Maine - McLoons Lobster Shack and Birch Point Park

We opted for an easier day after all the hiking on Monhegan Island. Did some laundry, caught up on e-mails down at the library etc. Out of curiosity I walked down the laneway with the Oysters For Sale sign and had a brief chat with the proprietor. He explained that the oyster "seeds" come in a big bag which they leave them in, in the water, until they are "baby oysters". These are put in long flat metal cages and left in the river to grow which can take years. They are moved to the saltier part of the estuary to finish off before sale. He said that they are sold mostly through a seafood wholesaler because the selling is not fun (and often secretive and political), that being out on the water is the fun part. I think I have that all straight, I didn't "google" to double check the facts as I remember them.

McLoons was a recommendation from Heather and Don's friends and
was a short drive from South Thomaston.

It is down a road lined with commercial lobstering companies and has picnic tables
and umbrellas to eat outside.

Heather and Don stuck with the lobster rolls and they were chock full of fresh lobster.

I opted for the crab cakes and although they were delicious I had "lobster roll envy"
when I saw theirs. Judy doesn't like seafood (!) and had a burger.

As we ate we looked at the view of the bay, islands and lobster boats. This one pulled in
as we sat there and

we watched him unload his catch.

When someone orders a lobster a hoist is used to bring a big plastic container up to the dock,
out of the water. It is swung onto the dock, lobster taken out and then the container is returned
to the sea. It doesn't get much fresher than that.

After lunch we took a short walk down the road, looking at the water, boats and the commercial aspect of the lobster industry.

A fork lift was being used to move these big bins into a shed. The stink was
over powering. We think they would be used as bait in the lobster traps.

We are seeing plenty of Halloween decorations around.

Next stop was Birch Point State Park where we were surprised to find the gate shut. People were parking on the road so we joined them and walked down to the beach.

The tide was out so there was a deep expanse of wet sand with tumbles of rocks
on each side. We did some clambering and could see the coast in each direction,
very rocky with trees to the rocky edge.

A quick sketch of the islands on the horizon.

Binoculars on the various groups of water birds but they were difficult to identify. Saw
loons and cormorants. The above photo was identified by our Maine birders as female Eider ducks.

and of course, gulls. This one was devouring a crab he had just caught.

Amazing, what will grow in the rock crevices.

The sky was beautiful, but darkening, as we headed home.

The day had been quite cool so we were thankful we had chosen the day before for the ferry ride and hikes on the island. We have had no rain, thus far, but the nights are getting quite cool.

We are just seeing the start of some fall colours.