August 26
Today was a cloudy and rainy day. Not letting the rain scare us away, we set off in the Jeep to the Bass Harbor Lighthouse and to check out Southwest Harbor and Bernard.
BASS HARBOR LIGHTHOUSE
Even with the crummy weather we had to wait a few minutes for a parking place at the lighthouse. I can’t imagine what it must be like on a nice, sunny day! Luckily, not everyone who hiked down the stairs continued to climb out onto the rocks and boulders to get to where the view was perfect. The rain had stopped for a few minutes while we were here. We of course had to get “the shot” – and more.
Bass Harbor Lighthouse was lighted for the first time September 1, 1858. The light fingerprint for this light house is a red light that darkens every 4 seconds. It has continued to guide mariners safely around the treacherous Bass Harbor sandbar and in the harbor for safe anchorage. While the light produced to alert sailors is great, fog can greatly hinder that signal. A bell was installed for a sound signal. The Bass Harbor sound signature was one bell strike every ten seconds. The method of producing the sound signal has changed quite a few times over the years. Below are a couple of the bells used previously.
Today a nearby bell buoy performs the warning signal. Listen to the bell buoy in the short video below! (Perfect demo with the fog!)
The rain started up again. The line of cars waiting for parking was even longer when we left.
From here we drove over to Southwest Harbor and Bernard. Wow—talk about a harbors for lobster! I know the pictures below of the Slack Tide store that offers Maine-made gifts, is out of focus as we drive by it with the rain, but I had to include it. 🙂
I always enjoy reading the names of boats…
We decided to eat at Thurston’s Lobster Pound. “Thurston For Lobstah”. All we really wanted was some fresh warm lobster with drawn butter. So when looking to select the lobster size, we went for a jumbo since we thought we’d share one. Then Barry suggested we go for two jumbo, and take the leftovers home. So we got 2 that were almost three-pounds each!
Unfortunately, neither of us noticed the PER POUND part of the price! BUT the sign outside with the prices did not have the small “per pound” after the prices. Uh-oh! Needless to say, Barry was a bit stunned as he gasped when the gal told him the total bill. OOPS. BUT—good news! There was a mix-up of some kind in the kitchen, so they brought us two smaller lobsters to eat while they cooked the two jumbo we ordered. Sweet! Sure made us feel better about the bill. 🙂
We ate the smaller ones, and were full, so we asked if we could get these big guys “to go”. I know what we’ll have for dinner when get to Rockland, ME on Sunday!
First two are pictured again below for quick visual comparison.
I have to admit…I think I’ve had my fill of lobster—I actually prefer fresh crab over lobster. I could eat fresh crab with drawn butter more frequently than the lobster. (Eric Ogren, I miss the outings on your boat! I still remember that awesome fresh crab lasagna that Lynne made for all of us between services Christmas Eve at least 20 years ago!)
When we got “home”, we immediately cracked the lobsters and safely stored all the meat in the refrigerator. The lobster will stay fresh and be easily available for “Nancy’s lobster rolls”.
Today was a great day – even with the rain. Tomorrow we use our Action Tour Guide Driving app for part of Acadia National Park, and then we go to Cadillac Mountain for sunset!