FIRST TRIP OF THE SEASON

We boarded our first group of guests for the season on Friday.  Pouring rain, and a grim forecast, had us worried about the comfort and experience for our new arrivals.  The galley stove was cranked up, fresh coffee was made and shortbread cookies had just been pulled from the oven. At least we could offer a warm, dry haven.

The first guests arrive, a family of five, at 1800hrs, boarding time, The show starts now. It does have all the feeling of an opening night with both the excitement and fear.  Our guest are shown their cabins and given a short introduction, a more lengthy welcome will be given later at Captains call.  The rain is still coming down and the wind is howling, not what we consider the best conditions for any boarding night, let alone our first.

It is now my turn to welcome them down into the galley.  The brass has been polished, the copper water tank looks as bright as a new penny.  A fresh coat of paint and varnish add to the warm glow of the space and window boxes, with green herbs, balance it all out.  

I greet our guests and welcome them down into my space.  I explain about coming down the ladder backwards, show them where the coffee mugs are and give a little talk about the galley routine.  The wind and rain lashes against the cabin top and I wonder if this family is wondering about their vacation choice.  My fears vanish when the mother says that she is just happy to be in Maine.  The whole family has a "Camper" attitude about the weather and I can tell that they will have a great time.  

The morning brings more rain and higher winds.  I have had the stove going since 0400 and coffee and muffins are ready by 0600.  Breakfast and lunch have been started. The galley smells of bacon and fresh roasted coffee along with salt pork and sautted onions for the fish chowder at lunch.  The griddle is heating on the stove, waiting for the first blueberry pancakes of the season and the maple syrup is sitting on the warming shelf.

Late arriving guests are welcomed into the galley and handed steaming cups of coffee. Captain Owen informs us that we may be spending the day at the dock do to the weather conditions. Other schooners in the fleet are also keeping an eye on the weather and making plans accordingly.  After a hearty breakfast our guest walk into town and visit the local museums.  Both the Farnsworth art museum and the lighthouse museum are very close, as are the shops on Maine street.

Though the sky is still grey, the wind and rain have let up some and Captain Owen gets the Schooner underway later in the day.  Other schooners follow our lead and though we only go as far as the shelter of the breakwater we are underway.  We round the corner of Lermonds cove, and it feels as though all the small things that have been weighing us down vanish with the sea air.

Anchor chain has been flaked out and a crew member stands by with, catstop in hand, waiting for the Captain Owen to give the order to "Let her go".  Soon we are riding at anchor. The awkward motion of the schooner tied to the dock  is gone, the pull and jerk of the dock lines has been replaced by a gentle motion.

Captain Owen purchased lobsters before we departed and this evening we will have our first "Bake" of the season.  The large lobster pot is set up and water is coming to a boil. The corn has been husked and the large skillet is on the galley stove, filled with sweet onions being browned and awaiting beef franks.

Newspaper has been spread out on the galley table, melted butter has been poured into cups and soon we are all sitting down to a wonderful feast.  I place two trays of "Smores" into the oven and a fresh pot of coffee is brewed.  That evening the galley is full of laughter as Captain Owen tells stories of sailing and other adventures.  All is well.