August 12, 2010

Off to Baker Island Aboard the Picnic Boat

During one of my recent weekends in Maine, I suggested to my guests that we travel by boat to explore Baker Island.  Baker is one of the five islands in the Town of Cranberry Isles and it marks the southwestern entrance to Frenchman Bay.  In the early 1800’s, the Gilley family moved to Baker Island and took possession of it, creating the Gilley family homestead, farm fields, and apple orchard.

Surrounding the island are craggy shoals and a sand bar running between Baker Island and Little Cranberry Island.  In 1828, to warn boaters about these dangers, President John Quincy Adams ordered that a lighthouse be erected on the highest part of Baker Island.  It is the oldest lighthouse in the area and is still operating today.  Please enjoy this little tour of a very special place.