Have Bateau . . . Will Go

When the tide is right, and the wind, and the weather, there's a boat that plies the Kennebec -- with its scruffy crew -- that turns back time convincingly to the mid-1700s. Old Fort Western is where this rugged, flat-bottomed beauty puts in, ready for her intended purpose of transporting vital supplies 17 miles upriver to Fort Halifax in Winslow . . . or ready for her present purpose of transporting valued passengers back to the era when tough men leveraged long oars and hoped that the next Indian attack was at least a fort away.

Carefully constructed in the year 2000, this bateau replica might also be seen wandering the waves southward toward historic Hallowell and Gardiner. Look closely and it's easy to envision the setting three and a half centuries ago.

The next launching is scheduled for August 23 and 24, to coincide with a military demonstration at Old Fort Western. When the tide is right, and the wind, and the weather, just go to the east side boat landing and hail the hearty crew for a ride with the Kennebec currents. But be prepared for their generosity in turning over the oars . . . on the return trip .

For more information go to www.oldfortwestern.org or call 626-2385.