I’m well acquainted with the phrase, ‘If you haven’t been aground, you haven’t been around’. But in Maine, I’m making up a new one…’Rock on in Maine’.
Anyone who has gunk holed here knows that Maine is full of rock ledges and rocks. And when you mention rocks to another boater, you always get the answer, ‘Oh yes…’. I was shocked at how many rocks pop up when the tide is low.
Just where I was going at full throttle in the dinghy now shows many rocks popping up all over. Our first rock encounter was when we entered this harbor.
While we were dodging small islands and rock outcroppings, I was down below when suddenly there was a huge ‘thud’. It stopped the boat abruptly.
I was thrown into the bookshelf down in the v-berth. Next time I think I’ll stay up top. We backed up and off the rock ledge and continued on our way hoping the damage was minimal.
That plus we were experiencing engine problems with fluid getting into the oil. Since we were coming in to an anchorage, we managed to catch a mooring ball and quickly turn off the engine that was starting to smoke.
As for the engine, with a few phone calls and the help of UPS and the park service receiving our package, Don is down in the engine compartment replacing the new fuel lift pump. Now, we’re hoping that the damage from the rock is minimal.
This is a great place to be stuck in. There’s a fishing co-op of friendly lobster fishermen, a fort from the mid 1600’s and a helpful park staff manning the exhibits.
After 3 days, Don fixed the engine and we were off again up the coast of Maine.
