"If we weren't lighthouse fanatics before, we are now!"
raved Carol Barrett at the conclusion of the second annual Friends
of Flying Santa Lighthouses of Maine Bus Tour in May. With passengers
from as far away as Nashville, Tennessee, this year's tour visited
ten light stations along with the Shore Village Museum and Lighthouse
Depot, the world's largest lighthouse gift store. It was my privilege
to serve as tour guide for the three-day trip.
On the first day, which started out cloudy but turned out
beautiful and sunny, we drove to Portland Breakwater Light on
the South Portland waterfront. Also known as "Bug"
Light, this unusual tower, modeled after a fourth century B.C.
monument, is about to be restored and relighted. We then traveled
a short distance to Spring Point Ledge Light. Rusty Nelson and
other volunteers of the Spring Point Ledge Light Trust were cordial
and knowledgeable hosts as the lighthouse was opened for our
tour, along with the neighboring Portland Harbor Museum. Spring
Point Ledge Light is a rare case of a "sparkplug" style
lighthouse that is open on occasion to the public, and it was
a treat for those of us who walked across the 900-foot breakwater
and up the ladder into the structure.
After lunch at Newick's in South Portland, we journeyed on
to Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses
in New England. Coast Guardsmen from the nearby South Portland
station were on hand to open the tower for us, and many on the
tour also visited the Museum at Portland Head Light in the former
keeper's house. The lighthouse is not open to the general public
and is only opened on rare occasions. We then visited the Cape
Elizabeth Two Lights before ending our day at the Days Inn in
South Portland.
The second day was mostly a washout weatherwise, but our spirits
weren't dampened as we visited the Doubling Point Range Lights
near Bath on the Kennebec River. Representatives of the nonprofit
Range Light Keepers gave us some background of this unique station.
And a few in our group got the bonus of an impromptu ride over
to Doubling Point Light, courtesy of one of the volunteers. And
our driver Rick impressed all with his expert maneuvering on
the narrow dirt roads near the range lights!
Our next stop was Pemaquid Point Light, where enthusiastic
volunteers were waiting at the Fishermen's Museum. The Coast
Guard staff opened the tower, which is now leased to the American
Lighthouse Foundation. In this tower we got to see the original
Fresnel lens still in operation. After lunch at Moody's Diner
we visited Marshall Point Light in Port Clyde and the Marshall
Point Lighthouse Museum, where we again were greeted by helpful
and friendly volunteers.
The rain slowed to an intermittent drizzle by the time we
arrived at Rockland Breakwater Light. A few intrepid souls (including
three-year-old Gregory!) ventured out on the 3/4-mile breakwater
to see the lighthouse up close, while the rest waited in the
warm comfort of the bus.
After a night at the Trade Winds Inn in Rockland, we visited
Owl's Head Light. A Coast Guard representative gave us an unexpected
tour of the keeper's house, which is unoccupied at present. The
sun had returned by now (two out of three nice days isn't bad!)
and we all enjoyed our leisurely visit to beautiful Owls Head.
Our nest stop was the Shore Village Museum in Rockland, home
of the nation's largest collection of lighthouse lenses and other
artifacts. "Mr. Lighthouse" himself, Ken Black, demonstrated
many of the items, as did volunteer Bob Flint.
During our ride back south toward Lighthouse Depot, Norm Rogers
regaled us with interesting tales of his days as a lightship
commander. When we arrived at Lighthouse Depot, owners Tim Harrison
and Kathy Finnegan greeted us. After an intense hour or so of
serious lighthouse shopping, we got back on the bus and headed
to our final lighthouse, Cape Neddick "Nubble" Light
in York. It was a clear, crisp day that provided perfect postcard-like
photos at the Nubble. Before we left the parking lot, a number
of items, many of which were donated by Lighthouse Depot, were
raffled to benefit the Friends of Flying Santa.
All in all, we had mostly good weather, a wonderful selection
of lighthouses, great company and hospitable hosts along the
way. We couldn't have asked for more.
Editor's note: For more on New England lighthouses, check
out Jeremy's website - www.lighthouse.cc. |
