Home on the Hard

The view from the deck of our "home" in the boatyard at Royal River

We have been here almost a week now working on the boat, with probably a week to go before we get in the water.  We have a couple of big projects to do including installing an electric anchor windlass (a concession to age and infirmity).   The surroundings are scenic and the boat is comfortable, rather like an RV campground, with showers and bathroom a few steps away.  The toughest part is climbing a 12-foot ladder.  But we don't have to worry about the anchor dragging in a blow.

Perhaps the best part is the friends that are here working on their boats or who, with their boats already launched, have stopped by to say hello.  Spring fitting out in Maine is different than just working in a boatyard in warmer climates.  Many other boat owners are  here painting, varnishing, etc. and a sort of camaraderie and sharing of experience develops.   Many of the same people we met and enjoyed in past years are here again.

 

Along the waterfront at the boatyard.

The surroundings of the yard are also unusually scenic with the opposite banks of the river completely wooded, and a nature preserve just down river.   In the morning and evening we have also seen many different bird species including osprey fishing the river, ducks, great blue herons, yellow warblers, northern rough-winged swallows, goldfinches, several kinds of sparrows and many red-winged blackbirds.