Could someone please arrange it so the 4th of July is always on a weekend? Since the holiday fell on Saturday this year I (this is Tim writing) got a bonus day off. And bonus days off are made even better when the weather forecast calls for a perfect day. We knew we had to get out and explore, and since we’re surrounded by water, it only made sense to do some more kayaking. After checking out a few options we decided to take a four hour tour with North Shore Kayak out to Thacher Island. The tour wasn’t much more expensive then straight up renting for the afternoon, and we figured heading out into the open ocean with a group would be better than just the two of us.
Rockport Harbor
North Shore Kayak is based out of the harbor in nearby Rockport, which is probably one of the most quintessential New England seaport towns you will ever find. A mix of fishing, lobster, and sailboats are all moored in the little harbor, and the surrounding streets are lined with tiny, weathered shacks containing all manor of restaurants, art studios, tourist crap, and, of course, a multitude of ice cream shops.
A buy day in Rockport
Thacher Island is a mile offshore, but two and a half miles from Rockport harbor. It took our group of nine kayakers plus two guides about an hour to reach the island.
Approaching Thacher Island
Besides the fact that Thacher Island it is a wildlife refuge (and overrun by the biggest seagulls we have ever seen. They provide you with sticks to fight them off…I’m not kidding), the main draw of the island is that it boasts two identical lighthouses. Both were built in 1861, they stand 123 feet tall, and are constructed of granite.
South Light House
The north lighthouse is no longer operational which means it’s open for visitors to climb. After trudging up all 126 steps to the top, we stepped out on the catwalk and took in the magnificent views.
A view from the top of the north lighthouse
Another fun day on the water. This kayaking thing is addicting. We just may have to get some new toys.
Us on the water
4 comments
I think July is the perfect time to be in Maine. What a wonderful day. That picture of the daisies and the lighthouse is stunning….wish I had one of their famous lobster rolls!
We were just talking about how this is the perfect time of year for this part of the country. So far the weather has been pretty much perfect!
I haven’t been to Rockport since I lived in Boston 20 years ago — but it looks just as idyllic as ever! I’m excited about returning next summer and kayaking to Thacher. That’s something I’ve never done. But needing big sticks to fight off the gulls! That’s just crazy! Sounds like a Hitchcock movie. People must feed them if they’ve become that aggressive.
Yes, definitely plan a trip the Thacher Island. It was an easy trip and a really cool island to explore. The one thing to know is that there is a $5/person fee to walk around the island. I believe the money goes to preservation. Not sure if anyone feeds the seagulls, but one of the volunteers told us that they are unusually large because they have no predators.