We knew we needed protection from Hurricane Ida, but also wanted to continue our way west. I found Harmon Harbor up the Sheepscot River, just south of Five Islands (a former fun anchorage from another summer).

The Grey Haven Inn & fanciful bridge

The entrance had a high ‘pucker factor’. There is a red buoy marking the entrance, but during the approach you would swear it’s washed up on shore. Once we got to the buoy and positioned ourselves for the entrance, it was ledges 15 feet on either side of us with waves breaking. Did I mention that it was low tide?

Grey Haven Inn dock

The harbor was perfect once past the entrance. It was small enough to provide protection from wind and swell, and there was plenty of room to anchor behind the mooring field. Almost immediately a pair of ospreys put on a show, dive-bombing and chasing a bald eagle (who had most likely stolen a fish from one of them).

A leisurely sail in a beautiful boat

Despite there being no public shore access in the harbor, there was a dinghy dock for the Grey Haven Inn. I called up and we were able to get a couple of seats at the bar for drinks and an appetizer before they filled up for the evening. We dinghied over and walked up a path (including over a bridge with old metal bed headboards used as railings) to the inn. Built in 1906, new owners renovated it 11 years ago and opened the restaurant to the public. We wandered around admiring the inn, as well as the view down into the harbor. Drinks and apps were just what we needed, and we headed back to the boat to batten down the hatches.

Kalyra at anchor in Harmon Harbor