Bristol, Maine

Pemaquid is a peninsula of Mid-Coast Maine made up of villages and seacoastal towns and small islands on Casco Bay. Its prominent feature is the scenic Pemaquid Point Lighthouse at the southern tip of the land. It sits at the southern-most end of Rutherford Island.

Damariscotta is an inland river town and has a historic and picturesque Main Street.

On Rutherford Island is a portion of the town of South Bristol as well as small inlets, beaches and coves such as New Harbor and Back Cove.

The island is not a big tourist spot, rather remote and of no particular interest, save the lighthouse. Pemaquid Point is definitely worth the short drive. If one likes tiny harbors and a real feel for "lobster life" without the tourists, Back Cove and New Harbor are worth the time. A camera will definitely be wanted.

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse was first built in 1827, but because salt water was mixed in the mortar, the structure began to crumble. So, a new light was constructed in 1835, the one we see today. It's located at the very tip of Rutherford Island. Its grounds and rocky shore below make it one of the most scenic and most photographed lighthouses in Maine. It stands 38 feet tall, and its light reaches 16 miles (14 nautical miles) out to sea. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What was once the lightkeeper's house is now a museum and art gallery.The red building and white tower to its left were part of a fog bell system that was erected in 1897. They no longer serve a purpose except to add to the beauty of the grounds.

New Harbor is a part of the town of Bristol, located on Pemaquid Point. It's said to be one of the last remaining true working harbors in mid-coast Maine. Tucked away among a mostly residential area, it's far from the touristy hub-bub of other mid-coast areas. I suspect the residents like it that way. The cove on which it sits is by the same name and leads out into Muscongus Bay.

And even farther back into the deepest back road and waterway is Back Cove, just as quiet, remote and relaxed. I almost felt as if I were intruding except there was no one out and about to intrude upon. However, one young gal was walking through with a backpack. I asked her where I was, and she gave me the names of Back Cove and new Harbor. I asked if the grounds were public and she gave a definite nod and smile. She also pointed out a bridge that led to another part of the cove. .

I don't usually shoot head-on, identifiable shots of strangers, but this image was screaming to be taken. I followed him on in to the harbor and watched him grab some seaweed off the top of the water to put in the container to, I assume keep the critters (surely lobsters) moist and alive. I would have loved to follow him on land to see where he was taking his catch.

South Bristol is also a part of the Pemaquid Peninsula with a portion of it on Rutherford Island. That's the part that I visited, a little more than a two-block area with the draw bridge that leads on to Rutherford Island.

Enjoy a taste of yesteryear in Damariscotta, inland, north of Bristol. With a population of a little more than 2,000, it sits quietly on the river by the same name. Its historic Main Street is on the National Register of Historic Places.