Remember these pictures from my last post? Well keep those in mind for this post. The lighthouse out on the point is Owl’s Head Lighthouse and the one at the end of the breakwater is called Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. Both will be shown much closer up as our day progresses. These pictures are exactly what I was expecting Maine to look like. Believe me, it did not disappoint! And even the weather improved!

Click on the first photo in each group and scroll to see the square photos at full size.
To start at the beginning of this series, visit New England at Last 2012

We left Lincoln mid morning and swung by North Conway on our way to Maine for a little shopping and just to check out the town. We found another activity for a return trip – the Conway Scenic Railroad offers tours of the area, including Crawford Notch and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But today we had to skedaddle and get set up on the second half of this great vacation!

We checked into the Samoset Resort, got all unpacked and relaxed on our balcony and enjoyed a brew and a lovely view (where we took the pictures above). What a great resort. It was a really nice unit, with a very comfy bed and a nice-sized living room – although no kitchen and I don’t even think a fridge/micro, but I’ll have to ask Jim – he’s got a better memory than I do. There’s only so much of this beautiful view that we could take, so we set out for our first Maine Lobster dinner!! YIPPEE!

The next day we did a little sightseeing right in Rockland. There is a lovely boardwalk and a great area to walk around. We met some people down at the harbor who were waiting for their excursion to begin, aboard a Captain Jack Lobster Boat Cruise. There happened to be room for two more and off we went! We were able to get the lowdown on lobster fishing and what a great trip it was.

Turns out the lobsters are all caught in and around the harbor and the fisherman have buoys in their certain color, so they can keep them all straight. We got a really nice boat ride out of the deal, since we spent a good 90 minutes going around to each of Captain Jack’s traps.

We made it up pretty close to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, but had to turn back because the water was starting to get a little choppy. This is still the original lighthouse built in 1902. We walked out on the 7/8 mile breakwater to see it up close a couple days later. It was a little windy out there, but an easy, pleasant walk. Of course it was closed when we were there, but open on weekends in the summer.

It was pretty interesting hearing Captain “Jack’s” “fish” tails and how the fishing industry has changed over the years. He is from a long line of lobster fishermen and his son is following in his footsteps. The lovely lobster lady pictured got a pass for today. Since she was full of eggs she was able to enjoy a little more free time in the harbor. It really was a great time, but a little creepy with the little lobster eyes staring at me. It kinda made me want to throw them all back in, but I didn’t. Captain Jack may have thrown me in with them!

Owl’s Head Lighthouse is across the harbor from Samoset. It was a beautiful lighthouse and had great views. This station was established in 1825 and the lighthouse built in 1852. The hours the lighthouse is open really vary during spring thru fall, so be sure to check the schedule before you go if you want to go inside.

I think our first day in Maine was just about perfect. A boat ride, a lighthouse and lobster for dinner!!

Up Next: Bath and Pemaquid

Happy trails,
Barb