Lots of Wind and Waves

Well the last few days have been a bit of a whirl wind, since leaving Rockland on Friday morning early, we started out for the first two hours in high winds and seas on the nose, after this the winds abated to next to nothing and we were forced to motor for about six hours to Five Island where we met up with Greg and Debbie who had left a few days earlier. The next morning we left for Biddeford Pool with strong (>20 knots) from the south, south west which was directly where we wanted to go. After being beat up by the winds and high seas for six hours we decided to forgo going to Biddeford Pool and go to Richmond Island for the night. There were a few other boats in there already no doubt hiding out the weather. The many lobster traps around Maine are difficult to see and avoid in high wind and waves so after six hours a break was needed! The night was anything but calm with high winds and the waves curling around the tip of the land, which made for a very rolly anchorage. The wind shifted in the night and we found a lobster trap between us and our anchor. With some careful manouvering however we were able to avoid getting caught up with the pot and retrieved our anchor.

This morning found the winds down a bit to 20 knots but the seas were about 6 – 8 feet so we only made it to Biddeford Pool. This was early in the day so that we were able do some local exploring and walking on the beach. The houses around this part of the country are pretty amazing but this does point out the widening gap between the rich and poor in this country. We are anchored not far from Old Orchard Beach and it is neat to see it from the water side.
The plan was to leave to Portsmouth today but we were beat back by the heavy fog (need to see those lobster traps that the radar can't pick up....) so we will shoot for tomorrow. Attached is a picture of Five Island.