Bug Light

Description:

Portland Breakwater Light, or more affectionatly called, Bug Light is located in South Portland. The lighthouse station was designated in 1855, but the current lighthouse has been around since 1875. It is built out of a cast iron sheathing and it's interior is lined with bricks.

In 1934 the light house was automated and the keepers quarters were removed to make room for the automated system. The lighthouse was shut down in 1942.

The breakwater is formed from gigantic pieces of granite at sizes anywhere from 2x2x4 to 2x2x6. today the water that used to surround the breakwater on either side has been filled to create Bug Light Park.

Atmosphere:

The park is located next to the public boat launch in South Portland, during the summer months the area is very congested with Trucks and empty boat trailers, campers and SUV's with out-of-state plates. the field that is at the entrance to the park is always bustling with pets and their owners as well as, when there theres a decent amount of wind, kite flyers. The park itself is very beautiful and well designed, and as of a few years ago the parking lot has been paved in the shape of a liberty ship, and a recreated liberty ship hull has been erected along with information about ship building in South Portland. But Thats Another Blog.

(Pictures:Top; Bug Light looking over the oil terminal[ Internet photo]

Middle:Looking down the breakwater [ Internet Photo]

Bottom: Looking towards Mackworth Island, and my thumb

[Nick Leo])