Mere Point to the Goslings – a great paddle in calm weather

Mere Point Bay and Middle Bay are easily quite accessible at any tide from the boat launch at Mere Point.  After putting our kayaks in at almost low tide, we paddled on the inside of Birch Island, toward Upper and Lower Goose Islands and then around the outside of Lower Goose to the Goslings. On the farthest Gosling ^th. 

Lower Goose Island

there are Osprey nests and paddlers are discouraged from landing there until after Aug. 15

On this day the wildlife was prolific – more Blue Heron than I have ever seen in one area including a mom and pop who were very protective of their youngster even from a distance. The small fish my husband kept calling “brit” were everywhere in the water and the birds were having a feast.  They were as loud as they were visible, darting, diving, and squabbling. It looked like there was a bully herring gull trying to take the lunch that each of his buddies caught.  He would have spent a less energy finding his  own lunch rather than trying to steal one.

We beached on the inner Gosling for lunch and a stretch our legs. There are trails on this island and one may camp here. I like camping at the Holiday Inn. The Maine Island Trail Association is trying to raise enough money so that the island may be purchased and saved for paddlers and others who want to enjoy some open land.  If you want to donate, every little bit helps.  

Lunch stop on the Goslings

Please do not leave trash of any kind, and if you see trash left by someone else, please take it out with you. We all appreciate the clean, natural beauty of these Maine Islands.

On the outside of the Goslings there are some ledges that we read about where seals like to hang out and often have their babies. We stayed at least fifty yards away and still quite a few seals splashed into the bay as we glided by. Several stayed put on the ledges barking and carrying on a conversation among themselves. As we paddled back into Middle Bay a small seal that I thought might be fairly young popped its head up out in front and between our boats which were about thirty yards apart at that time. It turned its head back and forth to watch both of us as we paddled toward it then slipped under the glassy water.

This is a paddle I would do again, but weather conditions must be ideal as it is fairly exposed. Today, the few motor boats that went by us provided a little wake for entertainment and play in the waves.

Irony Island

The trip was about seven miles and we took our time, taking about four hours to paddle from Mere Point, around the outside of the Goslings, Irony, and Birch Islands. Take special care between Birch and White Islands as there are several spiny and shallow areas at low tide.

Even thought the temperature is mild tonight, my shoulders are tight and I will be using my Maine Warmers’ microwave heating pad to help loosen those tight muscles from paddling and lifting the kayaks.