We took a scenic nature cruise on the Sea Princess, a boat run by Acadia National Park.   The tour goes past some small islands and stops briefly in Little Cranberry Island.  It’s narrated by a National Park Ranger, who provides information on the history of various islands, the different animal species etc.

The Town of Cranberry Isles consists of five islands with a year-round population of 130 and many additional summer residents.  Little Cranberry Island, also known as Isleford, is the  “capital” of the Cranberry Isles.  It has a seasonal store, a post office, a school, a library, churches, shops, small museums, a dockside restaurant and art and pottery galleries as well as a Historical Museum.

Hector had wished for foggy weather and his wish came through.  The day of the cruise was very foggy, and the fog created interesting swirly patterns over the water and in front of the various islands.

We cruised past the Bear Island Lighthouse, saw harbor seals and went by a bell buoy, a navigational marker used during foggy weather.  It rings with the movement of the water so vessels can hear it through the fog.  

The trip included just a twenty minute stop at Isleford, so we just got to peek in at a couple of small galleries.  A remote little outpost with a tiny village.

On the way back we cruised through Somes Sound, which is often described as a fjord.  Because it lacks a few characteristics of Norwegian fjords, and is not as vertical, it’s now called a fjard by officials – “a smaller drowned glacial embayment.”  Nonetheless, the cliffs are beautiful.  We spotted a Peregrine Falcon, these falcons nest on the cliffs.

As we continued on our way home, the weather changed once again and got pretty cold and the water changed from glassy to choppy.  Hector and I are now used to carrying layers and rain jackets, so we were fine, but the boat provided thick blankets as well.  

Even though the chop was relatively mild it was a reminder of the power of the ocean and how complicated navigating these northern waters can be.  Along the way we spotted more harbor seals and some harbor porpoises.

Another great day on the waters of Maine.

~ Brenda