Leaving Hopewell Rocks (8/15/23)

The buggy campsite meant we didn't make coffee. But we really needed showers. Those turned out to be free. But it started to mist rain when we headed for the showers. After showering we went to the campground store for coffee. Sat through a little heavier rain before heading back to shake off and pack up the tent.

We headed along the coast towards Alma. The route we normally take coming to Hopewell. In Alma we found the Octopuses Garden Cafe, where we stopped for lunch at 1100. Because they don't serve breakfast that late.

After lunch Anne led us south and had a great run on the highway. Taking us all the way to the Dear Island Ferry exit. We refueled the bikes at Ultramar and us at Timmy's. Anne continued to lead us to the dear island ferry. Our wait was around 20 minutes for the free ferry. A line painting vehicle drove in painting the yellow center line. Then lined up to paint the white line next to Anne's bike. They waited a bit while the line of vehicles side stepped out of paints way. Another pass of the vehicle captured the remaining line and the ire of the ferry captain. Apparently the truck cut off someone leaving the ferry. So the captain walked out had words for the truck driver and took a photo of the paint trucks license plate.

On dear island I took us to the south end ferry to Campabello Island. We had a 15 minute wait, just enough for an Ice Cream. The campground store only takes cash so I used my last $5ca. Back at the bike a pair of eagles flew over and landed in a tree above us. They are very noisy. I captured sone video of them. According to the sogn Anne read we caught the last ferry at 1830. Bike and passenger cost was $15ca/each or $21us/pair. Glad they accepted US money at all, but they also take cards as well.

This private ferry between Deer and Campabello is an adventure in itself. On Deer Island they just drive up onto a rocky beach. At whatever point the tide is at. So at low tide you ride over lots of wet rocks and speed bumps the ramp left as the tide went out. Cars then unload and the ferry is reloaded with whomever is waiting. After loading they leave shore and start the money collection. Just off shore the barge like parking lot with ramps appears to be disconnected from the tug boat that moves it. It's really always connected by a pivot point extending off the tugs bow. But the extention makes the tug arc quite far away from the cars before reaching it's resting point on the stern end of the parking barge. Once the tug boat and cars are facing forward the tug takes you on a scenic journey past various islands and the coastal city of Eastport Maine. Reaching Campabello Island the ferry approaches and beaches on a set of boat ramp cement blocks. Then you drive down the ramp and up the cement to the gravel road.

Soon after our landing craft beached we crossed the bridge and through customs into Maine. Then proceeded down Rt1 to Machias for pizzas. I called ahead to secure a tent spot at Cottonwood Camping & RV Park.

Once at Cottonwood I upgraded to the Tiny Bird cabin. It's a A-frame raised five feet above ground level. It had screened windows, a table light, ac outlet, two cots, chair and a rug. We moved one cot aside and used our double mattress and linens. It was comfortable and a good value at $60, when a primitive tent site was $30+.