I am enjoying a couple of days off this week to rest up and prepare for my next set of trips. Hurricane Bill passed by yesterday. We were concerned because Noah (our oldest son) was riding out the storm in Southwest Harbor aboard the Rachel B Jackson, The schooner he has been working on all summer. The forecast seemed to confirm that all would be well and it was. We were able to talk with him on his cell phone throughout the day and except for the excitement in Acadia National Park he passed an uneventful day in calm seas behind Greening Island on a mooring.
Argy and I rode down toward Pemaquid Point at around high tide to watch the seas roll in. We did not even get close as traffic was backed up a considerable distance from the point. We turned around and headed up toward Round Pond stopping at the Rachel Carson tidepool to watch the impressive seas roll in on the rocks. The air was damp with salt spray and the waves made a loud roar as they thundered in.
We were saddened to hear that some had gotten too close at Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park and had been swept away by the seas. I suppose it is easy to underestimate how far up a wave might come and how much power tons of water might have. David Patterson a friend of Argy's took a couple of impressive photos of the seas in Acadia that show just how big the they were check the pictures out here.
I am on freshwater until Thursday and I expect that the seas will have subsided by the time I head out onto the saltwater again. It is almost time for the kids to head back to school. Take an afternoon and spend some time in the Maine Outdoors with them before the end of their summer vacation.
Great Clients
So far August has been a very busy month, I enjoy spending time with clients in the Maine Outdoors and hearing their comments. Lately though some really stand out. Last Tuesday morning we were right in the middle of a hot and humid spell. I left the house at 5 AM to meet my clients for some striper fishing. I got to the end of the Beote Road and could tell something was not right. Looking in the rear view mirror delivered the bad news. Flat tire on the boat trailer.
I drove back into the yard and after having to jack the trailer up several times: my jack did not lift the trailer high enough to allow the inflated tire onto the hub. So block and jack, block and jack. A half hour later and I had the spare on and was headed to the harbor. Late but making it. As I was driving to Thomaston I got a call from the clients I was planning to meet and explained what had happened. They were understanding and reassured me that they would be there when I got there.
This was a new party for me, a group of young men that really do not fish but wanted the experience. I explained the basics of what would happen during the trip and how to handle the spinning rods. We started down the river passing a half dozen blue herons fishing along the shore. An eagle flew by when we stopped at our first fishing spot. One of them turned to me and said "now I get it; this is not really about the fishing" to which I responded; exactly. We had a very pleasant trip and they were all most appreciative. Making me realize how fortunate I am to work in the Maine Outdoors every day.
Nice recovery after what could have been a bad start to the day!
The second comment comes from a long time client who came to fish with me after a few years off. As is always the case catching up with old friends is a lot of fun and the three days with the Ligon father and son pair was an absolute delight for me.
We enjoyed our fishing adventure with you and like your new boat. It's very comfortable. We particularly enjoyed Lake Megunticook and its clear water. That is the most loons I have ever seen on one lake. We always enjoy our striper pursuits. I only talk about the 28 1/2" and 26 1/2" fish. Also, we enjoyed your "trio shore lunch." The wildlife of eagles, loons, deer and black ducks are always appreciated.
Nature Discovery Packages
Two mornings of trips that were part of the Nature Discovery package that Maine Outdoors offers in cooperation with LeVatout in Waldoboro. One day seemed hot and muggy when I picked up my guests in Waldoboro but when I pushed the boat from the trailer in Thomaston it was foggy and cool. I threw on a rain jacket just because and was delighted that I had it on it was downright chilly by the time we made Marshall Point Light in Port Clyde. This morning was warm and sunny with a few clouds off to the south both trips were remarkable because there was little wind. In fact that morning Round Pond was like glass as we paddled around.
Overall an excellent couple of trips we saw (not in order) no less than a half dozen American Bald Eagles from this years young to mature adults, one baby seal, black guillemots, many ospreys, yellow warblers, belted kingfishers, loons, cormorants and many gulls and shorebirds.
Lunches were provided by LeVatout as part of the outings and I must say were excellent. Chicken salad to die for the first day and crabmeat on the second. Oh and the desserts were perfect. Overall an excellent couple of mornings on the Mid Coasts wild side.
I have another of these packages scheduled for this week and am looking forward to two excellent mornings.
It's easier Than Ever to Stay in Touch!
Times have changed and there is a list of new ways to stay in touch.
You can now friend me on Facebook (Don Kleiner) or become a fan of Maine Outdoors there as well. I am also on Linkedin and Twitter (DonKleiner) and update daily if you would like to stay up on the goings on here. Of course I still update the blog on the website at least twice a week and am available to chat on AIM, Googletalk or MSN when I am at my desk. Although I will be spending less time at my desk time now that summer is here.
You can also visit the Maine Outdoors web site and submit a contact form. Of course I still use e-mail and the telephone still rings in the office if you would like to plan your next trip or just say hello.
