Author: jvmullin

Had a hearty breakfast to help me recoop.

I will sit in the hot tub later.

Going into Bar harbor for a few essentials.

Yesterday while on the way here I saw a white tailed deer on one of the islands, then I saw a small orca surface 3 feet in front of me then disappear, I was on the look out for the mother as I was a few miles from shore. Of course throughout this journey there are always the seals.

I will be glad that I am getting out the Bold Coast of Maine. Not that the rocky coast of Maine isn’t beautiful and the people I have met are fantastic, but the weather and the seas can take a toll on you as well as the rain and the fog. I am grateful that I had a lengthy conversation with the Jonesport lobsterman about radar reflectors and that Richard provided me with one it has sure proven its weight in gold getting me here.

I would like to thank the Thirsty Whale Tavern for the free lunch. If anyone is in Bar Harbor Maine it is a great place to to eat. Came recommended by Coastal kayaking.

I wish I was better at remembering names but the young lady next to me is going to spread the word about Mission22. I thank you on behalf of my fellow veterans.

I had a great dinner at the hotel and getting ready to sleep. Leaving in the morning.

I have to get to Portland in 6 days.

Another cold rainy night camping 

Going to be a long day I have to make Bar Harbor today. 

Ran into some rough spots, mainly at the points where there are rock outcroppings. The sea is waves building out of low swells and crashing on the rocks. Required me paddling a mile offshore to safely get around it. Some of these area where a half a mile wide.

Made Bar Harbor in 12 hours. Last couple of miles were slow going. Had to call the hotel a few times confirming my late arrival.

Kayak unpacked and safe outside my room. 

Hot shower, warm, bed and sleep.

After paddling for hours I got turned around and was heading east

Richard spotted me while lobstering and got me pointed in the right direction ( go west old man).

Finally made it to Bois Bear island.

Landed too far up but I am not moving until seas calm down.

When I landed at the right spot there was a raccoon right in front of me foraging for food.

Just as I got camp set up and had dinner here comes the rain and wind.

Just a reminder why I am doing this. My fellow veterans are in need. While I am currently at a stand still they are still  foremost ony mind and in every conversation.

Woke up to overcast skies and the wind howling. We will see what the day holds.

At least I woke up in a warm dry house thank you Richard Alley. 

Richard was just here is is going to his biker meeting. I gave him cards bracelets n stickers. He is spreading the word for our veterans. 

If everyone reading this would do the same. Spread the word let’s Make Mission22 a national movement. Not just pockets here and there. 

Woke up early morning with sleeping bag getting chilly. It is rated for 30 below. Between high winds and torrential rain I had enough camping on Kelly Point. 

Made breakfast of grits n hot chocolate. Packed up and portaged to Jonespo

On

rt. Went to mart for 2nd breakfast. While heading there I stopped and talked to a resident from western mass. Found our there are no motels and none of the b&b’s are open yet.

I am the lone tourist this time of year. 

While at mart I started google map search of coast for motel. The nearest one was too far by land to portage and by water in the prevailing conditions according to locals.

I was listening to local marine Weather with Richard Alley and the next favorable day for a kayak was wed. 

Richard offered me the use of his family home for a couple of days. Thank you Richard for your generosity.

I also found out that Richard and his father are Air Force vets. Thank you gentleman for your service.

I dropped off a few cards, bracelets and stickers from Mission22 at the mart.

Richard is again stepping up and is going to talk to his motorcycle club about doing a charity run for Mission22. 

On behalf of the veterans you will be helping a very heart felt thank you to you and your biker friends.

I know that bikers give more money to charities and organizations than any other group.

I may be stuck here in Jonesport for a few days but I feel I am amoung great friends. Thank you Jonesport for making me feel so welcomed.

KO

What a night heavy rains winds up to 40 – 50 MPH tarp flapping making loud noises made it hard to sleep. Unseasonable cold I am told.

Staying another day forecast is for fog tomorrow

Saving island heading for Kelly point the have a sand beach to land on.

Just called n got permission for Kelly Point

 Now to get there another hour or two of paddleing

Made Kelly point. Here for 2 days. Hyper extended left knee going to rest it

After a night of near no sleep I headed for Ram island set up camp. Phone went dead so the tracking wasn’t working. 

I found my charge battery and the phone is being charged. The solar panel is set and being charge.

Tomorrow I head for Jonesport

I received a call from Coast Guard Portland, they would like me to be part of paddle day May 19TH. they feel it would make a great impact because I did it all right.

My son brought me a new GPS and solar panel. Then transported me to Machais.

I launched at Machais kayak handling much better with weight below.

I missed Pot Head which is a MITA camp so after several hours of paddling I am stealth camping on Bare Island. Tomorrow if weather and seas permit I am heading to Ram island another MITA camp.

More contacts reaching out. Thank you Dan a trustee of the Maine Island Trail Association who spotted my MITA sticker in a photo and tracked me down.

Waiting for my son to come from New Hampshire with some replacement gear and to transport me to Machais.