May 27

Wednesday, May 27

We had an early start today. Up around 0530 to get ready for our trip ashore. We carried our laundry down the hill and met Ethan at 0700. The tide was running hard out of the Kennebec River and there were many seals taking a nap on the rocks. They wait for the tide to change and then go on an eating feast when the fish are most plentiful. Our ride in to shore was a little damp but not bad.

We put ashore in Popham, transferred our laundry to the truck and went to Percy’s for blueberry pancakes. Dave and Tracy Percy welcomed us to the area and even had us sample some of their homemade cookies. Then it was on to the post office, laundromat, FOSI office, Wal-Mart and Shaw’s grocery.

Back at Popham at 1600 we met Ethan and headed out to sea. Rain was settling in and it was cold, about 50 degrees. Add that to salt spray, wind picking up and an open boat and you can have some idea of our voyage. Actually it wasn’t bad at all. Ethan is a very good seaman and captain. He read the waves well and tried to keep us as dry as possible. We were lucky that it was not raining at this time.

Since the seas were out of the south and the cove faces north, we had a calm landing on the beach. All of us unloaded the supplies and we said goodbye to Ethan. Then began the trek up the hill, actually we walked up the tram. We took the most important stuff and left the wine and some soda down in the engine house. I know… you would wonder what is important or not, leaving the wine. However, some things are more important, like food, clean socks, items to restock the gift shop, etc.

Now, picture this. Brenda and I pushing two eighty pound bins up the rain soaked tramway wearing slippery boots, heavy jackets, and a stupid looking hat. We would push and slide for a while, take a breather and push and slide again. At one point Brenda slipped (at the trams highest point), and we changed tactics. Instead of each of us pushing a bin alone, we did it together. This took a little longer but it was safer and we eventually made it to the top without further mishap.

I’m going to get Dave to give me a lesson on the operation of the tram so we don’t have to do this again!

Someone was watching out for us because a short while after we got everything inside it really began to rain and blow hard. This was about 1730

Brenda worked in the gift shop for a while, we put stuff away, had dinner and settled in for the night. Forecast for tomorrow is more rain and cold. It is now 2100 and we are beat… ready for bed.

OH, buy the way… There is still no operating light on Seguin