I thought I'd put a thread up here to keep you all up to date on my adventures through Maine the next week. I'll be blogging the trip whenever possible, both here and on my website, www.gregfitzgerald.net/blog . I'll also be posting pictures each day and putting them up at night.

The first entry:

http://gregfitzgerald.net/blog/2009/03/13/live-from-maineerm-massachusetts/

edited to fix the link to blog. Dave

Wishing you safe travels, good weather, many lighthouses and unexpected pleasures.

Day Two, the first official lighthousing day, is here and gone. Here's the reflections at 10:30 PM. (I'm going to just post the link, since it's so long.)

http://gregfitzgerald.net/blog/2009/03/14/i-have-reached-the-holy-land/

Photos to come...the Wifi here is slow, too slow for the Flickr Uploadr. I'll try again tomorrow.

Great read, Greg. Sounds like your adventure is off to a great start. Some might not agree with your statement as to the "greatest lighthouse state" . . . . Hope you don't do pizza every night!

Greg,
Excellent report!! Hope the weather stays nice as bad weather in Maine can way lay the best laid plans!!
Forget the pizza!! In Maine its "LOBSTAH"!!
Rick

Nice story. Cant wait to see your pictures
Fran

Dave...well...that's a debate we'll discuss over a pint one day. (That gives me two years to make my defense!)

I feel like I have to do the lobster at some point...we'll see if I can find it somewhere reasonably priced and cool. A LOT is closed.

I've updated the pictures for yesterday's adventure:

http://gregfitzgerald.net/blog/2009/03/14/i-have-reached-the-holy-land/

And posted today's logs, although I have to finish it tomorrow. I wanted to get it up so I can keep this pretty live, but the last two lights were too great for my tired state to do justice.

http://gregfitzgerald.net/blog/2009/03/15/greg-fitzgerald-and-the-quest-for-the-holy-grails/

I'm loving my room at Ledges By the Bay. Much better than the Motel 6. I've got a flat-screen TV, fireplace, fridge, balcony, and...1998-era tangerine iMac! Could my life be more complete? :p

Until tomorrow,
The Vagabond Pharologist

Even with sleeping in sounds like you had a great day. You got some unique pictures, and sure had a nice break running into the Coastie at home.

No pizza tonight?

Great job on your blog, it coming together like a plan...Greg "The greatest lighthouse state" won't always be Maine. "The greatest lighthouse state" to me is the last one I just visited.. Hug a lighthouse for Sue and I!!

So far so good Greg. It looks nice with the sun out. I want to do that same trip one of these days...I just want at least 70 degrees or warmer!

Great job Greg! Am really enjoying both your blog and photos!

Excellent Pictures. Keep it up. I am skipping the southern maine ones, I have good ones of them. Cant wait to see the next. Thats where I am starting with. Keep warm.
Fran

Greg, its looks like you are having a great time. I am looking forward to getting to Maine in the next few years, so this is an education.
Paul, "..hug a lighthouse.."? I can't say I've ever done that, but I have been known to give them a pat.

Greg, Looks like your having a great trip so far. really enjoying your pics and narrative/blogs.

Looking forward to the rest of your trip.

Laura, I bet every time you walk onto the grounds of a lighthouse you give it a great big hug, maybe not physically but mentally for sure!!

Paul, Sssshhhhhh, people will think I'm wacko or something.

And here I thought you had to be Wacko to get that designation. LOL

Ellie

Your blog is great, Greg. You should be a journalist. Your trip brings back memories of when I did a similar trip in 1998, after the HL Reunion in Providence. Although it looks like you're having better weather.

I look forward to your continuing trip and photos.

Larry

Well, another day has come and gone, and I'm now curled up in bed at Aysgarth Station B&B in Bar Harbor. I'm working on the blogs, and I'd like to get yesterday finished at least. Tomorrow is my R&R day -- my only plans are to explore Mt. Desert Island. So I'll catch up tomorrow night when the load is less.

BUT...this trip is just amazing. Each day, it gets better and better. I'm having the time of my life, and I'm already trying to figure out when I can come back, to do the boat trips. Actually, I'm even looking at real estate online...the idea of buying a little house up here in a few years, in one of the lower-priced areas, is appealing. Of course, not to plan my life too much... :rolleyes:

On second thought...it's 10:45...I had a long day. I hate to keep you all waiting, but I think I'll do all the updating tomorrow. Too many miles on the rutted, potholed roads of Maine!

You got great shots at Marshall Point. I love all of them. Your pictures are getting better and better. Wait to you get up to Cambello. The first time I went I saw the ladder to go down the side of the rocks. I said no way. I was so disappointed. I turned to leave and kept looking back. It was then that I saw a woman who look to be in her 70's. I said to my husband if she can do it I can. I did it and was so happy I did. I hope they replaced the metal ladder. Cant wait to see more of your pictures. I am enjoying your trip.

I love your “Run, Forrest, Run!” self portrait!!

Very creative on your part, it's great to see how much fun the trip is for you. You are making it fun for us as you bring us along with you.

Greg,

It absolutely sounds like a great trip, with fantastic photos, and narrative!

Stay safe and ....Thank you for sharing your trip!

Thanks for all the comments! I'm sitting here in Bar Harbor glowing with all the praise.

I'm still a little behind on the narrative...but I've got half of yesterday done. I'll try to polish it off tomorrow.

http://gregfitzgerald.net/blog/2009/03/17/forgive-us-our-trespasses/

Quick summary of today: explored Mount Desert Island. Want to live here, too. Saw Egg Rock, Bear Island distantly. Bass Harbor Head amazing, great perspective.

Tomorrow, I'm not sure what I'm doing...I think I'll take the book, the GPS, and my whims. I have a paid-for room at Quoddy Head Station in Lubec, which will be reviewed. Who knows where the Vagabond Pharologist will go next?

Great shots Greg...and yes, you've left us on the edge of the cliff!

Greg, how many lighthouses so far this trip? Keep safe.
Fran, your tip about Campobello is just the kind of thing that could really help add enjoyment to another persons trip.

Laura
I am going back in May and cant wait.
It was worth the climb down.

Fran, what made me notice in particular is that I wish I had known something like that for Cape Disappointment. We knew it was 3/4 of a mile to the light, but the ground was wet and we were on a steep twisting trail. It was very slick and we knew we still had to go up, alot! We were slipping and sliding, I fell once against the bank (not flat in the mud) and my sister turned back. Just a little further on it changed to a paved road. At least half of the trip to the lighthouse is a paved raod. If we had known we both would have made it to the top. So now, thanks to you, when we get to Campobello, we will know to go down the ladder, despite appearances it is do-able.

The ladders are almost brand new. They all were replaced a couple of years ago. What will help you at East Quoddy is to wear boots or shoes that have some grip on the soles and a walking stick to help you establish a tripod effect over some of the rocks.. The rocks are very slick having just been under water during high tide. The part that used to been a narrow path through underbrush on a little island is now a wide cleared off area, almost too much.


Kay on one of the ladders. (October 13, 2006)


Judy on the first ladder you will go down now..


Dave crosses the rocks covered with still wet plat life..

They are hoping to eventually get the buildings and the island to the point that people can spend the night at the lighthouse. They will need to get the boat ramp/dock improved to have this happen.

The society there has done a great job of trying to make it easier and safer going over to the light. The driving force behind all of the restoration work is an artist, Joyce Morrell , who owns and runs the Owen House which is a great place to stay, or at least visit, on the island. Sue and I have stayed there three times over the years.



Owen House Bed and Breakfast

This all information based from our 2006 visit , so I am sure the society has gotten even more done since then..

I feel the same way. If I have a doubt about a trip there is always someone here who can tell you their experience. It makes for a great trip.
By the way I know someone gave me a site to find out the tides. Cant find it and need to know what it will be to go to Cambello.
I cant wait to see Greg's new pictures. I guess we have to wait until he gets home.

Campobello Tides for Fran.. You will notice it is Atlantic Daylight time at this time of year..

Thanks. I saved it to my favorites and will look the week I am going which is 5/15. The more I look at Gregs pics the more I get antsy about going. I am looking for a way to see Machias Seal Island, Libby and little river by air or sea. The boats don't go out till the week after I leave so looking for a flight. Anyone have info to help.

I found this..

Acadia Air Tours

It looked a little pricey to me but I prefer boat any way..

Here's a second air service I found..

Penobscot Island Air Tours

Based Owl's Head...

I was hoping to find something closer up to the Michias area. The ride to Michias is to expensive from bar harbor. I might just have to skip that light.

The airport at Bar Harbor appears to be the closest airport to Machias Seal Island..

You might contact the Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce for more information about air and boats in the area..

I found the following on that page..

Chickadee Air - 207-255-4193
HC 74 Box 38J East Machias, ME 04630
Scenic flights/ aerial photography / real estate photography. Located at the Machias Regional Airport on Route 1 in Machias.

I am going to check out that airport tom. Thanks

Where's Greg? No posts since 3/17. I've been enjoying his trip and am looking forward to "the rest of the story".

Larry

I think he is driving home. I am waiting for the rest of the pictures also. Greg dont leave us hanging.

When you get up much North of Bar Harbor you start approaching the end of the Internet earth. Very few places have internet service unless you connect by phone (AOL) and the upload times become unmanageable..

As Paul said...north of Bar Harbor, it's an Internet wasteland. Combine that with the fact that my hotel last night only had WiFi in the lobby (and weak at that), and I haven't been able to update.

But...I'm now safe at home, after a long 8-hour drive from Waterville, Maine today. Doing this in a truck with a stiff off-road suspension? Not fun.

I'm going to try and finish up the last few days tomorrow, after a (really!) good sleep, but I've put up the rest of Day Four for everyone to enjoy while I rest.

http://gregfitzgerald.net/blog/2009/03/17/forgive-us-our-trespasses/

Thanks for all the encouragement along the way...the comments really kept me motivated to take better pictures and enjoy the trip to the maximum. This "live" element really added to the fun, and I hope to do this on future trips, lighthousing and otherwise.

As for the East Quoddy experience...well, that waits until tomorrow!

Greg,

Really enjoyed following your trip and your blogs. I've been following each day. Your pictures are great. I know you've had a wonderful time. We have had an excellent time too - vicariously. Thanks for taking us along with you!

Greg, I can't wait for your East Quoddy experience. I have always enjoyed the "live" element too, it came natural for me when the internet came along since I have worked in TV News for 37 years telling stories with pictures.

You have mastered it early in your life.

I think sharing with others has always made trips more meaningful... while posting that day's events, it reminds me of the the day right then and there, re-living it instantly.

I agree, Paul, it really makes me remember everything. I also keep a handwritten travel journal, where I log some of the more personal elements of the trip, but since I don't write that much, it always hurts my hand. The Internet log is great to get everything down before I forget it.

SO...Day Five is up! Go and see:

http://gregfitzgerald.net/blog/2009/03/21/tall-tales-from-bar-harbor/

Next up...Day Six, which wasn't that exciting or fun since I was sick, but that brings Day Seven, and the Quoddys, ever closer.

Cant wait for the Quoddys. You are doing a fabulous job.

Greg
Just read your blog. I check every day for the story and pictures from Canada. Great stuff and waiting for the pictures. I guess you left the space for each or it wont show up on my work computer. Will check when I get home. Thanks for sharing your trip. I cant wait. My co-workers are sick of listening to me about how excited I am. I hope you feel better.
I went a couple of times doing really big trips with Jenifer Selwa and she can do a entire day without blinking. I need her to push me out of the car some times I am so tired. It is a great time. It is easier when you have a 2nd person to drive and punch you to wake up and continue driving to the hotel.

Sorry it's taken so long to get the final day up...getting back in the grind at school, I've been slightly lacking on time.

But now, the final pictures are up:

http://gregfitzgerald.net/blog/2009/03/23/the-march-to-quoddy/

Enjoy! This was an amazing experience, one I hope to do again. I see what Paul meant when he said he's visited five times -- you can't get enough of the Quoddys.

And the "drive home" post: http://gregfitzgerald.net/blog/2009/03/27/all-good-things/

Greg,

I enjoyed your pictures and your narration very much. Whar a wonderful trip you had. Great photos all around. Thanks for bringing us on the trip with you from the waarmth of our homes.

Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great narration and Great photos!

I enjoyed reliving a great adventure. Thanks.

Loved the Quoddys, your pictures and narration. What a great trip! East and West Quoddy look to be amazing. Thanks for sharing.

Greg as I have been known to say on at least one occasion, "It just doesn't get any better than this"

You got me fired up to make another visit to East Quoddy.. It probably won't be this year maybe next year, we just love the whole Campobello Island experience!!

Greg, I am enjoying your pictures and blog. Being able to visit all of the lighthouses in Maine is a dream trip for me, that I hope I will be able to do the next time me go to Maine.

Greg,
Really enjoyed your trip! The narrative was most excellent...it was like being there with you. The photos you took were awesome!
Thanks so much for sharing with us and I hope some day I can visit some of these lights also.