The Maine Coast Part II

We are having campground blues. Maine is known as "Vacationland," but it is closed for the season. We should have expected it with winter approaching, but it is still frustrating sometimes.

We are thankful to be here when there aren't loads of other people, though.

And one more thing... Maine weather can't seem to make up her mind. It literally rains every other day here. But the consistency allows us to plan activities just right. Two days of activities, one day of rest and rain, two days of activities, one day of rest and rain.


Our travels through Maine are going quicker than expected. The people are nice enough, a little stand-offish, but nice. And the food is amazing! We've eaten 6 lobster rolls, a few cups of clam chowder, a baked lobster, lobster bisque, and a boiled lobster. Gosh, I sound like Bubba from Forrest Gump; "Dey's uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There's pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich."

The local bakeries should not (and have not) been missed. We've put on at least 5 pounds each with the increase in seafood and pastries.

We have spent most of our time in the car, weaving across U.S. 1 and into the coastal fishing towns. While each one is unique, they are all layered with lobster traps.

The town of Cutler was no different. If fact, it was one of the cuter towns with around 670 residents; founded in 1785, incorporated in 1825.


There is so much history here! Machias Bay is home to the Fort O'Brien State Historic Park, a tiny plot of land tucked away by the water.


It is here that Jeremiah O'Brien, the park's namesake, captured the British ship, Margaretta - considered the first naval battle of the American Revolution, naming Machias the "Birthplace of the U.S. Navy." It was an active site for 90 years.


The earthen mounds seen in the photo above were actually constructed in 1863 during the Civil War. Even though Maine experienced little of the Civil War, these mounds were built as defense, just in case.

Mainenites have a great sense of humor, and while on our way down Machias Bay, we spotted this altered street sign. We will never look at a "Road Narrows" sign the same way again. Brilliant!



To continue with the humor fest, we also passed this Mall...

Buck's Harbor in Washington, Maine

We have been able to see a few lighthouses, but most of them are off the coast and only accessible or viewed from one of the hundreds of tour boat cruises along the coast (most closed for the season).


Prospect Harbor Lighthouse was at the end of a highway behind a Coast Guard gate. The original light was built in 1891 and automated in 1934. It was actually decommissioned between 1859 and 1870 due to lack of maritime activity.


It was the first time I've heard of a granite lighthouse being replaced by a new 38-foot tall WOODEN lighthouse. Which do you think is going to last longer - granite or wood? Interesting "upgrade?"