Aboard Victory Chimes: A Journal and Photo Documentary

Roberta on the Arts

Aboard Victory Chimes: A Journal and Photo Documentary

Aboard Victory Chimes: A Journal and Photo Documentary

- On Location with Roberta

Maine Windjammer Association

Explore Maine's pristine coast and islands aboard an authentic windjammer. Great sailing by day, snug harbors each night. 3- to 6-day cruises from Camden, Rockland and Rockport.
www.sailmainecoast.com

The Maine Windjammer Association
www.sailmainecoast.com
800.807.WIND
Meg Maiden, Marketing Director
207.374.2952

Aboard Victory Chimes
www.victorychimes.com
Captain Kip Files, Captain Paul DeGaeta
800.745.5651

A Journal and Photo Documentary

Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower
June 12 - June 18, 2005

This is not a detailed and technically researched, travel documentary, but, rather, a mental and visual reflection of a wonderful trip.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Interviews

Day 7, June 18, 2005
Return to Rockland
Crew at Work
Goodbyes and Town Tour
Flight Home to NY

Believe it or not, the sun peaked out today, for a moment, and it was a bit warmer. Of course, that’s to be expected, as the sun eventually re-emerges, but, in my windowless cabin, I almost slept through breakfast. Thanks to Janice, I was awakened, enjoyed eggs benedict, sticky buns, fruit, and coffee, Pam’s last galley chore on our behalf, and she got the bell ringing tribute (It's not been noted that there’s a bell at the galley door, to be rung by guests after a great meal, and this was a busy bell). As the schooner was fast sailing back to Rockland, where it has its own dock and guest garage, there was no time for me to pack or dress for the plane. I was busy snapping final photos on deck and would have a “late departure” privilege.

My white, warm, hooded sweatshirt was perfect for this activity (last fashion frill), and I joined in the energetic embraces and gracious goodbyes. This was a bonded group of travelers, as the inclement weather had kept us indoors much of the week, plus the three meals/cocktail time each day, plus the fun boat and shopping excursions, all huddled and helping in rain gear. Twenty strangers, from vastly different lifestyles, had joined in a characteristic, communal adventure. Goldy brought my luggage to the saloon, after my late-packing ritual, and I ventured into town, for some shopping for Captain Files and his wife and business partner, Lorraine, champagne and a stuffed puffin, the elusive puffin I was looking for on dry day sails, and for a stroll in the art galleries. After losing the sense of direction back to the schooner, the town’s Coast Guard assisted.

I postponed lunch, until Logan, at Legal Sea Foods, steamers and salad and very hot coffee. The US Airways Beachcraft back had been just as charming as the first, but this time I had to pay $35.00 for overweight luggage, 10 lbs. over! Too many gifts! I forgot that small planes have weight limits. Everything was normal on return, and New York was dry and clear from my airbus window.

It’s good to escape on a Maine Windjammer Association schooner, regardless of the weather, as there is no news, no phone, no computer, no television, and new friends. There is also a seasoned crew (See Interviews) with versatile skills and vivacious personalities. I highly recommend taking a long weekend or one-week excursion on a Maine Windjammer schooner, spring, summer, or fall, and tell them you saw them on RobertaOnTheArts.com.

Below are suggestions from guests for extra gear that they wished they had brought:

Flannel nightgowns, gloves, thicker socks, warm bathrobe, a journal, all weather pants, towels, Earl Gray tea, more sweaters and long shirts, a hat, sun block, battery iron, long underwear, gym suit, juices, water bottles, red wine (no need to chill in the outdoor, deck fridge), boom box radio, song book, clear plastic bags for damp, packed clothes, weather-proof jackets.

Guests remarked that they wished they had NOT brought:

So many T-shirts and shorts, so many bathing suits, so many bags, so many outfits.