Maine - Vinalhaven Island

We had watched the eclipse of the "super moon" the night before and heard at the ferry terminal in Rockland that this particular full moon, because it is so close to the earth, creates very high tides and the ferry had to dock differently due to this.

We left the ferry dock just before 11am at the same time as this
lovely wooden boat set out.

Out past the Rockland breakwater lighthouse with the high tide waves
breaking over the wall.

Past the Owls Head Lighthouse that we had looked out from
the previous day.

Although nice and sunny the wind was brisk and quite cool. We were glad we had positioned ourselves on the leeward side of the bridge.

The ferry wove its way through numerous islands reminding us of Muskoka
(except for the salty sea smell and the lobster buoys)

We docked in Vinalhaven after about an hour and a half only to find that most restaurants and businesses were closed for the day. We weren't sure if this was because we are out of season or as it was a Monday. We satisfied ourselves with peering in windows and realized that this was saving us some money.

The local grocery store made very good sandwiches and we were able to manage a good
lunch sitting at a picnic table harbourside.

We got a little lost trying to find the way to the Lane Island Preserve but a kind local woman who
stopped to help us ended up driving us to the entrance.

We had a pleasant, easy walk through an area of marshland,

spotted a Yellowlegs (Lesser or Greater?),

beside beaches with the tide now going out

and round the rocky headland,

watching the lobster boats bombing in at the end of their day.

Back into town we had an ice cream (yes, that was open!) and made our way back to the ferry terminal where we were entertained by a constant parade of seals. There were more seals in this harbour than cormorants.

Looking around.

Swimming.

Diving. I had to force myself to put the camera down, stop trying for that ultimate seal
picture and just enjoy the little heads popping up out of the water.

Even more islands at low tide.

Misty and distant lighthouse on Vinalhaven.

Looking back.

The Breakwater Lighthouse looking quite different at low tide.

Supper was a lobster roll to go from the Keag store down the road.