Sunfish on a foggy day

The fog this morning was as thick as pea soup. Warm air arrived after evening showers. This type of fog on the beach always makes my morning run a challenge.

While running on my usual beach route, I literally stumbled up this rather large marine creature. The "fish" was about four feet long and probably weighed about 300 pounds. I almost fell over it while I was running in the thick fog. I stopped and looked at it.
Was is a baby whale or Sea Cow?  I had no idea.

After my run, I went back home and got my camera and took some pictures. I needed to know what this creature was. After posting this picture on Facebook, many of my friends identified it as a Ocean Sunfish.

According to wikipedia:
The ocean sunfish, Mola mola, or common mola, is the heaviest known bony fish in the world. It has an average adult weight of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). The species is native to tropical and temperate waters around the globe. It resembles a fish head with a tail, and its main body is flattened laterally. Sunfish can be as tall as they are long when their dorsal and ventral fins are extended.

You never know what you'll find running on this long beach: Whales, large tropical fish, ghost ships. or lobster traps!

Tremblement de terre

Autumn is a special time in Maine. I, like many Mainers, take advantage of Adult Continuing Education that the local school district offers in the fall. This year I am taking French.

French is an important language in Maine. Maine borders two Canadian provinces: French speaking Quebec, and bilingual New Brunswick. Many of our visitors to our community are French speaking. Franco-Americans also make up the largest population in Maine. The first European settlement in Maine was by the French in 1604 on Saint Croix Island, by Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons, 16 years before the pilgrims "landed" on Plymouth Rock.

While sitting in French Class last night going over "ER" verbs,  the floor started to shake.  First,  it was the floor,  then the walls, and then furnace pipes. Not being in to many earthquakes in my life, I had no idea what was happening. The shaking lasted for about 10 seconds, but seemed longer. I thought something smashed into the building. It was an odd feeling, like being on a fast moving train going over an old bridge.

The French Professor started saying:  tremblement de terre, tremblement de terre. Not knowing what this phrase meant, we quickly learned the meaning!  I guess this is a new one we need to know: Earthquake!

Earthquakes are  extremely rare in Maine.  Reports show that moderate earthquakes take place in Maine once every few decades.  This earthquake registered at 4.6 on the US Geological Survey. The earthquake was located in Waterboro.  I was in a classroom in Wells Maine, about 22+ miles from the epicenter.

Needless to say, this French class was memorable!

Lobster Shack of Ogunquit. Restaurant review...

It takes an American lobster 6-7 years to get to an edible size, but that is just the beginning. Lobsters are long-lived animals, and are thought to be capable of living over 100 years.

                                                     -Lobster Facts

It's the place where local folk and visitors frequent in Ogunquit. The Lobster Shack is THE quintessential Maine lobster shack. If you are visiting Ogunquit, this is a must. It's lobster in the semi-rough.

The Shack, once a lobster bait shack located deep in Perkins Cove near the wooden draw bridge, offers a simple menu: fresh Maine lobsters, Steamers, lobster roll, crab sandwiches, hot chowder and cold beer. It's a very casual where you place your order at the counter and the server brings to you. Seating is limited: tables with benches. Lots of napkins,  and fresh drawn butter.

I went to dinner with my buddy, Ogunquit Selectman Bobby Winn, and Diana. We wanted something easy and not too fussy. 

Owner Jason Evans, mans the counter and greets guests. I picked my lobster, a pound & halfer! Jason's family has owned and operated The Shack since the 80's.

We feasted on steamers, lobster, chowder and sandwiches!

The Details:

The Lobster Shack

110 Perkins Cove Road

Ogunquit, Maine 03907

Telephone 207 646 9800
http://www.lobster-shack.com/

MasterCard/visa accepted

Reservations not needed. Casual dining.

Old photo of the "Lobster Shack". Building is in the middle of the picture.

Sailing in Ogunquit.....

                  Set your course by the stars, not by the lights of every passing ship.

-Omar Bradley

I have had a love affair with the sea as long as I can remember. The ocean fascinates all my senses. This week, my friends and I went out on The "Silverlining" sailboat out of Perkins Cove.

The Silverling is a 42 foot rigged wooden sloop built in Maine in 1939. This fast sailboat has an 888 sq ft sail with a working jib on  a 63 foot spruce spar.
 

Four to five times a day, The Silverlining leaves the sheltered harbor of Perkins Cove and sails along the ragged Maine coast.  The 42 foot spruce spar is so tall that the wooden drawbridge needs to be opened every time the sloop departs or enters the cove.

After embarking from Perkins Cove, First Mate, Beau raises the large sail.....

The Silverlining  holds up to 6 passengers. Today, my neighbor Tobias, and a guest at Ogunquit Beach Inn, Mark from Florida, accompanied me on this voyage.....

Captain Jack Gordon has been Maine waters for over 35 years.....

Captain Jack gave me a lesson is sailing...

As we returned to Perkins Cove the moon greeted us.

The Details:
Leaves from Perkins Cove Daily in season.
Call to make a reservation 207.646.9800
Sloop holds only 6 passengers
Bring a lunch, snack and you are allowed to BYOB in moderation.
Rates for 2012 $35 to $40
http://www.silverliningsailing.com
Silverlining@maine.rr.com