August 8, 2018 Wednesday Hard to Describe Day

Sail boats and calm water--a beautiful combo 

This day is taking some thought.  How to describe....this day.

We awoke at 4:30 a.m. to depart at 5:00.  Even at that hour of the day, it was not dark.  Being at the easternmost point means it gets light very very early.

All 12 of us carpooling in three vehicles were heading to Bar Harbor Maine, a two-hour plus drive.  

Our final destination? Bar Harbor Whale Office. We had reservations for a 4 hour boat ride to find and observe whales and puffins.  

As a result of thick low fog, no whales were found.  Some Atlantic puffins were found on one small island.  

The AtlantiCat, the largest whale watching boat, was filled with over 300 passengers.  At boarding we immediately went to front top deck.  Much better for watching.  Also much better for rolling and pitching.

It was what went on in between that was significant.  No horizon, thick fog, rolling swells, and the smell of diesel caused 60-70 percent of the passengers to be SEASICK.  I am talking turning green, grab the puke bag, urping sick.  Glen and I avoided the need to grab a bag, but for sure kept our heads still, and eyes closed.

In between the worst bouts we did see a leatherback sea turtle, which the boat captain said he had never seen before; two types of dolphins, seals, several mala mala---ocean sunfish--at the surface of the water, a shark  and a variety of sea birds.

We saw lobster floats the entire trip, miles out into the open ocean water.  The naturalist told us that in some seasons the lobster traps are put into water that is 600 feet deep.  The Maine Coast is ideal for thriving lobster.  In 2016 over 120 million pounds of lobster were harvested.  2017 was not as successful, and 2018 is still open.

The AtlantiCat, the largest whale watching boat in the world.

Mildred in front, Gary and Evelyn, Marcella and Jeff, Gayla and Glen

This island/lighthouse served as home to one researcher from May until Aug 8.  There was no electricity, no running water.  The researcher's job: check the birds' nests, eggs, fledglings, listen to the round-the-clock squaring of the birds.

Lighthouse on Egg Island

A bald eagle

Seals and a raft of eiders (sea birds)

Typical seashore art: colorful lobster floats

A new angle: using the fisheye lens: from Cadillac Mountains looking at Bar Harbor

Same view: notice the fog coming in and covering the islands.

Good health returned to all as soon as we returned to shore.  All enjoyed lunch.

The group then purchased tickets for a two-and half hour trolley ride through Acadia National Park.  As soon as Glen and I boarded the trolley I knew I would not enjoy the ride.  The interior was hot and smelly, and no air conditioning.  We left, and went back to the ticket agent.  She grudgingly gave us credit on the credit card for our returned tickets.  

Oh....one more thing.  The boat tour company gave us vouchers good for three years for not finding whales.  Think we will be back in the next three years???