Booze Cruise
Winter in Maine is not for the faint of heart. This last winter was a perfect example. The snow pile out our front window was so high I was about ready to sell lift tickets. But as they say in Maine, if you can’t take the wintah, you don’t deserve the summah. And what beautiful summers we have.
Living in Maine means we also have a lot of water. From big lakes to small ponds, and miles and miles of gorgeous coastline, Maine is truly a boater’s paradise. I grew up boating in Maine. I spent the first part of every summer at my mom’s parent’s camp on Maranacook Lake in Winthrop. Dad would fly out in August when we’d head to his parent’s camp on Little Deer Isle.
Each place had it’s own special draw. The lake had calm, warm waters for swimming and fishing; the Penobscot Bay brought Low tides, Lobster, and great sailing. One of my fondest memories is what my parents called their, “Booze Cruise.” On calm evenings before dinner, all the adults would pour an “Adult Beverage,” of choice; throw together a tray of appetizers and head out on the boat. Fresh crab dip was my favorite. Us kids got to bring a, “virgin,” version of mom or dad’s drink, which was fun.
Once we were all aboard dad would motor us slowly out into the sparkling blue bay, shut the motor off and simply let us drift along quietly. Every cruise was different, different guest, different weather, and different moods, but always memorable.
As an adult the, “Booze Cruise,” tradition continues. At 74, Dad still skippers the boat out into the quiet bay after a busy day of fun. And every year we introduce new friends to this wonderful experience.
“There is nothing so rejuvenating to the soul as time on the water.”
Thomas “Stormy” McGuire
