September 19, 2021

Last blog I chronologized our seek-and-find adventures of Maine lighthouses, but that wasn’t where our fun ended. Because we love learning all we can about new places, what else would we do in the lobster capital of the U.S. then go on a lobster boat tour?!

Our Maine roadtrip concluded in the picturesque town of Bar Harbor, located on Mount Desert Island, the gateway to Acadia National Park. With stunning views of islands and ocean, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to ”Bah-Hah-Bah” ( if you want to pronounce it with a New England accent 😉.

We started our day with an expedition to the peak of famed Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the east coast. (Note: In order to drive Cadillac Summit Road, you must make a reservation at reservation.gov. Cost is $6 per private vehicle). While we were still a little early for fall foliage, especially so far north, the ride was nonetheless gorgeous, with sunshine sparkling through the rustling leaves that overshadowed the road. Atop the summit, the wind smelled of salt and ocean, while islands stretched out before us, scattered in the dark blue waters.

Once off the mountain, we found a parking spot in the bustling downtown area and set off for the harbor. Since we were running a few minutes late, we were the last to board the Lulu Lobster Boat, but still got front row seats! We thought, “What great luck!” until informed of the danger of our proximity: lobsters pee out of their eye sockets! Our seats came with a chance of being victims of crustacean harassment!

As the town faded from view, the waters became littered with multi-colored ”bobbers.” Those wooden buoys were, in fact, lobster trap markers. Here’s what we learned:

Lobstering Facts

• It is easier for a child to become a lobsterman then an adult.
• Children, as young as 8 years old, can obtain a lobstering license
• School-age children must complete a 1,000 hour apprenticeship with a mentor and finish high school. At the age of 18, they qualify to become commercial lobstermen/women
• Meanwhile, adults can sit on the waitlist for months, years, or even decades!
• Lobstermen must paint their set of buoys in colors and patterns unique from each other. No two lobsterman can have the same buoy markings.
• There are currently over 5,900 lobstermen in Maine!
• Commercial lobstermen can have up to 800 traps per vessel
• To harvest a lobster, its body must be at least 3 1/4inches, but cannot exceed 5 inches
• If the female is carrying eggs, she gets returned to the water

As the captain navigated us through the bay, our guide gave us the grand tour of lobster traps. Did you know traps have a kitchen? And a parlor room? That’s right, the bait, you guessed it, goes in the kitchen. The lobster crawls through the entrance and into the kitchen to feast on dinner, afterwards making its way to the parlor to relax. Apparently, they are also very picky eaters, eating only the freshest of cuisine. (They have little hairs on their legs which they use to taste their food). However, they aren’t too bright. The traps have escape hatches, with nothing keeping the lobster inside the basket. So when the trap is pulled out of the water, it’s only the dumb ones that make it to your dinner plate.

As our boat pulled up to its specific wooden buoy, the lobsterman prepared the electronic pulley and within seconds the trap was propped on the ledge. Reaching in, he retrieved two lobsters. Ben and Sam both got to try their hand at disarming the lobsters by using a special tool that slides rubber-bands over each claw. Then Abby and Annabelle had the difficult task of deciding whether they were keepers or would be returned back to their watery homes. Fortunately, both met size requirements and we, in turn, got a little lesson in lobster anatomy.

Lobster Facts

• As mentioned before, lobsters can pee out of their faces! They have urinary release valve under their eyelids, so watch out if you’re an opponent or a potential mate! Gross!
• Lobsters can grow back ANY body part, except an eye. If they lose an eye, a random body part will grow in its place.
• One claw is a shredder and the other is a crusher. They also have tiny claws on their back legs that they use to bring foods to their mouths.

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As our lobstering adventure drew to a close, the boat began making its way back towards Bar Harbor, but not before she passed by Egg Rock Lighthouse. As a treat, the captain even knew the trick on how to get the lighthouse to sound its fog horn!

Once back on solid ground, we headed to the nearest diner to sample, of course, Maine lobster! Ok, well Abby and I had lobster. Dave opted for steak. With impressive skill, especially for a first-timer, Abby made quick work of her lobster dinner! And while I thought lobster was okay, (I’m more of a crab legs person myself) we all agreed fresh Maine blueberry pie is where it’s at! I’m not ashamed to say, that I have now made it a habit to buy blueberry pie whenever I can get my hands on one!