Spring Arrives Slowly

April, 2008

Spring is creeping slowly into mid-coast Maine, like a timid toddler at her first dance recital. The snow has finally gone from all but the most deeply shaded areas. Today I saw the first brave lavender and deep purple crocus gracing the side garden. We have a crystal clear sky with loads of sun and a fresh April wind, helping to dry the soggy soil. The river is sparkling and free of ice. Certainly spring is on the way. With spring we can begin to enjoy some of the special events in our area. The 35th Fisherman's Festival will be the last week-end in April. It's held in Boothbay Harbor, a quick 20 minutes down the River Road. On Saturday there's an Art's and Craft Show at the Fire Department. Earlier in the morning is the Cod Fish Relay, run with full foul weather gear and carrying some slippery fish. There's Trap Hauling Competition and Lobster Crate running (that takes some courage; the water's realllly cold!) At noon the fish fry starts at the Lobsterman's Co-Op. Those are some of the best fish sandwiches you can get. At noon on Sunday there's a tour of Burnt Island lighthouse-a trip made more special becasue on the return you see the blessing of the fleet from the water. In May we can look forward to the alewives return and a walk up the fish ladder. The alewives run like the salmon, coming in from the salt water to spawn in the fresh water of Damariscotta Lake, 46 feet above sea level. It's an event that we never tire of watching. Talk about the will to survive! And then just as they make the final jump into the lake, a loon or eagle is there to catch lunch. Mother's Day week-end heralds the opening of the Anchor Inn and Shaw's Lobster Pound in Round Pond and New Harbor. The Hardy Boats will begin to run to Monhegan Island for day trips on the week-ends until later in the month when they run every day. June brings the Windjammer Festival in Boothbay Harbor. It begins on Tuesday, June 24 and the 25th. Tuesday has an Antique Boat Parade with 40 vintage boats in the inner harbor. There's loads of food and art shows as well as a tour of the USCG station in West Boothbay Harbor. But the highlight of the two days will be the arrival of the Windjammer Fleet under full sail! That happens on Wednesday afternoon. What a sight! Keep coming back and I'll let you know how spring is progressing and when the forsythia begin to bloom. Don't you miss being in Maine right now?