A sailing we will go over the waters of Frenchman Bay. Today, we were going to go sightseeing, however, not by land but by water. We were going over to Bar Harbor for a Nature Sightseeing Cruise provided by the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company. So we ate a quick breakfast and then got going since it was a 60 minute drive. The only question on the way over was Where would we park? We were told that they would not be enforcing the 2 hour parking limit today and that there was one handicap parking space available by the tour company office. Guess what? Look where we got to park.
You guessed it, the one and only handicap parking space in the whole lot. When we pulled up, it was are we really seeing this spot empty. Empty it was. How ’bout that!
Time now to get our tickets. A quick walk, not even 50 feet and we were at the office of
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company. Here is Barbara at the counter obtaining our tickets.
Our choice today for a cruise was the 2 hour Nature and Sightseeing Cruise. Here is a picture of the boat that we would be sailing on for that time.
This cruise would take us among the islands and shorelines of beautiful Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. . We stayed in the protected waters of Frenchman Bay which was first discovered by French explorers Champlain and Cadillac in the 1600’s.
Following is a picture of lobster boats in Bar Harbor as we were leaving the dock.
I wasn’t quick enough to get a picture of one boat with a rather curious name which was Beth Said Yes. I wonder what she said yes to. One can only wonder.
On board to share with us her knowledge of the area and other stories of natural and human history and answer any questions, was our narrator, Angie. Angie is a professional naturalist who has been in the area for years.
On the way out, one of the first things we saw was the breakwater that extends out from Porcupine Island. Like the name applies, it breaks the normal ocean waves that come toward the harbor, allowing much more safety for vessels and commerce.
As we continued on, Angie pointed out some of the magnificent summer homes along millionaires’ row, built during the summer cottage era of Bar Harbor. Following are some of the pictures that I was able to take. And they call these summer cottages!
How many rooms does this house have?
What a view, but watch that step out the front door!
This is really cool, someone definitely had some imagination.
We then went past Cadillac Mountain, and yes I was able to confirm there are people and cars in the parking lot at the top of the mountain. Cadillac Mountain is one of over 20 mountains on Mount Desert Island, Maine that were pushed up by earth’s tectonic and volcanic forces millions of years ago. Were it not for the once enormous glaciers that sheared off their tops, they would be even higher than what we see today.
We then cruised past the rocky and rugged coastline that Maine is known for which was formed by glaciers, and further shaped and battered by sea & wind. I mean I’ve seen rocks in the past but nothing like these! What a spectacular view of what happens when mother nature takes things into her own hands.
Moving along we went into Sand Beach. The beach is nestled in a small inlet between the granite mountains and rocky shores of Mount Desert Island. This gorgeous 290 yard long beach is one of the most popular points of interest on the island. The thousands of years of pounding surf created a beach that is largely composed of unique sand and shell fragments. The ocean temperature rarely exceeds 55 degrees in the summer, yet every summer there are those brave souls willing to go swimming in its waters. Not only that can you believe they also have a polar bear plunge each January on this beach. Yipes.
This was a nature cruise and it lived up to its billing as we cruised past a rocky spit of land in the harbor that was full of harbor seals. The seals are considered an endangered species meaning human contact with them is strictly forbidden.
Along the way Angie also pointed out several bald eagles and a peregrine falcon. Unfortunately, I was not able to get pictures of them. I will say, though, they were magnificent to see.
Next up was Egg Rock. The rocky outpost, which was also known for a time as Gull Island, was later named Egg Rock for the proliferation of seabirds’ nests and eggs found there.
The Egg Rock Light Station, which was constructed on the outpost in 1875, consisted of two buildings, a combination light tower and keeper’s house, and a fog station building. The keeper’s house is a roughly square 1-1/2 story wood frame building, with a hip roof pierced by dormers on all four sides. The painted brick tower, 40 feet high, rises through the center of the house. Egg Rock Light is said to be the homeliest lighthouse on the Maine coast. The station was automated in 1976, at which time its surrounding structures except the fog station were torn down. The light continues to be managed by the Coast Guard, and is not open to the public.
Once we finished here, it was time to head back to the dock. It had been a very rewarding and interesting two hours spent on the water. If you are ever up this way, I would definitely recommend taking the tour, or maybe this one and perhaps another one which tours the lighthouses in the area. It is a great way to spend an afternoon.
The day had been picture perfect. Temperatures in the mid 70’s, a clear blue sky, a slight wind but no real wave action to speak of. What more could you ask for. Well, one thing perhaps and that we found on the way home. Time now for a late lunch and what better place than this.
And we all know, don’t we, what I’m going to have. Bet you don’t. I had a classic lobster roll, (instead of a full lobster), which tasted every bit as good as it looked. Barbara, a hamburger can you believe it.
So the day is now done. Night is upon us. The sky is full of stars, lots, and lots of stars. It is so beautiful up here. Summer time that is. I saw some pictures yesterday of the past winter up here, can you say snow and lots of it. Not for me anymore. Once again, we had a super day spent together doing something we had never done before but are so grateful that we got to do it now. Hope you had a great day as well. As we bring this to a close a thought for all of us this evening:
As always, if you are coming to the end of your day with concerns and worries let me suggest that you turn them over to God. After all, He is going to be up all night so why not let him handle them for you.
Time now for our evening prayers and eventually some shut-eye. Till tomorrow.
These are the voyages of Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans. Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before
"On The Road of Retirement" 
Wonderful blog. We had taken that tour also, but when we took it we were bundled up as the wind was cold and the mist was heavy. We saw wildlife and beautiful scenery. I loved the Egg Harbor lighthouse, I don’t think of it as being homely. I’m salivating now seeing your lobster roll and remembering how delicious they were. Thanks for bringing back wonderful memories.
LikeLike