It's Bill, 5/31/26: Memorial Day Weekend Lubec

On Saturday, May 23, I started celebrating Memorial Day weekend by going halibut fishing with my friend Dave on his boat. Dave’s boat looks similar to a USCG patrol boat. Not a coincidence, Dave was active in the USCG Auxiliary in Michigan. Motored up to about 200 yards off Eastport’s breakwater. Our rods were rigged for fishing for halibut off the bottom with 2-pound weights and a rig that shined to attract fish, baited with a chunk of mackerel. We adjusted our lines as the depth changed, about 90'–110'. Our goal was to drift with the incoming tide around the tip of Eastport toward Eastport’s commercial loading docks. Fishing off opposite sides, we would talk for a while about what’s going on, then adjust for fishing, interspersing this with the silence of being out fishing on a sunny Saturday.

Ready to head out on Dave’s boat for a Memorial Day weekend halibut fishing trip near Eastport.

An Unexpected Coast Guard Visit

We noticed a 27' USCG patrol boat speeding past us. Sure enough, about 15 minutes later, turning around, the Coasties signaled that they wanted to board us for a watercraft inspection. Two crew remained on the boat as the other two came aboard. We passed inspection, even having new inspection stickers. Dave showed them his flares but was told we only need them 3 miles offshore. There they were, just in case. That ended our fishing. Headed back to Lubec, agreeing we had a good day fishing, even without catching.

A Memorial Weekend Feast

Sunday, around 2 PM, Deb invited Patricia and me to her annual Memorial lawn party. There were about 20 of us, each bringing a potluck dish. There were two grills going, pork tenderloin, steak tips, shrimp, mussels, locally caught trout. All types of salads and desserts, coordinating nicely with each other, just like it was planned. A feast for our eyes and ourselves.

There was plenty of wine and beer. Cornhole was played outside, most of us watching from the porch as it was a bit chilly. We ranged inside and out.

I brought a 5-pound, 2" thick halibut fillet that I had baked earlier at Patricia’s. I baked it at high (425) heat to seal in the flavor with olive oil, garlic, capers, and fresh herbs from the garden. Of course, I added a generous basting of white wine. The halibut was a hit, disappearing quickly. All gone.

A Rainy Memorial Day

On Memorial Day Monday, we had planned to go to The Legion’s ceremonies at two cemeteries and then throw a memorial wreath off the Roosevelt Bridge to Campobello. We had been part of this for the last two years. It was raining lightly when we arrived at the first cemetery early at 8:30 AM. We drove around quiet Lubec in the rain. No ceremonies. And we were early!

We went back to West Quoddy Station. I read Shackleton’s book, Endurance, to Patricia. After reading a bit, we took a three-hour nap. Got up, had a light brunch of bagels and cream cheese, washing it down with a French rosé.

A Memorial Day to remember.