Welcome to our new boat and continued adventures while cruising. This Windermere is our first trawler and replaces our Mason 54 sailboat that we have been cruising on since 2003. We bought the boat in April of this year and, after a few months in the boatyard, have been cruising up here in Maine. We hired a captain, from Nova Scotia that was very familiar with these boats, for a few days to help us bring the boat up here. After we dropped him off in Portland, we proceeded, (on our own!) down East to Rockland in Penobscot Bay.

The month of July was a bit foggy, wet, and gray but with a few much appreciated sunny days here and there. Being on a trawler was wonderful because it is so warm and cozy on matter what the weather. Luckily, when we had guests aboard, the weather mostly cooperated. On several occasions, we were able to reconnect with our cruising friends who were still willing to talk to us even though we had gone to "the dark side".

The highlight of our month was the visit by John's daughter, Alison, and her husband, Tom, and most importantly the first grandson, Ethan. The boat was perfect for the 16 month old to run up and down the wrap around decks. Her loved climbing up into the pilotberth, going exploring in the dinghy, splashing in the inflatable kiddie pool, being in his dad's backpack for hikes in the woods, and keeping us on our toes chasing after him. By nightfall, we all fell into bed and passed out.

Everyday we are learning more about handling this new boat and getting our teamwork fine tuned. There are a whole new set of good and bad noises to learn. So far, she is working fine and John is enjoying working in an engine room in which he fits! I love having a real refridgerator and a window to look out of while washing the dishes!