Following a bit of work at Spring Point Marina in South Portland Maine we moved over the Jewell Island to do more boat work in a more beautiful spot.

Jewell is located six miles from the city making it a convenient and popular spot. We made the move mid week so we could get a good spot and not be crowded out of the tiny anchorage.

With just a few days of high winds and gloomy skies we had a week of mostly warm gorgeous weather to explore the island with.

Jewell Island is maintained by the Maine Island Trail association which results in wonderful groomed trails and a caretaker on the island who can help in an emergency.

I can’t say enough positive things about the trails. Every trail leads to an amazing view and things that are quite interesting. One highlight that is not to miss are the remains of a WWII Navy installation. Two observations and an underground bunker are worth the trip to the island on their own. I would however recommend bringing the big flashlight to the underground bunker so you can really see what is there.

If the weather had been warmer and I’d planned better work wise I would have liked to have spent a few days just lounging on the beach on the exposed side of the island but our good weather days were mostly aligned with days I had extra work for the university to do.

Overall the island is a perfect spot, well protected, close to support but feels like it is much more rural than it is. It was an excellent choice for our first “on the hook” adventure.

I spent the week working on boat projects such as plumbing and new lights while the boys largely hiked the island. It was also a test for me doing work on the boat while managing what little electricity we have.

I’m glad that we have solar panels arriving at my parents in a few days and I foresee the need for a battery upgrade really soon since we need to run the engine every day to have the house battery survive the day.

The ice box held out well and we were able to make some solid meals while out. Paprika Chicken with Olives was especially popular on our first night as was Chicken with Fennel and Red Onion. Both meals were essentially cook it all over medium high heat until done which took about 30 minutes for each meal.

I’ve been trying to do one pot, or rather one-skillet meals as much as possible. The cast iron is also doing well as a boat skillet and with the way I clean it doesn’t use as much water as I fear others would.

Sadly though it was the need for food, ice, and service that sent us out of the beautiful cove for a spot just off Portland Maine’s East End Beach.