It was foggy and very humid when we arrived at the primitive Spruce Head Boat Landing at 9 AM. The forecast had called for clearing by then. After unloading boats and changing, the fog remained but appeared to be diminishing. Laurie had her protractor and map out while I was estimating the probable bearing on my marine chart. Our concern was a crossing from the tip of Spruce Head Island to Graffam Island, a mile and a half in distance. We both reached a similar conclusion, a magnetic bearing between 125 and 130 degrees should get us there and 305 to 310 would be required for the return. Should we go was the overriding question. Maybe was the answer. The consensus was to paddle to the end of Spruce Head Island and decide. Experiencing patchy fog along the western shore, visibility turned to soup entering the channel beyond the island. Bobbing in three foot seas, the unanimous choice was to continue. With emergency lights flashing and fog horns handy, our apprehensions were twofold: Vessels motoring through the often busy passageway and missing Graffam Island. Bouncing in the mildly bumpy waves while a barely discernible lobster boat was hauling traps ahead of us, our bearing varied between 120 and 140 degrees. The 30 minute crossing seemed longer. Navigating through a congestion of lobster buoys, a vague profile of trees above land gradually appeared. Moments later, we were relaxing along the rugged shore of Graffam Island. Opting to turn inside the archipelago to avoid the strong wave action, the fog began to diminish. Halting for rest and relief on sandy Bar Island, nearby substantial Hewitt and Pleasant Islands were hidden from view. Our ultimate objective, more distant and exposed Two Bush Island, was an unrealistic consideration. Island hopping northeast in the fog was our alternative choice. By the time we stopped for lunch at a tiny beach on a nondescript ledge between High and Andrews Islands, the fog had cleared. Contrary to the forecast, strong winds from the west were encountered during the return to Graffam. An exciting crossing to Spruce Head Island seemed probable. Again stopping at Bar Island, Two Bush was barely visible but still partially cloaked in fog. No matter, if we were to avoid trudging through a long stretch of mud at the Spruce Head Landing, we were out of time. Approaching the western terminus of Graffam, Tom observed that the winds seemed to be diminishing. I’d had the same thought but was afraid to voice it. The forecast got this part right. The winds were supposed to diminish mid-afternoon and change directions. A gentle tailwind was enjoyed during the easy crossing. The goal was to reach the landing by 3:00 P.M to avoid serious mud problems. Our arrival time was 2:55. While wallowing in some mud was necessary, it was only at a nuisance level. Ours was truly an exceptional day in one of Maine’s premiere sea kayaking destinations. For the rest of the story visit the following link: http://www.rchase.bangordailynews.com/
Trip Participants: Laurie Wunder, Tom Meredith, President Eggman DeCoster, and TC