It's Bill, 8/9: August Already

A Night of Music in Bangor

Yup, before we realized, it’s August, a mellow month. Still summer, long, warm days before Fall, back to school and work. Time to enjoy our outdoor days. But, to get to August, we pass through the end of July.

On Friday, July 31, we attended a concert in Bangor at the Maine Savings Amphitheater courtesy of Machias Savings Bank. The concert was Joe Bonamassa, an American blues and rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He started his career at age twelve, when he opened for B.B. King. The opening show was Government Mule. We enjoyed our first-class treatment with VIP parking across the street. A short walk, then up the stairs to Machias Savings’ skybox. Excellent seats at their private bar with other guests seated below in the skybox. Fine service from the attendant with drinks, sandwiches, and snacks. The music was absolutely wonderful, time taking us along.

Our view from the Machias Savings Bank skybox for a night of blues and rock at the Maine Savings Amphitheater in Bangor.

Saturday morning took us back to Lubec on the Airline, Route 9. We first stopped at Williams Family Farm in Clifton to get some delicious blueberry rhubarb jam. I couldn’t resist posing as a bear in a blueberry patch. At 10 AM, we had “brunch” at our favorite stop, “Ralph’s Got Gas,” a real old-timey Maine gas, convenience store, restaurant in Amherst, Maine. We had our usual steamed red hot dogs on soft, white buns. Back at West Quoddy Station, we walked and talked around the gardens, always planning.

A quick stop at Williams Family Farm in Clifton for blueberry rhubarb jam—and I couldn’t resist posing as a bear in the blueberry patch.

Bees at West Quoddy Station

Sunday found us at Patricia’s in North Lubec, me on the computer, Patricia working in her home gardens. I took a break, walked over to Patricia, noticing bees on the flowers. I said, “I think I want to get a beehive and raise bees.” “Where did you get that idea from?” “These bees and Bob Brown.” Bob is the husband of my earlier manager, Julie Brown. They had stopped by last fall at Patricia’s and given me some of Bob’s honey. Bob took up beekeeping when they moved from Lubec.

I figured with 14 gardens, 5 acres with wildflowers everywhere, and bees already here, I had a good location at West Quoddy Station. Also, to make honey, the flowers need water, which is in good supply here on Foggy Head. While Patricia continued gardening, I called Julie and chatted with Bob. We hope to start with our own West Quoddy Station hive next Spring.

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Researchers Return to West Quoddy

A fine crew from New England Aquarium left this week after a week’s stay in Clark’s Folly Lighthouse and The Meetinghouse. It was their yearly visit here to collect marine specimens for the Aquarium. Quite a caravan with a pickup pulling a trailer and boat, a box truck to carry the specimen boxes and diving equipment, plus an SUV for the crew.

A Busy Summer Continues

We’ve been enjoying fine guests traveling from everywhere. Each year we’ve had our best season in terms of income and occupancy. 2026 is on track to repeat right through the end of 2026. Our occupancy is between 95% and 100%. Please reserve your favorite lodging, no payment until the day before arrival.

Small raised flower garden with yellow, orange, purple, and white blooms beneath bird feeders at West Quoddy Station.