August is the most active month in our “Vacationland” state, especially for those of us who enjoy Maine’s outdoor opportunities. However, we may have had too many fine days this August. We needed rain. A severe drought triggered wildfire alerts here and a significant fire in Penobscot. On balance, however, it was a very good month.

THE EVER-CHANGING ICONS

As usual, we begin our Postcards with a review of the four scenes that we document monthly for local records:

*The Western Mountains of Mount Desert Island, as Viewed From Brooklin’s Amen Ridge*

*The Old Summr Home on Harbor Island in Brooklin*

*Blue Hill Bay Below the Near-Mountain Called Blue Hill*

*Historic Conary Cove in the Town of Blue Hill*

IN THE WATER

THE WINDJAMMERS

The ancient and ancient-like windjammers that cruise the Down East coast have become an honored tradition and welcome sight. Here are a featured few that were at work here in August:

ANGELIQUE, HERITAGE and SWIFT at Rest:

THE ERR

The 41st Annual Eggemoggin Reach Regatta for wooden boats took place as usual on the first Saturday of August, a great way to start the month:

LEARNING THE ROPES (AND PADDLES)

The renowned WoodenBoat School summer sailing classes are where many a saior learned the fundamentals and joys of sailing, including how to sail in fog (with a life jacket on):

The younger you learn the ways of the sea, the better:

THE WORKING WATERFRONT

Although form may follow function, the forms of our coastal lobster boats are certainly not identical. Yet, each vessel seems beautiful in her own way:

SPECIAL SEAGOING SIGHTS

The GRAYLING was a sardine carrier most of her life, but she was transformed into a spectacular yacht by Brooklin boat restorers. She homeports in Connecticut now, but is a frequent visitor to our waters in August: