Jonesport, a working harbour and Mistake, an island

Though the sky was overcast and the wind was against us on the short passage to Jonesport, the sun came out in more ways than one upon arrival. Weaving our way in and out of lobster and fishing boats of all shapes and sizes, the Public Landing eventually came into view. Cruising boats are a rarity here (and we had been told to expect a frosty welcome or possibly none at all) but space is made for just one or two on one end of the town float where they can moor up for a maximum of three hours. Luckily there was just enough space for Follyfin to tie up and a kind gentleman from the motor boat already berthed there helped us with our lines. Then he promptly left as his time was up; thus only Follyfin is visible in photo below.

No sooner was Follyfin secure, and crew with shopping bags in hand than another kind gentleman was encountered: none other than Dana DeVos, Commodore of the Port and Starboard Yacht Club, who happened to be standing on the float about to embark for a sail on his own yacht. Upon enquiring for directions to the nearest grocery store, he invited us to use his truck as it was too far to walk: “...go ahead, the keys are in it...” What more generous hospitality than that could a visiting cruiser wish for?

Long story short, the offer of the truck was taken up, provisions were obtained from Mannafords supermarket about 2 miles away, friendly conversations with other locals were had and Follyfin’s lines were slipped just within the 3hr time limit.

On her way again, Follyfin motored 6nm due south through unmarked channels, in and out of little islands, her helmsmen keeping a close eye on the chart as there are many rocky ledges lurking just beneath the surface to catch the unaware, to an anchorage which had been recommended to us, off the NW tip of the unusually named Mistake Island. This small island has a lighthouse on its south end which looks out to the Gulf of Maine and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Yet, the anchorage here is very calm and sheltered. Wonderful!

Mistake Island, looking south

That evening the crew enjoyed another fresh lobster dinner, having been given two splendid specimens by a friendly lobsterman who arrived at our anchorage in Roque Island just as we were leaving earlier the same morning. Another example of the amazing generosity of the people who inhabit this beautiful part of the world.

The night was calm though the wind direction was forecast to change during the night. And being quite a ‘cosy’ anchorage between rocky ledges which are exposed at low water, we kept an anchor alarm on just in case. In addition, another friendly lobsterman had come alongside to warn us of an uncharted ledge close to where our stern would be if/when the wind shifted. Early the following morning, the wind had indeed shifted and another, different lobsterman came to warn us of exactly the same hazard. We thanked him and made hasty preparations to weigh anchor and move out of danger before the tide dropped any lower - but not before purchasing two more lobsters from him for $5 each. Well, one has to take advantage of these things when one can! And this is not the first time we have been thankful for Follyfin’s lifting ‘swing’ keel which allows her to be taken into shallower and more confined anchorages than most other sailing vessels her size.

All this happened within 24 hours: it’s a busy life aboard Follyfin.