I appreciate your patience as I revise this site. Comments, thoughts, or just a friendly chat, use the response box below or email me at patrickgroleau@gmail.com.

June 9, 2020

A NICE WATERABOUTING

    ... john rang me up, "put your camera in a waterproof bag, i've a neat place i want to take you" ... riding in the car was enough to make me happy, so it wasn't until we got down to cobbosseecontee lake that i even thought about where we were going ...

... we (meaning, of course, john) put the canoe in the water and headed out across the huge lake ... we soon arrived at the "ladies delight light" ...
   
   
... marking the rocky shoals in the center of the lake, the light has been flashing its warning beacon for over one-hundred years ... it is immaculately maintained by a trust dedicated to its preservation and operation ...
   
   
... knowing how incredibly difficult it is to earn status as a maine guide, i felt rather cool wearing john's life jacket ...
   
   
... and, of course, it is always a thrill to have my very own maine guide providing navigation, information, and propulsive services ...
   
   
... you can't spend time on the surface of a pond or lake in maine without enjoy the antics of Gavia immer, the Common Loon ...
   
   
... paddling back to the put in we saw a kayak coming towards us ... we pulled alongside for a chat ...
   
   
... marjorie was a most pleasant encounter ... from the tidewater of maryland, her family has summered on the lake for over one-hundred years ... !!! ...

When winds and waves a mutual contest wage,
These foaming anger, those impelling rage;
Thy blissful light can cheer the dismal gloom,
And foster hopes beyond a wat’ry doom.

   
JOHN WILLIAM SMITH - 1814