The Maine State Aquarium is located between Southport and Boothbay Harbor. It is closed until June, but we like to visit the site. There are excellent views of Boothbay Harbor from there. In the central section of the harbor is Topside Inn and the boatyard. On the east side of the harbor is the Fisherman's Memorial Park and Our Lady Queen of Peace church.
And in the harbor itself is McFarland Island. We have shared many pictures of this island, with its distinctive round house, viewed from the other side.
Looking out towards the ocean, one can see islands of various sizes. In this picture the near island is Tumbler Island and the far one is Fisherman Island (which we see closer up when at Ocean Point).
The aquarium has some nice nautical decorations on the side of the building.
On the other side of Boothbay Harbor (east) is Ocean Point. We went for sunrise on one promising morning.
Did you miss it? That little glow on the horizon? That was the extent of the sunrise show that particular morning. You just never know what you will get. But Ocean point is still well worth a visit, even at times other than sunrise.
If you look very closely at this picture of Ram Island Lighthouse, you will see the cabin of a small boat to the right of the light. The land behind the lighthouse is actually a separate island (Fisherman Island, which we saw above), and the boat is in the water between the two islands.
The coast of Maine is dotted with many little islands.
One of those little islands is just west of Ocean Point and has some houses on it. The island also has some of our favorite tree outlines, with one in particular having a rather angular shape.
We had mentioned earlier that it was necessary to take our truck to a car wash, mostly to prevent us from getting dirty when we were around the truck. This picture can give you an idea of how messy it got.
As messy as the roads were from slush and sand, off the road the snow was fresh and pristine. That makes a lovely scene with the quaint stone chapel that is on Ocean Point.
The fresh snow can also be seen when looking down the coastline along Shore Road
And it can be seen when looking out to sea, at least where the ocean water has not already washed it away.
The stump from the tree that fell in last year's storm is still there, reminding us of the forces of nature.
Although not as forceful as that storm, while we were there strong winds churned up the sea to make it a bit rough.
Here is one of the many rocks that dot the shallower waters.
And here is a 'playing' photograph: a double exposure picture of the rock, showing a wave crashing against it as well as the aftermath of water running down the sides of the rock. In the distance is Cuckolds Lighthouse.
At other times, the water was much calmer.
Here is another picture of Cuckolds Light plus Seguin Light.
And one of Burnt Island Light.
While waiting for sunset we visited Ocean Point Preserve and took a little walk through the woods to the marshy area and pond...
and then drove back to the coast for the sunset. The sun can really light up not only the sky, but also the rocks.
Updated April 2025