BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 7, 2022
For about 20 miles between Lubec and Cutler, the Bold Coast in eastern Maine is an almost continuous succession of tall, dramatic cliffs completely exposed to the vicissitudes of the open sea. The nearby Bay of Fundy has some of the most extreme tidal ranges in the world and the water temperatures are the coldest along the Maine coast. Particularly challenges for sea kayakers are frequent, unpredictable fogs, powerful tidal currents and few safe places to land if you encounter problems. Recently, six seniors gathered in Lubec to take on the Bold Coast in sea kayaks. Unfortunately, dense fog had set in by the time we launched. Turning into a quiet cove, the time elapsed indicated we had progressed to Hamilton Cove or possibly Baileys Mistake. Instead, the GPS denoted we were just beyond West Quoddy Head. Six miles remained to reach our destination and there was no indication the fog would lift or the strong currents would diminish. Reluctantly, our consensus decision was to carry out. ~ Ron Chase