St and walk a block and look left. lots of fresh vegetables, organic products, lunch area for good sandwiches, etc. to eat in or take out.
    • Jo Jo (William Strassberg) reports Darby’s Restaurant, The Neighborhood and Meanwhile Restaurant have outside dining.
  • Perry Creek (Fox Island Thoroughfare) – Skye (Glen Porter) reports there are almost no private moorings. Also the boats moored in the Fox Island Thoroughfare are sparse.
  • North Haven:
    • Hearts Desire (Dan & Joan Amory) report North Haven is welcoming visitors as long as you respect the health precautions – wear masks and social distance.
    • Pulpit Harbor: Sweet Dreams (Maggie Salter/Alan Hickey), and updated by Hearts Desire (Dan & Joan Amory) report North Haven Grocery  is an easy walk, ½ mile, from the harbor. Open 6 AM to 7 PM daily. For smaller orders call 207-867-2233. For larger orders email  Nhgrocery2019@gmail.com)  Maddie, just graduated from Bates College, offers a delivery service if you & your crew are in quarantine. Email Maddie at  maddiesmobileLLC@gmail.com
    •  They will deliver to the town dock or the Pulpit Harbor dock. Call to pick up an order. Restocked Monday and Friday afternoons.
    • Pulpit Harbor: Sweet Dreams (Maggie Salter/Alan Hickey) report they buy lobsters from April Brown 207-542-3894/207-867-2209. She will also cook them for you.
    • Bluebird (Gust Stringos) reports the Nebo Lodge (207-867-2007) has indoor & outdoor dining (dinner?). Food is great and proper safety is observed. open Tuesday – Saturday. 
    • Bluebird (Gust Stringos) reports moorings are available from J. O. Brown (Brown’s Boatyard – (207-867-2282)
    • Sweet Dreams (Maggie Salter/Alan Hickey) report Calderwod Hall Bakery & pizza, curbside pickup (5 pm – 8 pm) and delivery to the town dock (4:30 PM). 207-867-4700. Menu & order on the website: http://www.calderwoodhall.com/
    • Turner Farm: Sweet Dreams (Maggie Salter/Alan Hickey) report Turner Farm is selling take-out food and vegetables. Anchor in Kent Cove. They have a dock you can dinghy to and walk to the barn. See the website for hours and menus. www.Turner-farm.com
  • Carver’s Harbor (south end of Vinalhaven Island) Windermere (John & Wendy Richards) report the  The Carver’s Harbor Market is quite big and right on the main St in the Harbor .207-863-4319 It is across the street from the dinghy dock. They offer curbside pickup. The harbor is crowded but there should be room to anchor out in the Reach area and dinghy in.
  • Castine:
    • Doug & Dale Bruce report that this is a pretty town to walk in. Lots of historical information on signs.
    • Wischbone reports from the harbormaster that town moorings are available 207 266 7711 or Eaton’s Boat Yard 207-326-8579
    • Windermere (John & Wendy Richards) report on the Mini Market. 207-326-9920 Walk up the hill to the first intersection and turn left and walk 100 ft. simple small market with deli.
    • Doug & Dale Bruce report Markel’s Bakery is open for take out only – Tuesday – Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM for lunch. 207-326-9510 to place your order.  Dennett’s Wharf restaurant is permanently closed.
  • Buck’s Harbor: Windermere (John & Wendy Richards) report on the Buck’s Harbor General Store. 207-236-8683 They are open 8-7, not Sundays. Take your dinghy to the yacht club dock and walk out the driveway to the main road. Look across the street and you will see the General Store. They have market things, a deli, and some pastries.  The Buck’s Cafe restaurant behind the store will be open for takeout only for the summer (at this point).
  • Center Harbor: Skye (Glen Porter) reports they have rented moorings from Brooklyn Boat Yard.
  • Stonington: Wischbone reports that Billings Marine has moorings and dockage available 207-266-7711 No lobsters at the docks this year but the COOP is open.
  • Northeast Harbor:
    • Wischbone reports from the Harbormaster that Acadia National Park is open for hiking. Biking on carriage trails prohibited. No Shuttle Buses. Pine Tree Grocery Store will deliver to the dock. Moorings and dock available for rental. Reservations only for dockage accepted. Rental moorings are available on a first come first served basis. (207 276 5737) Clifton dock is open for fuel.
    • Pine Tree Market on Main Street (easy walk from the town dock) is open 9 AM to 8 PM. They are happy to take phone orders 207-276-3335. Jo Jo (William Strassberg) reports they will deliver to the town dock.
  • Southwest Harbor:
    • Sawyer’s Specialties (wine and cheese shop) is open Monday – Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM.
    • IGA Southwest Food Market Grocery is a larger store but is 1.5 miles from the town dock.
    • Sunflower points out that if you are eligible to shop in military exchanges, there is a small USCG exchange on the Coast Guard base.
  • Great Cranberry Island: Josephine (Stafford and Susan Keegin) report:
    • I’m hugely partial to the Cranberry Island General Store.  It is about 100 feet across the parking lot at the head of the Great Cranberry Island town dock (which is the first dock/pier easterly of the substantial residential dock on the northwest corner of the island nearest SWH). Holly, who is wonderful, runs the place, and you can usually find all you need there, including some of Lauren Gray’s wonderful, local oysters. Great Cranberry Island maintains three moorings on the outside of the mooring field from which you can dingy in to the finger float on the westerly side of the town dock.  You can also grab a good lunch at the store, including soft ice cream.  If you find Scott Bracy there, he’ll sell you lobsters “off the boat.” If you can’t find a convenient mooring closer in, you can always use our little-used CCA guest mooring farther to the east or anchor northerly of the mooring field (beware of unmarked green ledge northeasterly of the Newman & Gray boatyard.
    • In addition to the CCA mooring there are two “KEEGIN” moorings which are available if no one is on them. 
    • Dining is more limited out on the Cranberries, but quite nice.  On Great Cranberry there is Hitty’s, a nice outdoors lunch place.   It’s about 1/2 a mile up the Main Road from the town dock.  There’s a free shuttle service that takes folks up-island and that stops and pick ups from Hitty’s.  Out the road farther up island is a Maine Coastal Heritage trail through the woods to the outer shore, and the trailhead is  also serviced by the shuttle.
  • Little Cranberry Island: Josephine (Stafford and Susan Keegin) report:
    • The lobster coop on Little Cranberry (Islesford) has a very nice small retail operation from which one may find lobsters and misc. food items.  I’ve always been a little uncertain about public moorings at LCI, but there is plenty of anchoring room.  The dingy space on the Islesford town dock behind the main float is rarely less than jammed, but always seems to accommodate at least one more dingy or skiff.
    • Dan and Cynthia Lief sold the Dock Restaurant a  couple of years ago,  but the new owner has kept in going pretty much as the Lief’s ran it.  I’m told from a usually reliable source that it will be open this summer, maybe already is.  Also, the Islesford lobster coop offers cold cooked lobsters in sandwiches, etc.
  • Bar Harbor: Jo Jo (William Strassberg) reports the Atlantic Brewing Company has a very good BBQ restaurant in Town Hill with outdoor dining called Mainly Meat BBQ. Address is 5 Knox Rd Bar Harbor, ME 04609, phone 207-288-2337 (BEER). It is a car ride from any harbor.

     Down East  / Passamaquoddy Bay
  • Jonesport: Stewart’s Grocery is a full service convenience store. 207-497-2921 Their Facebook page has photos of what they carry. Sweet Dreams (Maggie Salter/Alan Hickey) report the store is a 2 to 3 mile walk. Google shows it only about 2/10 mile from the harbor. ???
  • Eastport: multiple attempts to reach the harbormaster have been unsuccessful. (Anyone having information on Eastport please send it to us.)
 

References