Blueberry Muffins in Harpswell, Maine

Wednesday, August 11, was another overcast and foggy morning when we departed Boothbay. Foggy enough to have the radar on and ready, but with enough visibility to see.

Approximately one mile from Boothbay Harbor, we could see the Burnt Island Light. It looked familiar to me, but I don’t think we have been by here before…….

Three hours into the day’s ride and we were close to our destination of Harpswell for the next two days. Coming around the tip of Haskell’s Island there was a tiny little structure. I snapped a photo because it was cute. Later, I googled Haskell’s Island to see if that little building had any history.

Back to our story….. no horror here.

We had reservations at Dolphin Marina because we heard really good things about this family-run marina. Founded by the Saxton family in 1966, they own and operate the marina and restaurant on Basin Point Peninsula. After making contact with the dockhand, we were instructed to “pick up any mooring.” There were two only empty ones in front of the docks. We picked up mooring #22. After securing the line, I turned, looked around, and said to Al, “I am NOT comfortable here! Too close.” We dropped #22 and moved a little farther out to #13. Much better.

Remember the blueberry muffins from last night’s fish chowder dinner? Dolphin Marina has another tradition – complimentary blueberry muffins and coffee is delivered to each boat every morning. On the docks AND out on the moorings. I was impressed. That is 5-star concierge service to us.

After that delicious treat, we spent the morning in ordinary boating ways. Dolphin Marina also has free laundry – a nice clean washer and dryer!! What every cruiser desires, even when you have your own little washer/dryer onboard. 

The marina provides a chart with “dinghy excursion” around the local area. We love dinghy excursions, especially on a hot day, so that became our afternoon activity.

There was an interesting bridge that connects Bailey and Orrs Islands. In 1928, when it was decided that a bridge was necessary to span Will’s Gut, the narrow passage between the islands, the swift current presented a challenge. Cribstone Bridge was built without cement using only long slabs of granite stacked on top of each other in a crisscross fashion  The spaces between the slabs allows the tide to flow through the “cribwork” and the granite is heavy enough not to be dislodged.

The dinghy excursion was a nice way to spend the afternoon.Lots of pretty sights

Dolphin Marina has a highly rated restaurant on site that specializes in Maine coastal fare.

We called this dinner our second 27^th belated anniversary dinner and enjoyed it more than the first belated dinner.

People were right! We also highly recommend Dolphin Marina in you are cruising in the Casco Bay region. Those blueberry muffins are delicious at any time of day.