What to do on a stunning July night? Cruise to Deer Isle and have dinner at the Cockatoo. I’ve told you and told you how lovely the view is from the deck. I know more guests stop in for a late lunch, having explored Barred Island first, than venture this far from the inn, on such a gravel road, at night. Still, I arrived about 7:30, in the pinking light, and enjoyed a lovely glass of Vihno Verde. The hostess took great care of me from the first moment. It’s a restaurant that can feel awkward, what door to go in, is it OK to just grab a table on the deck?, is it OK with no reservation but I was warmly greeted and immediately taken care of, seated on the deck, greeted by my waitress, glass of wine in hand at once. And, wireless on the deck!

Mark Island Light foghorn can be heard over most of Deer Isle but it can be seen from the deck of Goose Cove Lodge. You can fool yourself that the lobster buoys in the cove are seals, or, heck, maybe they are seals. This image is by Jeremy D'Entremont.

Speaking of lighthouses, Maine is having a Lighthouse Day! Sept. 12 will be the first ever open house of Maine lighthouses, sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard, the State of Maine and the American Lighthouse Foundation. The largest effort of its kind in the nation, the event is designed to provide access to the public to all participating lighthouses on that one day.

You can see why I am so enthusiastic about this area...