Ladle is one of many appealing islands off the Maine coast. Though access is not allowed, its high cliffs with golden lichen draw the eye and begged for closer examination. Ladle is built the reverse of many islands on the Maine coast. Most islands have their rockiest shores to the south-east, but on Ladle the cliffs face to the north, visible from just after our start at the South Addison launch.
The South Addison launch was about half full when we arrived at 10AM on a Saturday. There were several vehicles with trailers, including a commercial kayaking tour vehicle. Our plan was to paddle around some islands then make it to the Cape Split causeway for the 12:15 high tide, portage the narrow road to get back into Eastern Harbor, and return to the launch.
On the way out of the harbor, we captured a decent picture of the ersatz lighthouse.
Freed of the harbor, goal one was Ladle Island. It's a short three-quarter mile crossing, and it seemed like most boat traffic preferred to stay outside the Ladle-Norton island area, perhaps because of the many ledges. None of the ragged cliff edges revealed paddle-able caves.
 |
| At the base of the northern cliffs |
The island looks more like a ladle from this angle (to the southeast).
Many guillemots swam about the island; I have no doubt that several nest on Ladle. One last picture of the east side.
Then it was off to Norton and Eagle Islands. About halfway there we happened upon a jellyfish bloom. I assume the moon jellies were torn on one or more of the many area ledges.
Here I'm puttering by one ledge near Norton. Our chart showed a day-marker warning of the outer edge of the ledges, but we weren't able to spot it. Turns out our chart was out of date - it's been replaced by a nun buoy - which we did see.
This is a nice picture of tiny Eagle Island, just north of Norton (left in the photo.) As we paddled up to it, suitably enough, not just one, but two eagles flew in, paused in the trees for a second, then took off for another location.
Lunch was on Sheep Island, owned by the Downeast Coastal Conservancy. It is a lovely island, with a sandy shell-strewn beach, picnic table, fire pit and latrine.
 |
 |
| Beach closeup |
We chose to eat at a shady spot on the beach, where diving terns kept us entertained as we ate.
Another tern picture, this one with a young tern begging for food.
The causeway crossing was fairly easy, although I did wind up slogging through some red seaweed. A slightly lower tide, or not being there at precisely high might improve that, but I'm not sure how it would affect access to Eastern Harbor. The whole northern quarter dries out by low...
 |
| Exploring the peaceful harbor waters |
These residents on Eastern Harbor believe in keeping life fun.
As did several others! We counted nine kayaks in the harbor. (Not that you need to kayak to enjoy life, but it certainly helps...) We never did spot the commercial tour, so I assume they left Eastern Harbor to explore islands.
 |
| A close to full Eastern Harbor as viewed from the launch. |
Summary: Launch South Addison, lots of parking, all tide ramp. No facilities. High 12:15PM. About 6 miles, start 10, finish about 1PM, one stop.
