AT LAST111 We were up before sunrise and saw amazing starry sky. By 6 AM the stars were fading and we were really getting ready. Brought the inflatable onto the forward deck and lashed it down. Secured the coolers to the aft deck where we are storing extra line for mooring, etc. Made coffee. One last stop in the on-shore head and we're off at 8:30 AM. Sounded the horn at Pound of Tea and Bob Johnson came onto his deck and played his trumpet back to us. A PERFECT send-off!

We plotted a course to Cape Elizabeth, past Two Lights (but my pic only shows one light). Amelia (kitty) was not pleased with the sound and vibration of the engine and, no doubt, the choppy waves. A small throw-up but is now sleeping quietly at David's side. A short first sail (motor) as the winds picked up to 20-25 knots. We ducked into Camp Ellis - I forget how much slower 8 knots is than 70 mph so this seems like a small advance - where the current was RIPPING and we entered the Saco River at "flat" high tide. A new friend (I was told these folks would show up everywhere along the way) Ken K. helped us dock. Given the current, I'm not confident only David and I could have managed ourselves. Then he took us to the food store. We are now even better provisioned than before. Ken is planning his own trip south in his 32' Bristol in the next week or so. Perhaps to meet up again along the way

Now cozy with bellies full of spaghetti - our first meal aboard!- reading and blogging. Since we are finally underway I'm sharing the blog with Captain David and all our friends. Feeling blessed by all the friends we are leaving, temporarily, in Maine and already loving the adventure. Blessings all.

 Harraseeket

One of Two Lights