The roads were clear and we made excellent time with only a few short stops, one at the liquor store over the border in New Hampshire, one for something to eat and a couple for the call of nature. We had no problem keeping each other entertained on the way up and there were plenty of jokes to go around, something that never let up the whole week.

After a couple of miscue’s we finally met up with Doug at the IGA in Blue Hill.  Here, we stocked up on groceries for the week, then followed Doug back to the Old Ocean Quarry Campground at which point the rain began to pick up. We unloaded the groceries and placed them under the circus fly that was already pitched over a large tent platform. The small grassy field that lay before it would be where we'd set up our tents and we got right to it as soon as we finished unloading the groceries. The rain was coming down pretty hard at this point but finally let up just as the last tent stake was hammered into the ground. We hoped this wasn't going to be a sign of the week ahead.

We were fortunate enough to be camping just down wind from the campground's septic system and every so often the wind would change and we'd be reminded of it. A huge mushroom was thriving happily in the fertile soil nearby. Its bell-like shape resembled a ballroom gown that might have been worn by a mouse or other small creature from the Snow White or Alice in Wonderland stories.  In the morning it was surprising to see that the dress like top had rolled itself up so as to keep the bottom from getting wet in the dewy grass.

Doug made us all cold cut sandwiches before pulling out a chart of the area we'd be paddling in the coming week. He pointed out all of our options and gave us a few suggestions to mull over while we slept.

For the most part the rain stayed away and after dinner we took a walk around the campground. The coastline was covered in a blanket of fog but you could still make out a few of the closer islands in the distance.

Later on we attempted to make a fire with the only wood we had available.  Unfortunately, much of it was wet and keeping the fire going was a chore. John was tenacious and did his best to keep it ablaze. But after a few beers and knowing we had an early morning ahead of us we decided to call it a night and turn in.  Sounds of snoring filled the air and those who had earplugs were wise to use them.  For most, the first night was a restless one as we had yet to get into the mode of sleeping on the ground and the anticipation of getting on the water was weighing heavily on our minds.  

SUNDAY ->