New England Lovers - NELL

NELL’s Spring Meeting Weekend June 8-9-10, 2007

NELL began its Spring Meeting weekend (June 8-9-10, 2007) Friday evening with a very successful dinner cruise. It started as 76 lighthouse lovers (members and non-members) boarded the M.V. Monhegan and sailed out of Rockland Harbor viewing Rockland Breakwater and Owls Head . During our mini-cruise we dined on a lobster or chicken dinner. After dinner we continued to “sail the sea” returning to Rockland Harbor at approximately 8 p.m. We were graciously invited to stay aboard and continue the party by Captain and Master of the M.V. Monhegan, Ray Remick. As much as we wanted to accept his invitation we knew we had to rise and shine early as we had to board the boat at 7:30 a.m. the following morning for our cruise out to several lighthouses and a visit with climb of Monhegan Lighthouse. With that in mind we reluctantly said goodnight and went back to the Trade Winds Hotel.

It was a beautiful morning and the harbor looked so peaceful as it woke from its slumber. As beautiful as the morning was, it came all too early for some, and not early enough for others. I arrived at the boat at approx. 7:10 a.m. to start the boarding procedure and was greeted by at least a dozen and a half people eagerly waiting to get on board to get settled. With the boarding of 105 people completed, we headed out of the harbor to visit Whitehead Light. Suddenly it looked as if the weather mans prediction of rain and fog would be correct as the weather started to deteriorate. While underway to Whitehead we were given a history of that light by our narrator, Jeremy D’Entremont, NELL member and author.

Most everyone used the time to relax and have their continental breakfast with some taking advantage of the unexpected opportunity to have a hot breakfast of eggs and bacon cooked by “Chef Joe” and delivered to the tables by Leigh Ann, our very able waitress and barmaid. After everyone got their pictures of Whitehead we picked up steam and continued to Tenants Harbor and then on to Marshall Point.

Due to other boats that were also schedule to arrive at Monhegan Island we had to alter our schedule and time it to arrive there at 12:30 p.m. That change caught “Chef Joe” somewhat off guard as lunch was originally scheduled for after our climb. But because that would not be for several hours later, we requested to have lunch before docking. Being a true sailor and chef, he took it in stride and handled the job as if nothing had changed. As our lunch was being prepared it was announced that we had just finished our 24th pot of coffee and from then on there would be a nominal charge. The amount of coffee consumed to that point raised a cheer from the “coffee hounds” as if they set a new record.

Lee Hall, Fundraising Co-Chair, had it announced over the boats PA system that 50-50 tickets were on sale and would be sold until we reached Two Bush Island Light, where the winner would be drawn. As we finished our lunch and were approaching Monhegan Island the sky started to clear up with the sun coming out, staying with us for the rest of the day.

Ernie DeRaps, retired lighthouse keeper and author shared the narrating and duties with Jeremy and treated us to his first hand experiences as keeper of Monhegan light, as well as several other lights, answering many questions while we were there. Tralis Bracy of Monhegan Lighthouse was in the top of the tower explaining what we were seeing thru the lantern room and along with Ernie gave us a brief history of the area.

Tom P and I made the check presentation of $520.00 to Charles Bartel, Treasurer of Monhegan Lighthouse. After everyone visited the shops of Monhegan Island and completed their climb of the tower, we gathered at the dock for our group picture. We then re-boarded the boat and headed to Two Bush. Last call for the 50-50 tickets went out and our chef had another surprise in store for us… a muscle chowder soup. Man, was that delicious. Some lucky folks had two bowls and we emptied the big “soup kitchen” pot.

photo by Linda Graham

As we approached Two Bush Island it was announced that the noise from the boat was getting the birds on the island up and flying. That was not the case, as reported by member Al Pochek. It was in fact an adult Bald Eagle that had them in a 'flutter' as can be seen in Al’s cropped photo of Two Bush. The eagle is the large bird to the right of the lantern room. Thanks for the “eagle- eye” Al and folks, no pun intended. Ha ha!

As we left Two Bush, Jeremy drew the winning ticket of the record setting 50- 50 raffle of $508.00 ($254 each winner). New NELL member, Janet Garcia was the big winner. Congratulations from all of NELL Janet… you still owe us that drink. Just because you’re new doesn’t mean you can get away without buying ---- just kidding. Arriving back at the dock around 7:30 p.m. we all split up and went to dinner.

I would like to thank the Captain and crew of the M.V. Monhegan for their wonderful service and great sense of humor. It seemed that they couldn’t do enough for us, and when Joe made that special bowl of muscle chowder for one of our members he “went that extra mile” and I thank him for his thoughtfulness. Capt. Remick, you have a great crew. Thanks to all of you for a wonderful time!

Sunday morning arrived and after breakfast we preceded to the Top of the Rock, the Trade Winds meeting room, for our general meeting where, keeping with tradition, the newest members (and we had many) of NELL stood up and introduced themselves.

After the introductions, NELL President Tom Pregman presented a West Quoddy Harbour Light, the eastern most lighthouse in the U.S., to Janet Garcia, for being the newest member that traveled the farthest, coming from her beautiful home state of Hawaii.

We also had our regular merchandise sales by our new Merchandise Co-chairs John and Nancy Satkowski, who I must say did a fine job (thanks folks) along with our silent and live auctions, and an explanation of the NELL raffle all expertly done by Lee Hall, Fundraising Co-chair and raffle committee member.

At the end of the meeting Tom Pregman submitted his resignation which took effect immediately at the conclusion of the meeting.

I am saddened that my first job as President is to accept Tom’s resignation. Tom has given many fine years of service to NELL and he will be missed. I’m sure I speak for all of the members in wishing Tom the very best and we hope to continue to see him as an active member. Good luck and thanks for everything Tom.

Tom Kenworthy President NELL New England Lighthouse Lovers - NELL

NELL 2007 Spring Meeting in Rockland, Maine Photos by Ron Foster

Ferry from Rockland Harbor to Vynalhaven Life Saving Station Biddeford Pool, Maine

Display inside Maine Lighthouse Museum Sumner Increase Kimball (1834 - 1923)

Wood Island Life-Saving Station (Jerry's Point) Life Saving Service display in Maine Lighthouse Museum

Part of Display at Maine Lighthouse Museum USLSS Powder Box

Ships Model in Maine Lighthouse Museum Display at Maine Lighthouse Museum Brass Oil Can Display inside Maine Lighthouse Museum

Display inside Maine Lighthouse Museum Lens display at Maine Lighthouse Museum Display inside Maine Lighthouse Museum Insignia

Portrait of Ken Black Lens Display

Lens Display Order Fixed

Red Lens Reg and MJ share a laugh

Lamps and Changer Rockland Harbor Patrol Boat Display inside Maine Lighthouse Museum Display at Maine Lighthouse Museum

Lighthouse Keepers Oiling Gear at Maine Lighthouse Museum USLHE Display New England Lighthouse Lovers - NELL

Carolyn and Frank Rockland Harbor Scene Coast Guard Buoy Tender Abbie Burgess Thunder Bay

Miss Jill reflections

Issac H Evans North Star .

Rockland Harbor Scene Owls Head

Rockland Breakwater Li hthouse

Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse Owls Head

Preparing dinner for dinner cruise Ready to be served

Mo, Reg, MJ & Frank

Martha, Skip and Tom chat on deck Red right returning

Buoy Tender Abbie Burgess Harbor scene Rockland Harbor scene Kayakers returning near Buoy Park

Bob and Don Evening Harbor Reflections as kayakers head home Breakwater to Lighthouse Rockland

Rockland Breakwater tolighthouse Sailspassing the breakwater

Checking traps Sailing past the lighthouse, Rockland Gulls on the breakwater

Simple buoy Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse

Walkers Simple buoys Gull and buoy Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse

Keepers House and breakwater from the lantern room Ron at Rockland breakwater lantern room

MJ at Rockland breakwater lantern room Solar panels and rocks at Rockland breakwater Rockland breakwater lantern room

Displayed inside Rockland BW light

Displayed inside Rockland BW lighthouse

Displayed inside Rockland BW lighthouse

Displayed inside Rockland BW Lighthouse

Displayed inside Rockland BW Lighthouse Rockland BW Lighthouse Buoys & boat near Rockland BW lighthouse

Inside the old boat house through the port hole Beautiful colors in Rockland Harbor

Port holeinthe boat house timbers The oldtimbers and spikes of the boat house

MJ on the breakwater rocks Many people enjoy the breakwater

Rockland Harbor Marshall Point LightStation New England Lighthouse Lovers - NELL

Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse Solitude at Marshall Point

Marshall Point driftwood Marshall Point lighthouse Front porch columns Marshall Point

Marshall Point Marshall Point reflection Marshall Point Marshall Point

Passing Marshall Point from Port Clyde Linda, (??), Kathy and Mary Beth

New England Lighthouse Lovers - NELL

Rockland Harbor Morning lights in Rockland Harbor

Rockland Harbor just before sunrise Pink sky in the morning in Rockland Just before sunrise at Tradewinds Morning light in Rockland

Whiting, Maine new home of Lighthouse Digest Tim, Kathy and rainbow

Doublerainbow in Whiting, Maine Rainbow ,

A very happy Sherlock with Tim Harbor in Cutler, Maine

Scene in Cutler, Maine Gull in Cutler, Maine

Little River lighthouse fog bell Boats in Cutler Harbor

Andy pilots the boatto Little River The oilhouse atLittle River lightstation

Storm damaged docks at Little River Another section of dock torn away

Tim and Joe survey the damage to the docks Little River lighthouse

MJ & Tim head down walkway to Little River lighthouse Little River lighthouse Little River lighthouse MJ outside lantern room at Little River

Captain Andy and Joe Tim checks to see why the fog horn isn't working

Joe heads back toward the tower Whitlock Mills lighthouse on the St. Croix River Little River lantern room Whitlock Mills light Whitlock Mills lighthouse Whitlock Mills lighthouse

Whitlock Mills Lighthouse station Head Harbor (East Quoddy lighthouse station Canada)

Entering Lubec East Quoddy (Head Harbor) lighthouse East Quoddy, Canada Volunteers at the lighthouse

Head Harbor lighthouse Volunteers restoring the station

Old fresnel lens in much need of repair Lens in use at East Quoddy head light

MJ in East Quoddylantern room Roninlantern room -East Quoddy

From the lantern room (red reflection from the lens) From East Quoddy lantern room

From the lantern room Ladder from the watch room to the lantern room

Joyce and MJ in Head Harbor lighthouse Huge timbers form the basis for the lantern room Joyce East Quoddy from a different angle

Volunteer works scraping paint at Head Harbor light station

Dark clouds over East Quoddy A beautiful light station needs HOPE Reflection MJ ascends ladder when leaving East Quoddy

A look back at East Quoddy lighthouse Dark skies at Mulholland lighthouse Mulholland light Mulholland light

Mulholland light West Quoddy Lighthouse Mulholland light from the US side West Quoddy Head lighthouse station

West Quoddy light

Marker at West Quoddy Head The fog bell at West Quoddy Head station Janet & MJ

Tim & Kathy at home in Whiting, Maine Lobster everywhere New England Lighthouse Lovers - NELL

Egg Rock light from Cadillac Mountain Inscription on Bell at Bass Harbor Head

Lobster sign

Fox at Bass Harbor Head light Fox

Bass Harbor Head light Unusual angle of Bass Harbor Head light USCG sign & boat

Red light in Bass Harbor Head tower Making Way The living and the dead Bass Harbor Head lantern room

This next grouping of photos includes aerial views of Prospect Harbor, Petit Manan, Winter Harbor, Egg Rock, , Great Duck Island, , Bass Harbor Head and Blue Hill Bay lights as well as visits to Pemaquid, Portland Breakwater (Bug), Portland Head and Cape Neddick (Nubble) lighthouses all in Maine.

Pilot Rolf Estela Over Trenton, Maine

Prospect Harbor Light Prospect Harbor Light Station

Petit Manan light staion Petit Manan light Winter Harbor light Winter Harbor light

Winter Harbor light Egg Rock

Egg Rock Egg Rock

Approaching Baker Island

Baker Island light Approaching Great Duck Island

Great Duck Island light Great Duck Island light

Great Duck Island light Great Duck Island light

Mountains Peninusula owned by the Rockfeller family

Approaching Bear Island Bear Island light Bear Island light Bear Island light

Bass Harbor Head Bass Harbor Head

Barr Harbor Head Blue Hill Bay Blue Hill Bay Blue Hill Bay

Blue Hill Bay Approaching Trenton Airport in Maine Turning to line up with the runway Return with a smooth landing

Pilot Rolf with plane Lupines

Windowbox on Camden storefront Civil War Memorial in Camden

Boats in Camden Harbor Bakery in Camden

Camden Bristol, Maine Hotel Pemaquid Ocean waves pound over the rocks at Pemaquid

MJ relaxing at Pemaquid Wild roses at Pemaquid

MJ relaxing ontherocks at Pemaquid Pemaquid Point gull Rocky sculptures at Pemaquid

Pemaquid Point light station Boats in Shaw's Cove

Pemaquid Point Light Reflections at Pemaquid oint Pemaquid Point Light Reflections at Pemaquid oint

Lobster shack Pemaquid Point New England Lighthouse Lovers - NELL

Hotel Pemaquid Pemaquid Point Portland Breakwater (Bug) Light

Portland Breakwater (Bug) Light

Portland Head 2/28/2015 2007SpringMeetingRon21

New England Lighthouse Lovers - NELL

Cape Neddick (Nubble) Light

Cape Neddick (Nubble) Light, York, Maine New England Lighthouse Lovers - NELL

Thanks to Linda Graham for these photos from the 2007 Spring Meeting in Maine - June 8 - 10, 2007

Owl's Head Monhegan Island Monhegan Island Monhegan Island

Monhegan Island Linda Graham standing in front of Monhegan Lighthouse

Tom P. and Tom K. presenting the check to Charles Bartel, Treasurer of Monhegan Light The winner of the 5050 raffle, Lee Hall is presenting $250 to Janet Garcia, a new Society member from Honolulu New England Lighthouse Lovers - NELL

Rockland Spring Meeting Cruise - 2007 Photos by Tom Kenworthy

From the lantern room

Marshall Point Marshall Point New England Lighthouse Lovers - NELL

Rockland Spring Meeting Cruise - 2007 Photos by Tom Kenworthy

Monhegan Village

Owls Head Owls Head Tenants Harbor Tenants Harbor

Two Bush with solar panels

New England Lighthouse Lovers - NELL

Thanks to Al Pochek of New Jersey for these photos from the 2007 Spring Meeting in Maine - June 8 - 10, 2007

Marshall Point, ME , ME

Owls Head Light, ME Rockland Breakwater, ME Rockland HarborSouthWest LightME

Tennants Harbor, ME Light

Two Bush Island Light #1 Two Bush Island Light #2

As we approached Two Bush Island it was announced that the noise from the boat was getting the birds on the island up and flying. That was not the case. It was in fact a adult Bald Eagle that had them in a 'flutter' as can be seen in the cropped photo of Two Bush. The eagle is the large bird to the right of the lantern. New England Lighthouse Lovers - NELL

Thanks to Hilari Seery for these photos from the 2007 Spring Meeting in Maine - June 8 - 10, 2007

Mary Beth, Anthony, Linda, "Chef Joe" and Leigh Ann, Tom K and Linda Jim S and Ernie DeRaps

Jim S and Ernie DeRaps Friends at the Bar - Mary Beth, Anthony, Linda, Tom K and Linda