We hate to write this glowing review of our five days aboard the Tessie Ann as it will certainly encourage more folks to book their own getaway on her...and we don't need more competition for booking our own many returns there! ;)
Not enough "positives" can be said about this experience. From being met at the Robinhood Marina by Andy, the owner both of the marina and the Tessie (and her builder) in the pouring rain with his offer of loaner raingear for our transit out to the houseboat on the mooring to buying lobsters right from the fishermen hauling their traps fifty feet from our stern on the morning of our departure this was a phenomenal time!
Not to be confused with camping, life aboard Tessie Ann is comfortable and warm and even "plush"...! More akin to a condo on the water. Nice soft queen bed, hot running water, a shower, a stove, a fridge, central heat (!), lounge chairs, kayaks right on board for your personal use! Of course the skiff is included to get back and forth to the marina and to explore the local waters. The views!...as you swing gently on the mooring the vistas change through the many large windows. Do you enjoy living with the local "inhabitants"? Seals will swim by beside you and an eagle might glide overhead as well. You're immersed in it all!
Tessie Ann is provided to you in immaculate condition and the very friendly marina staff is just a very short skiff jaunt away or available by hailing them on the included marine VHF radio in the unlikely event you need something you don't have! We would say that a "must do" is to wander in one evening and go to dinner at the Osprey Restaurant right there in sight of your houseboat. Tremendously good food! And, while you're onshore, visit the marina library and Gallery...
Finally, although everyone won't do this, we brought our own nineteen foot boat along on our getaway and launched it nearby in order to tie it up alongside Tessie for our own aquatic transportation to various scenic locales. With some local knowledge you can navigate to the city of Bath, Boothbay Harbor, the unspoiled fishing town of Five Islands, or simply find a warm cove who knows where and throw out the anchor and picnic and "take it all in"...
Your home base of Robinhood Marina has boat fuel available so it couldn't be more convenient!
Plan your vacation around spending some quality time on the good ship Tessie Ann. Disappointment is impossible!
Mary Pat and Jim
September 2013