At the bow of "Day Star", Bob Lipman prepares to grab a mooring. The gale looms on the horizon.
Fortunately, the gale did not fully arrive until past 5:00PM on September 11th, which allowed many of us to come ashore and participate in Brooksville's memorial services that were held that day. Some folks went to the Methodist Church's service early in the morning. Still others participated in tolling the church bell at noontime, organized by the church to have volunteers strike the bell once for each victim of the WTC tragedy.
Brooksville Methodist Church, where we participated in their 9/11 memorial services
Each of us met this day in his or her unique way. For me, the day's mood was somber, matched by the darkening skies overhead. After pausing in remembrance of those lost, we all moved on.
For the remainder of the day, crews passed the time by going on day hikes, playing card games, and reading. A couple of boats bought live lobsters dockside and enjoyed a classic steamed lobster dinner. Bob Lipman's "Day Star" ventured out to Eggemoggin Reach for a romp in the bay. By the time they returned, the rain, high winds, and fog were threatening. Overnight, the Gulf of Maine reported winds in excess of 50 knots, but at Bucks Harbor, we experienced only a few gusts past 30 knots. By sunrise Thursday, the gale had blown past us, leaving behind mostly sunny skies with sharply cooler and blustery 25-knot winds.