DOWNEAST MAINE: Puffins, Lighthouses and Lobster
July 29 to August 5, 2011
Optional Extension to Acadia National Park: August 4- 7, 2011
Photos by Nicole Vernachio
Please note: A valid US Passport is required for this tour.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Visit the quieter side of Maine where rugged coastlines dotted with lighthouses serve as a reminder of times gone by. Away from the crowds and traffic, we will explore what some consider the “true” Maine coast. “Downeast Maine”—named for sailing with or “down” the wind, as ships traveled from Boston to Maine—is a land tied to the sea. The ocean affects everything here, including the ecology, lifestyle, history, music and cuisine.
This tour is an immersion into that downeast frame of mind. We will focus on the scenery and nature of the rocky coastlines, spruce bogs, and blueberry barrens. This includes specialty birds such as Spruce Grouse, Atlantic Puffin, Boreal Chickadee and others. We will also search for mammals such as porcupine and possibly moose. The flowers, butterflies, and scenery won’t escape our notice, either. Whales, seals, and seabirds will keep us on our toes during two boat trips-one specifically for whales and another to Machias Seal Island’s seabird colonies.
As international travelers, we will explore Canada’s Campobello Island, including historical sites such as the Roosevelt home and a variety of lighthouses. We can view as many as 8 lighthouses during our travels if we are lucky. This includes the easternmost light in the United States at West Quoddy Head. Throughout the trip we’ll dine on local cuisine including lobster dishes, fresh caught seafood, and local blueberry dishes like the Best Blueberry Pie from Helen’s in Machias.
Tide pool explorations will reveal a world of wonder as we watch and experience the worlds fastest and highest tides in the Bay of Fundy. We will take time to sit on ancient rocks and look out to the horizon, while fog horns blare their mournful cry. At the close of the tour you will have a week’s worth of vivid memories of the Downeast experience to take back home.
Activity Level: Moderate
PACE, WEATHER, AND TRAVEL CONDITIONS:
The pace of the tour will be generally moderate with some downtime for free exploration at sites as well as some hikes. Days typically begin after breakfast at 8:00 a.m. and end at 6:00 p.m., with some optional night-time excursions possible. On a few days, an earlier start may be required; we build in either siesta time or an early end to the day (that day or the one before). At many of the locations we will find time to sit and get a feel for the area by enjoying the scenery and immersing ourselves in the sites and sounds.
Temperatures on this trip will depend on the weather and the wind direction. Expect highs in the mid to upper 80s F, while temperatures may dip into the low 50s on some of the rocky headlands we will visit. Expect frequent fog, and our boat trips could be quite chilly. In addition to frequent coastal fog, rain is a possibility, so raingear is advised. If there isn’t fog, the sun will be intense, so sunscreen and brimmed hat are advised.
The trip involves moderate walking and hiking. At many locations, especially in the spruce bogs, trails may be wet and slippery, and over uneven ground. Hikes will not exceed 2-3 miles round trip, though above conditions may make them more strenuous that a similar walk over flat, dry ground. Numerous gravel beaches will be visited, where the walking, though short in distance, can be difficult. Other spots include easy, short forays from the van.
This tour includes two boat trips to see nesting seabirds, whales and other marine life. Typically the seas are not heavy this time of year, but if you are prone to seasickness you should be prepared for this possibility.
Travel during this tour will be in a 12 passenger van, with no more than 7 participants plus a leader, ensuring everyone gets a window seat. Tour size is limited to 7 participants.
This tour includes trips into Canada. A valid U.S Passport is needed for entry into Canada and reentry into the US.
Additional information about the tour, with a list of participants, addresses of motels, lists of things to bring, a reading list, a list of birds which could be seen, and information about weather, dress and so forth, will be mailed to all participants well in advance of the tour.
DATES:
Friday, July 29 (Meet at our hotel in Bangor at 8:00 p.m.) – Friday, August 5, (flights home).
Optional Acadia National Park Extension Thursday, August 4- Sunday, August 7 (flights home)
PRICE:
Cost for this tour is $2,295.00 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement (payable if you request single occupancy or if we cannot find you a suitable roommate) is $500.
Optional Extension cost is $850.00 per person, double occupancy, with a single supplement of $250.
A deposit of $500 will hold your place until May 15, 2011 when full payment becomes due.
PRICE INCLUDES:
Seven (7) nights lodging, 1 Whale Watching Tour, 1 Puffin Cruise, all admissions including Harbor Head Lighthouse, all land transportation; and expert leadership. Price does not include meals or travel to/from Bangor.
Extension price includes 3 nights lodging, all admission fees, all land transportation and expert leadership. Price does not include meals.
SEND DEPOSITS AND OTHER PAYMENTS TO:
NJ Audubon Eco-Travel,
9 Hardscrabble Road
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
(908) 204-8998 phone
OR: by email to travel@njaudubon.org
Make checks payable to the New Jersey Audubon Society.
TOUR LEADER:
Brian Vernachio is the former Director of New Jersey Audubon's Plainsboro Preserve, and former co-coordinator of the Eco-Travel program. He currently teaches Biology and Environmental Science at Toms River High School. A New Jersey native, Brian's degree is in Environmental Studies from Stockton College of New Jersey. Brian has worked in the field of nature interpretation and/or wildlife biology for over 20 years, during which time he has participated in numerous biological counts, resource inventories and environmental education initiatives. He has traveled extensively, leading tours for NJ Audubon as well as for his own enjoyment. Brian co-authored two NJ Audubon publications, including NJ WATERS: A Watershed Approach to Teaching the Ecology of Regional Systems, as well as Wild Journeys: Migration in New Jersey. In his free time you will often find him wandering the sandy roads of his native Pine Barrens. When not leading tours or teaching, Brian spends time with his family and enjoys birding, fishing, hunting, magic, and cooking.