(In region Casco Bay)

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The Goslings are two small islands which, together with the larger Goose Island, and tiny islands of Grassy and Iron, form a partially protected cove. The cove has a number of private moorings yet leaves space for anchorings. It is fairly protected, although wakes from boats whizzing by can reach the mooring area. Barely noticable during the day, at night they gently nudge your boat to remind you that you are, after all, on the water.

 

 

Posted signs on the Goslings indicate private ownership but welcome visitors to stay at specially marked camp spots. A small "Maine beach" (e.g., shells and gravel) make landings possible by dingy. Be cautious 'tho, tides move in and out quickly and there are plenty of underwater obstructions and a land bridge which runs between the two islands. 

 

 

Note: Carry all waste off the island when you camp or visit. A big thanks to the owners of the Goslings for allowing families to enjoy these two beautiful islands.Learn more about low-impact island visitation in Maine.

During our first visit to the Goslings, the night found a crowd of young people (perhaps 15) on one of the islands partying to the morning, literally. You would think yelling and screaming constantly would tire them. By 8 *am* a resupply party boat had landed with a bold announcement "we have more beer". Presumably it was important that every boat in the mooring area learn this, least we'd each need to donate a six pack of our own.

 

Oh well... I suppose it is better to be wild on an isolated island than to be the same on a highway. We trust their Captains did not drink and drive.

 

These activities are fortunately few and far between.

 

There were other noises through the night. My wife Kathie thought it was birds. I thought it was a couple in the next boat over. But no - it was seals... a lot of them. The small run of rocks which also bound the cove are known as Grassy Ledge (See chart, right). Grassy Ledge is on the NE side of the cove. and accessible by dingy.

 

 

I had departed in the dingy at 6 am to catch some fishing, when seals starting poping up all over. They poke their cute dog-like heads above water in curiosity while uttering seal chants. Ut Ut Ut Ut... I especially enjoyed watching the younger ones.

 

One youngster began to inch closer and closer to the dingy. Suddenly, momma surfaces nearby. She quickly taps junior on his head. Junior disappears. "Don't get so close to those humans!", I could almost hear momma seal say!

We'll be back to this lovely location again. Hopefully, the seals will be there, but the beered young people will have learned from their hangovers.

  

 

 

 

 

Article by Rick@boatmaine.us  | send comments