There is an archipelago of numerous small granitic islands, largely uninhabited, between Stonington, Deer Isle and Isle au Haut, ME. Most cruisers in a hurry to get to Mount Desert Island or back to Penobscot Bay, sail through the Deer Isle Thorofare, or the Merchant's Row channel (photo 1). In fact, we also did so in years past. This year we decided to explore some of the islands and anchorages in this archipelago.
Some of the Islands, like Crotch Island (photo 2 to left) were quarried for granite.
One of our favorites was McGlathery Island. Uninhabited and state-owned, cruisers are welcome to explore ashore on its sandy beach. (photo 3)...
... and shoreline of granite slabs.
Unfortunately, even such a seemingly unspoiled area shows signs of man-made pollution. Tar balls like these (photo 4) probably washed ashore years ago and are now baked hard as asphalt in the sun.
There are rough trail into the spruce forest of the interior (photo 5). We did not see much bird or other animal life there.
There were, however, insects - many mosquitoes and a few butterflies like this Red Admiral (photo 6).
There was also a cattail marsh.
Two Least Sandpipers, were the most interesting birds (photo 7). On their migration south, they were foraging for small invertebrates on an exposed bar. Intent on feeding they approached within about 10' while I stood still.
We even got a photo (8) of ourselves with TROPICBIRD in the background at McGlathery Island.
These islands are a favorite with sea kayakers. Several such as Harbor Island (photo 9) have primitive camping sites for kayakers. In the fog, I am sure they are hard to see and must have a very poor radar return. The lobstermen refer to them as "speed bumps".
As usual, there were some spectacular sunsets such as this from Merchant Harbor, looking toward the Camden Hills in the far distance (photo 10).
There were also foggy mornings (Photo 11).
The prevalence of fog amongst these rocky islets makes it imperative to know where you are quite precisely. This boat (photo 12) apparently had some difficulty with position. When we passed, it was high and nearly dry under the keel as it sat on the rocks adjacent to the (aptly named) Wreck Island anchorage.
There are some interesting names for some of the islands and coves. This sunrise photo was taken at "Hells-Half-Acre" (photo 12). Despite the name, it is a very pleasant anchorage.
There is an archipelago of numerous small granitic islands, largely uninhabited, between Stonington, Deer Isle and Isle au Haut, ME. Most cruisers in a hurry to get to Mount Desert Island or back to Penobscot Bay, sail through the Deer Isle Thorofare, or the Merchant's Row channel (photo 1). In fact, we also did so in years past. This year we decided to explore some of the islands and anchorages in this archipelago.
Some of the Islands, like Crotch Island (photo 2 to left) were quarried for granite.
One of our favorites was McGlathery Island. Uninhabited and state-owned, cruisers are welcome to explore ashore on its sandy beach. (photo 3)...
... and shoreline of granite slabs.
Unfortunately, even such a seemingly unspoiled area shows signs of man-made pollution. Tar balls like these (photo 4) probably washed ashore years ago and are now baked hard as asphalt in the sun.
There are rough trail into the spruce forest of the interior (photo 5). We did not see much bird or other animal life there.
There were, however, insects - many mosquitoes and a few butterflies like this Red Admiral (photo 6).
There was also a cattail marsh.
Two Least Sandpipers, were the most interesting birds (photo 7). On their migration south, they were foraging for small invertebrates on an exposed bar. Intent on feeding they approached within about 10' while I stood still.
We even got a photo (8) of ourselves with TROPICBIRD in the background at McGlathery Island.
These islands are a favorite with sea kayakers. Several such as Harbor Island (photo 9) have primitive camping sites for kayakers. In the fog, I am sure they are hard to see and must have a very poor radar return. The lobstermen refer to them as "speed bumps".
As usual, there were some spectacular sunsets such as this from Merchant Harbor, looking toward the Camden Hills in the far distance (photo 10).
There were also foggy mornings (Photo 11). 
The prevalence of fog amongst these rocky islets makes it imperative to know where you are quite precisely. This boat (photo 12) apparently had some difficulty with position. When we passed, it was high and nearly dry under the keel as it sat on the rocks adjacent to the (aptly named) Wreck Island anchorage.
There are some interesting names for some of the islands and coves. This sunrise photo was taken at "Hells-Half-Acre" (photo 12). Despite the name, it is a very pleasant anchorage.
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