One of the greatest joys of cruising is the people you meet and the new friends you develop. It seems that people who live along the water or cruise on boats are some of the most friendly, gracious, and generous people you could encounter. The Last Dance crew has been fortunate to meet many wonderful people on the journey. One couple who made the cruise in Maine a greater success were Phil and Linda Lewis. Returning from a walk in the village of Tenants Harbor with the third crew member, Bonnie, on her leash, the path to the dock passed through the restaurant, Cod End. While it seems incorrect to have a dog in a restaurant, the lobster pound restaurants often have their dining area out on a dock, populated with picnic tables. A patron who had arrived for lunch on his boat reached out to pet Bonnie, stating that they had a similar dog, with reverse coloring. Discussion continued on the topics of dogs and boats. Ending the conversation, he said, "We have a mooring in Rockport, you could use. Would you be interested?" The offer was accepted and expanded into much more than a free night on a mooring.
Phil and Linda proved to be gracious and generous hosts, providing support for many of the needs that cruisers have, ones which are difficult to accomplish from a boat and without land transportation.
Our first visit to Rockport coincided with a dinner party they had planned. The Last Dance crew was added to the guest list at the last minute. It was an evening of stimulating conversation among new acquaintances and delicious, innovative food from Linda's kitchen, served at a beautifully designed tablescape.
Land transportation is often needed by cruisers to travel to often too distant stores and groceries. It is also handy to explore areas that lie farther from the water. But, this loan of a car was so much more - Linda's six-speed Mini Cooper S. The crew has been considering a Mini when they become more land bound; the extended test drive reinforced the Mini's reputation as a quick and fun car to drive.
Pipe Dreams, the Lewis'
Hinckley 44 Talaria, at rest in Rockport Harbor. Hinckleys are highly regarded boats, particularly in Maine. They are built in Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert Island, and have features that make them well suited to short cruises in Maine. They are fast (cruise at 24 knots) and are jet drive powered (no propellers under the boat to catch the ever-present lobster pot floats).
People along the water and people cruising on boats are incredible in their openness and willingness to help. Friends are made easily and quickly. These wonderful people are a major factor in the enjoyment experienced while cruising.
