Harpswell, ME to Portland, ME

Friday, August 21, 2026

Departure: Dolphin Marina & Restaurant (Harpswell, ME) Mooring Ball#61 11AM

Special Comments:

• As we were exciting Harpswell, ME harbor we passed a N55 (M/V B Joyce). Loaded with folks onboard.
• The lobster pots are out in full force today! As beautiful as Maine these volume of lobster pots needs to better controlled. Outnumbered by circling commercial vessels, we have consistently observed how they tend to be stopped, excelerate and spin on the dime. Meanwhile they have the right away while creating a hazard while you’re trying to dodge them along with other vessels. To me personally, Maine isn’t that beautiful nor worth risky our lives or vessel over. I’m also convinced they HATE cruisers based on how they like to run up on your vessel.
• Off our stern is M/V MLK a 173′ vessel. Who knew AmWay was so lucrative.
• We were tickled to be the “batman call” for another boating couple today. Others have been for us and it’s nice to pay it forward.

Arrival: Fore Points Marina (Portland, ME) 1PM Slip: H9

Next Stop: Unknown? (Monday, 8/24/26)

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Docked: Fore Points Marina (Portland, ME) 1PM Slip: H9

Special Comments:

• BURR, it’s chilly here, 64°F!
• Jacques is off to the local bakery, Standard Baking Co (Portland, ME) for some goodies. OMG, their blueberry and cheese danish is so good! By far, one of the best croissants we’ve eaten outside of Europe.
• Cool and rainy day gives me zero motivation to go outside today.
• Extended our stay for favorable cruising conditions on Tuesday vs Monday. Fog, 3′ – 4′ swells opposed to forecasted 1′ – 3′ swells.

Next Stop: Unknown? (Tuesday, 8/25/26)

Sunday, August 23, 2026

Docked: Fore Points Marina (Portland, ME) 1PM Slip: H9

Special Comments:

• I had a restless night, before Jacques dashed off Standard Baking Co (Portland, ME) I propose showers and heading into the Emergency Room, my situation wasn’t getting better regardless of my efforts. So, while I showered Jacques researched the best hospital option, we chose Maine Medical Center Portland Emergency Department (Portland, ME), which operates Maine’s only Level One certified trauma center and emergency department. The waiting room was packed! Never in my life have I spent majority of my time in waiting room, where folks were being registered, given diagnosis, discharge instructions. At least 6 persons had IV peoples. I heard about folks then aliments that I felt like apart of the family. I did have a ultrasound which confirmed my specious, a blood clot in my right leg.
• We enjoyed a early and delicious dinner at Duoro (Portland, ME).

Next Stop: Unknown? (Tuesday, 8/25/26)

Monday, August 24, 2026

Docked: Fore Points Marina (Portland, ME) Slip: H9

Special Comments:

• Mentally just exhausted! I did manage to sleep for a few hours. Although, according to Jacques I tossed and turned a lot most of the night.
• Left a message and portal message for my Hematologist. Awaiting for a call back is like watching paint dry. Late this afternoon finally got to speak with the RN who blessed the RX regiment and approval to cruise accordingly. Shocked but, OK. Lots of nervous energy until then onboard, so I organized Jacques pilothouse which had him squirming. An the galley area upon the arrival of storage bins ordered.

Next Stop: Unknown? (Thursday, 8/27/26)

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Docked: Fore Points Marina (Portland, ME) Slip: H9

Special Comments:

• M/S Breakaway (Norweigian Cruise Line) arrived this morning.
• Yesterday, dealing with the Hematologist RN was such a waste of time, rather then the MD chat me directly there was a liaison. According to the Hematologist RN she agrees with the RX and I should be OK to travel back. Well, here goes nothing!
• Heated conversation, between us about my wishes for Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) in the event of a emergency while underway.
• Finally, managed to claim a slip after multiple attempts for SHWBTS.
• Some nights stay with you forever, and Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at the Highmark Mann Center (Philadelphia, PA) was absolutely one of them. Having grown up listening to the late Dolly Parton (January 19, 1946 – August 25, 2026), her voice has always been the soundtrack to so many chapters of life. But sitting side-by-side in Row R, Seats 124 and 125, the music came alive in a whole new way as the world shrank down to just that stage. The Pure & Simple Tour lived up to its name, stripped back, intimate, and entirely magical. From those seats, every single moment felt completely up close and personal, as if Dolly were sharing her stories and songs just with us. Hearing the familiar melodies of “Coat of Many Colors” (my fav) and “Jolene” (my other fav) live, her infectious warmth filled the entire open-air theater. Dancing to “9 to 5” and later catching our breath during her stunning, heartfelt encore of “I Will Always Love You“, a lifelong love for her music came full circle. Looking back, it wasn’t just an incredible concert by a living legend; it was a perfect snapshot of a beautiful night shared together, filed away in the “forever” folder of the heart. Enjoyed watching her on screen movies and shows. RIP Dolly!

Next Stop: Safe Harbor Wentworth By The Sea (New Castle, NH) (Thursday, 8/27/26)

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Departure: Fore Points Marina (Portland, ME) Slip: H9

Special Comments:

• American Cruise Line arrived today.
• No sooner did our starboard neighbors, M/V Maria depart that another vessel slipped in.
• Most relieved to have the opportunity to chat with my Trauma Surgeon and to have a “game plan” in place upon our Philadelphia, PA arrival. I know how fortunate I am to have a medical security blanket like him in my life! So rare to find a physician with not only phenomenal bedside manner but, brilliant mind and phenomenal surgical accumen.

Next Stop: Safe Harbor Wentworth By The Sea (New Castle, NH) (Thursday, 8/27/26)

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Docked: Fore Points Marina (Portland, ME) Slip: H9

Special Comments:

• Fulfilled some predeparture chores: boat washing, laundry, and light cleaning.
• Jacques stepped off for a haircut, he was beginning to lock Einstein (LOL). Of course, couldn’t walk past the Standard Baking Co (Portland, ME) without bringing back some treasures for himself.
• Early night to bed given the alarm is set for 6:30AM.

Next Stop: Safe Harbor Wentworth By The Sea (New Castle, NH) (Thursday, 8/27/26)

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Departure: Fore Points Marina (Portland, ME) Slip: H9

Special Comments:

• Departure Day!

Arrival: Safe Harbor Wentworth By The Sea (New Castle, NH) (Thursday, 8/27/26)

Next Stop: Private Mooring Ball (Boston, MA) (Monday, 8/31/26)