After weeks of disappointing weather forecasts, we finally had a decent prediction. A 16 mile expedition with substantial exposure, a B+ weather rating is my required standard for a trip to Eastern Egg Rock. Five of us met at Round Pond Boat Landing shortly after heavy fog had dissipated. A hot humid sunny day; light winds and two to four foot seas were anticipated.
Participants: Jean Miller, Brent Elwell, Bill Stafford, Randy Berube, and TC
Paddling against an incoming tide, we departed Muscongus Sound between Ross and Haddock Islands. Our first objective, Western Egg Rock, could be observed directly ahead with tiny Eastern Egg barely visible in the distance. Western Egg would be the only place to land until our return to the sound and disembarking on the diminutive atoll is often precarious. We sent Brent and Randy in to probe. No problems were encountered this time, so we stopped for relief and snacks. Persisting southeasterly towards Eastern Egg following a magnetic 142 degree bearing, the four foot seas were gentle and entertaining. Approaching the rock, the flutters of our little puffin friends began to appear. While their numbers seemed lower than previous years, the handsome birds appeared less timid than usual providing for some great photo opts. After completing a circumnavigation of the rock, a puffin tour boat was engaged as we began our return. My guess is they were a bit surprised to find sea kayakers frolicking with the puffins at that distant location. Unable to land on Western Egg, we persevered into the sound and found a rocky beach on Loud’s Island for a much needed respite. An incoming tide and a gentle tailwind helped propel us back to Round Pond completing another exceptional trip to perhaps the finest sea kayak destination on the Maine coast.
Covid concerns: All participants were requested to bring masks and sanitizer and to wear the masks if appropriate social distancing was not possible. Anyone feeling sick was instructed not to come.