We reached Casco Bay where Jewell Island lies northeast of
Portland Maine. As we turned the corner
to enter the anchorage, we were surprised at how small it was. There were already several boats tucked
inside the narrow horseshoe shaped anchorage.
It was so narrow that we nearly kissed the rocks on one side to drop the
anchor and then had to make sure we didn’t put out too much scope or we would
end up on the rocks on the backside. Luckily
the bottom afforded great holding. It
was a nice spot to be for a couple of days.
Almost a full moon over Jewell Island anchorage
The quiet anchorage
As we (when I say we, I mean the girls) study US History for
school, we were excited to learn that a German submarine was spotted off Jewell
Island in 1942 during a period when Casco Bay was alive with military
activity. Thousands of troops were
stationed on Maine Islands as the US Government took over. Jewell Island was used as a lookout post for
both WW1 and WW2. It was one of ten
islands that guarded Portland Harbor from attacks. Remnants of those days are still present on
Jewell Island today.
The first lookout tower we came upon
A view from the tower; notice the boat masts near the tree line
Would it be wrong if we left the girls here??
Craig's Angels!
Flashlight in hand, ready to enter the tunnel
"Danger" signs were not going to stop us!
Hello!
WWII pill box
Island of misfit lobster pot buoy's
The trails on Jewell Island were fun to hike with traces of
military storage buildings, barracks, towers and tunnels around nearly every
corner. Camping was allowed on the
island and the campsites were the best that we have ever experienced; right on
the waters edge! We longed for our tent
and a campfire with s’mores. The wild
yellow flowers were plentiful and grew taller than we were in some places
(especially Olivia). Monarch
butterflies, hundreds of them, were attracted and flew in and around these
flowers. Each time we walked threw a
meadow of yellow flowers; the butterflies would fly all around us. It was the most beautiful site to see!
Awesome campsite, right!?
Monarch Butterflies
Beautiful foilage
On the other end of the island, we walked to the Punch
Bowl. At low tide it revealed a huge tide
pool. We timed it just right to see what
sea creatures lie just under the surface.
Punch bowl tide pool
Calm tide pool separated by rocks from the windy channel
On a hunt
Escargot anyone?
Liv's baby crab
Craig's crab
Kate finds mussels (we didn't eat them)
Our favorite Olivia quotes of the day:
While looking down a hole in one of the decrepit buildings, Olivia asked “They had
juice boxes back then??”
At the end of the hike, back on the boat, Liv said "My starboard leg
hurts"
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