We set out before sunset—not that it mattered on this cloudy evening—for the Bass Harbor Lighthouse. There is a small parking lot, and no street parking allowed. Cars line up and wait for someone to leave the parking lot. Bass Harbor Campground is very close by, so we walked to avoid the parking issue. We hit the trail to the rocks below the lighthouse first while there was still light to see for safe climbing. The fog bells are no longer used as the buoys in the water make noise to navigate by. This lighthouse’s signature signal is four seconds of red then one second off. The information board talks about the history of the lenses, how the red light was made, lighthouse keepers and more recent US Coast Guard use of the house. The buildings are not open to the public at all and are being preserved. There is an enclosed walkway between the house and the tower so the keeper would not have to brave the elements to tend the light. So smart!

This morning was a lazy, sleeping-in morning. We rode the bus to South West Harbor to walk around, shop a little and find some lunch. There were lots of places with menu items for vegetarians here. I got a Mediterranean plate while Tony had lobster tacos with corn salsa and house-made chips. Eat-a-Pita & Cafe 2 was an excellent choice for both of us. I also found some cat treats that Catnip and Primrose actually like – catnip and chicken flavored.

We were the only riders on the return bus, so Larry entertained us with stories of growing up here on the island. We’ll go see his favorite swimming hole past the Causeway Golf Course tomorrow. “Just head noth,” he said as Tony says, ‘Huh?” Maine natives don’t pronounce their ‘R’s. Larry stayed at the Bass Harbor lighthouse once as a kid. His uncle was a keeper and the cousins all got to stay after they turned 10 years old. He said things were different here back then, but that’s pretty true just about anywhere. He talked about the families with money and how the local doctor helped him learn to play golf.

On a side note, we have noticed that tent campers in the North East come prepared for rain. This picture is an example to show the “extra layer“ canopy above the tent. Might prevent a soaking.