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MAINE’S
EASY 18 LIGHTHOUSES


by Ken Rudine
Photographs by the author

Maine Lighthouse - West Quoddy, Lubec
West Quoddy Lighthouse near Lubec, Maine

The Kancamagus Highway brought us down from the higher elevations of the White Mountains. The trees became greener as if spring was happening just as we past. We came upon a tourist info center as we reached the Maine border. The helpful attendant mentioned that just up the road is where “that car” hit Stephen King. Fortified with local trivia and maps, we advanced into unknown territory.

The plan was to start in the north at Calais on the St. Croix River and then finish in the south heading back to Texas. We followed the water to find West Quoddy Lighthouse near Lubec. It is our country’s farthest north and east point; they call this area “Down East”. Located at latitude of ~45 degrees, half-way between the equator and the North Pole influences the tides which are 20 to 28 feet. When day was done, from our room at Machitas we watched the tide go out. Maybe 18 hours later, when we left, it was still out.

While at Bar Harbor we drove the 27-mile scenic road in Acadia National Park. Reading about this area stated that Longfellow never visited the Acadian area of Louisiana. That pretty well challenges what I learned six decades ago about the Evangeline Oak and Longfellow’s home in the Bayou Teche country. (See Evangeline)

At Rockland we were told a story about the light keeper’s Springer Spaniel named Spot. The dog was trained to pull the rope sounding the fog bell when he became aware of a boat approaching. Boats would answer with a whistle or bell and Spot would bark.

Pemaquid Point, one of the lights seen the next day, greeted us with blooming Lupines growing on the side of the road reminding us of spring and Texas Bluebonnets. Three days later photographing Cape Neddick, where a wedding party was posing for photos, we were met with 55 degrees and a 55 MPH wind. Reminding us we are still 2400 miles northeast of Texas.

MAINE LIGHTHOUSES:

Our visitation order:

West Quoddy,
Lubec Channel Light,
Egg Rock,
Bass Harbor,
Dyce Head,
Fort Point,
Rockland Breakwater,
Owls Head,
Marshall Point,
Pemiquid Point,
Doubling Point,
Spring Point Ledge,
Portland Breakwater,
Portland Head,
Ram Island Ledge,
Cape Elizabeth,
Cape Neddick and
Whaleback.

Traveling Maine? Book Hotel Here


Maine - Lubec Channel Light,
Lubec Channel Light, Lubec -
Typical of a lighthouse style aka "Sparkplug" Light


Maine, Rockland Breakwater, Rockland Harbor
Rockland Breakwater, Rockland Harbor


Maine Lighthouse - Marshall Point, Port Clyde
Marshall Point, Port Clyde


Maine Lighthouse - Pemiquid Point, Bristol
Pemiquid Point, Bristol


Maine Lighthouse - Spring Point Ledge, South Portland
Spring Point Ledge, South Portland


Maine Lighthouse - Portland Head, Cape Elizabeth
Portland Head, Cape Elizabeth


Maine Lighthouse - Cape Neddick, York
Cape Neddick, York


Maine Lighthouse - Whaleback, Kittery
Whaleback, Kittery

Following Maine maps and signs can be difficult so after this trip we bought a GPS which we now always use. We recommend you use a GPS to find these lighthouses. For your convenience the coordinates of each light can be found at http://www.etravelmaine.com/activities/maine_lighthouses.htm

© Ken Rudine,
Published July 22, 2009


Traveling Maine? Book Hotel Here



Michigan Light Houses
  • Lighthouses of Lake Michigan's Shores by Ken Rudine



  • Lighthouse Ghost Stories:

  • Ghost Keeper of Seul Choix Point

  • The Lightkeeper's Ghost, Old Presque Isle Lighthouse

  • Leo Magni painting West Quoddy - Maine lighthouse
    Leo Magni, is a Rockport neighbor who is a talented artist working in oils. Here Leo shows his work-in-progress painting of my West Quoddy, that has since been finished and sold.



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