Thursday, June 18

Overcast and cool.

Once again, we returned to the cove to make sure things were ready for the next group of senior students. We cleaned and restocked the restroom. Then it was back to the house where we had lunch and I cut the grass while Brenda swept the light tower.

It was about 1600 and I had just finished mowing and putting the mower away when I noticed some people around the house. The students had changed their plans and showed up early, so Brenda opened the store and museum and I got ready to give the lighthouse tour. This was the second half of the class from Maine’s Senior College in Augusta, Maine. Again, there were twenty-seven students that made the trip.

The mission of the University of Maine at Augusta Senior College (UMASC) is to provide intellectually stimulating learning opportunities and special activities for persons 50 years of age and older and their spouses and partners (members' spouses and/or partners do not have to be over 50). Participants are encouraged not only to become members and register for the courses, but also to join in the effort to plan for the future as UMASC evolves and expands to meet the interests of the community. UMASC operates in partnership with The University of Maine at Augusta that hosts UMASC on its campus.

This is the course these folks are attending.

EXPLORING MAINE'S SOUTHERN LIGHTHOUSES
Instructor: Duane Prugh
Thursdays, 8+ weeks, 4/9-5/28, early am

Sponsored by UMA Senior College, this is an exchange course welcoming members of other Maine Senior Colleges. Learn about the primary purpose of these long-standing sentinels of Maine's past, the amazing characteristics of these lights and giant lenses, and the dedicated men and women who fought against the perils of weather and loneliness to tend the lights. The course will consist of (2) 2-hour lectures and (8 or more) field trips to at least 28 Maine's coastal lighthouses and museums. The final field trip will be an evening/night boat ride out to Seguin Island Light and the Kennebec River. Attendance at all field trips is NOT mandatory. We will utilize car-pooling. The cost of lunches, museums, lighthouses, and boat trips will be paid by the participants. Textbook provided.

Once again, stories were exchanged and all of us learned a lot. All of these folks are senior citizens that are interested in extended learning opportunities. The eldest on this trip is 88 years old, and she was as spry as anyone else.

Getting back aboard was easier this evening. All were picked up from the beach without incident and the rain held off.