My daughter wanted to do some  "Maine things" for her week at home. So last night, we went on a sunset and full moon kayak tour with LL Bean's Outdoor Discover School.


We had a fast rain shower on our way to Freeport. As we arrived, there was a rainbow.


Our guides, Mike and Chris, suited us up with water shoes, PFDs, and splash skirts.


After some instructions, we headed out to the dock.


We had perfect conditions: a little cool, and a completely calm ocean.


We were all in tandem kayaks, except for our two guides. They said it was for stability, but I suspect it's also easier to keep track of 14 people in the dark, if they're in pairs.


Every now and then Julia and I would say to each other, "We're on the OCEAN." I put my hand on the surface a few times and marveled that a whole world of fish was going on under there.


We pulled ashore on Upper Goose Island. Mike and Chris had brought sparkling cider, chocolates, and cheese and crackers. We toasted our trip.


As we paddled in the dark, a really big SPLASH happened very near us. I think it was a porpoise. It was cool, and also shivery to know something was swimming along with us. An amazing reminder that the night ocean doesn't really belong to people.


Unforgettable.