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You are here: Home / Coastal Maine / Coastal Flavor of Way Downeast

Coastal Flavor of Way Downeast

By Bob Trapani Jr. May 6, 2011

West Quoddy Head
Bold Coast at its finest...West Quoddy Head (Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)

With the calendar pointing to May 1st and the sun coaxing temperatures to climb near 60 degrees, the beckoning outdoors was just too alluring to pass up. 

Where to go however was the million dollar question on such a delightful spring day. 

Options abounded, but in the end, the family and I decided to meander along Downeast and search out a few back-road treasures whose glimmer is often overlooked by the seasonal traveler. 

Although well-known coastal destinations like Bar Harbor are understandably popular, it was our intention on this day to try and enjoy some tucked-away places that uniquely meld solitude and beauty into a natural bliss.   

As we have come to learn, such contentment is invariably found down winding roads still aching from winter’s frost heaves, and whose identity can sometimes only be determined by the guesswork of a map sleuth. Yet in the end, a determined pursuit always reaps an equally satisfying reward along coastal Maine. 

Beals Island
The "nets" of tradition never tear...Beals Island (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)

Not surprisingly, this was the case for our family on this grand first of May.   

From the quintessential fishing villages of Corea and Beals Island to the easternmost town in the country – Lubec, Maine, our journey was filled with the traditions and colors of the coast – even if spring’s greens were lagging behind joining in on the parade of hues that accented the seascape. 

The punctuation mark for this Bold Coast experience was a visit to the candy-caned striped sentinel that charmingly presides over West Quoddy Head along the International Quoddy Loop. 

On this day, there was a distant haze but no fog, which was a treat indeed. 

Without a misty shroud to contend with, the breathtaking expanse of the Grand Manan Channel of the Bay of Fundy was in full view and begging to be admired. 

We will look forward to return trips to Downeast Maine later this spring and summer as the lupines begin to bloom, but we also know that we will not come by again anytime soon the peaceful quietness that joined hands with the unsurpassed natural beauty on this sun-kissed gift of a day. 

Glisten of Jasper Beach
Doused and glistening...Jasper Beach, Machiasport (Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)
Public boat ramp in Lubec
Daydreaming...Lubec (Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)
Lubec Narrows
A stone's throw away...Lubec over to Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Easternmost point
Rock solid at the most easternmost point in the United States...West Quoddy Head, Lubec (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Discarded color
Abandoned by the tides...Jasper Beach, Machiasport (Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)
Wharf on Beals Island
"EeZzMoney" needs a bit of pampering...Beals Island (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Vigilance
Vigilance never takes a break...Corea (Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)
History in Lubec
Time is not on their side...Historic waterfront, Lubec (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Weather beaten
Weather beaten...Jasper Beach, Machiasport (Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)
Creativity lives on
The work of a creative hand...West Quoddy Head, Lubec (Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)
Links
Linked like the buddy system...Corea Harbor (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Nets on Beals Island
Waiting to show off their buoyancy on a line...Beals Island (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Lubec fishing vessels
Nestled safe & sound at their moorings...Lubec (Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)
Sail Rocks
No friend to the mariner...Sail Rocks off West Quoddy Head (Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)
Corea Harbor
A day of rest...Corea Harbor (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
West Quoddy Head Light
Distinctively charming...West Quoddy Head (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Neighborly span
Neighborly span to our Canadian friends...Lubec (Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)
Storefront
A little bit of everything...Lubec (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Jasper Beach path
Green path promises to lead to the warm overtures of spring...Jasper Beach, Machiasport (Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)
Machiasport
Shop 'till you drop...Machiasport (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Quiet
Quietness afloat...Beals Island (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Drab meets cheer
Drab meets cheer...Jasper Beach, Machiasport (Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)
Tradition in Lubec
Once the lifeblood of a community...Lubec (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
A lack of clarity
A lack of clarity...West Quoddy Head (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Proud of their heritage
Proud of their heritage by the sea...Lubec (Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)
History tows the line
History tows the line at water's edge...Lubec (Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)
Standing majestic sentinel
Standing majestic sentinel...West Quoddy Head (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Cut off by time and the tides
Cut off by time and the tides...Lubec (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Guiding by day or night
Guiding by day or night...West Quoddy Head (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)

Coastal Maine

Bob Trapani Jr.

Believing the wonderment of the Maine coast is as much about how it stirs our emotions as it is visually pleasing, Bob endeavors to use his photography – often times laced with scene-inspiring sentiments, to capture the depth of its beauty and charm.

Beacons of Wonderment by Bob Trapani, Jr.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gerald Braun says

    May 7, 2011 at 10:49 am

    West Quoddy and the area around the lighthouse is my favorite area. I have been there twice and enjoyed it both times. I will not be able to go there again so I am grateful for your photos to remind me of that beautiful area. Thank you.

    Reply
  2. John Baxter says

    May 7, 2011 at 11:47 am

    Oh the fond memories of downeast. Being born in Eastport I know Lubec well. If you have a Passport, on the next trip go to Campobello very scenic island.
    Thanks for the trip home Bob & Ann

    Reply
  3. Colleen Richmon says

    May 7, 2011 at 12:59 pm

    I spent ten days in Lubec last summer and loved it. I’ll be going again in June with a visitng friend from AZ. I’ll pass your photos and story along to her. Thank you! Wonderful photos!

    Reply
  4. Belesses says

    May 7, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    Just love the comments and photos! Clay and Nancy

    Reply
  5. Lou Brooks says

    May 7, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    Nice picture! I really like the light house we will have to go up to that one someday!

    Reply
  6. Al Smith says

    May 7, 2011 at 7:41 pm

    A very nice verbal and pictorial visit to some of my favorite places. We have camped at Lubec years ago and have visited twice with bus tours for both NJLHS & CC-USLHS as well as on our own. Such a nice town with some vry nice people.
    Thanks Bob & Ann

    Reply
  7. Skip Empey says

    May 7, 2011 at 9:45 pm

    Thanks for sharing, it sure looks like Spring may be arriving. Skip

    Reply
  8. Dave Lowe says

    May 9, 2011 at 9:34 am

    Happy Mother’s Day Ann-Marie! I hope you enjoyed your special day. Thanks again to both of you for the wonderful narrative and fabulous pictures of the Maine coast.
    Arrrr,
    Cap’n Dave

    Reply
  9. Ernie DeRaps says

    May 9, 2011 at 10:13 am

    Great photos as usual!! Keep on taking your great photos – Bob and Ann Marie. Nice to see you recently Bob and thanks for the Lighthouse story and photos. Ernie D.

    Reply
  10. Norman Poindexter says

    May 9, 2011 at 7:27 pm

    Way to go Bob, nice pictures of new England. Norm

    Reply
  11. Joan Jellison says

    May 9, 2011 at 9:50 pm

    My family orginally came from Hancock. My greatgrandfather was a keeper at Whitehead for 15yrs then was transfered to St Croix Light and then to Whitlock Mills where he retired. Serving 30 plus years. The love of Maine runs nothing but salt in my veins. Thanks for another tour of my favorite place in the whole world.

    Reply
  12. Wayne&Gladys Grabner says

    May 10, 2011 at 7:26 pm

    Hi Bob and Ann.We enjoyed the look back at Lubec and the lights on Campobello Island.WE really enjoyed our trip with the folks from N.E.L.L.
    August of 2008 .It was the lights across the border challenge.A weekend we won’t soon forget.Thanks.

    Reply
  13. Vince Salvatore says

    May 13, 2011 at 5:52 pm

    Hi Bob and Ann,

    Thanks again for the great images and feel of Downeast Maine! I would love to get up to West Quoddy at some time.

    Vince

    Reply
  14. Jim Bazzoli says

    May 14, 2011 at 8:15 pm

    Hi Bob & Ann-Marie,

    Great photos! Many thank for all the great pics and stories you sent us.

    Warm regards, Jim Bazzoli

    Reply
  15. barrett says

    May 15, 2011 at 11:16 am

    Bob,
    Can’t wait to send this one along to some friend away as well as some right here at home. I’ve been to most of these places and to think they are only a few hours away. I’ve spent alot of time vacationing at Robinson’s Cottages in Dennysville and then day tripped, usually with grandchildren. Thanks for reminding me that I’ve missed these sites and need to return. Maybe with the same, (now adult) grandchildren!

    Reply

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