Christine Diebold Joined Carolyn Callanhan to talk about the Penobscot Valley Senior College course, "Lighthouse Exploration."

What could be a more striking symbol of Maine than a lighthouse, unless it is 21 lighthouses? Here is your chance to visit them all.

This August and September, Penobscot Valley Senior College members have a special opportunity to participate in the ever popular and adventurous Lighthouse Exploration course offered by Duane Prugh of the Senior College at University of Maine Augusta.

"We are thrilled at the thought of seeing these majestic beacons," said Christina Diebold, senior college member organizing this trip. "This course is really a chance in a lifetime to actually visit all of these lighthouses."

The Lighthouse Exploration tour begins August 19-20, with the second trip August 26-27, and finishing up September 9-10. Get up close and personal with some of these landmarks as the class will visit Downeast area lighthouses by land and by sea.

"There are all-day field trips that include boat rides to the lighthouses," said Diebold. "It really shouldn't be missed especially for anyone who has a love of the sea, folklore and Maine history."

You will need a passport for the August 20 trip to Campobello Island so if you don't have one, start the process now as it can take a while. Carpooling to various sites is available and they are just hoping for sunshine, although there is something mysterious and awe inspiring of a lighthouse shrouded in a foggy mist. It can be almost eerie. There are no rain dates as of yet so keep your fingers crossed.

The fee for the lighthouse class, including a textbook, is $30 payable to PVSC. In addition, the cost of the boat trips is $155, payable to the instructor. Please note that people taking the course must commit to the boat trips on all three weekends, and membership in a senior college is required.

Madelyn Linscott, 90, and a University of Maine Augusta Senior College member recommends the course to others.

"It's one of the most interesting classes that I've ever had," she said. "It's just a great course."

Lighthouses to be explored include: Bass Harbor Light, Bear Island Light and Egg Rock Light on Mount Desert Island, East Quoddy Light, West Quoddy Light, Little River Light, Nash Island, Petit Manan and Narraguagus Lights at the Campobello Island, Lubec and Milbridge areas. You will also visit Burnt Coat Harbor, Great Duck Island, Mount Desert Rock in the Stonington area; and lights in Prospect Harbor, Winter Harbor, Castine and Fort Point.

Space is limited for this special adventure so if you are interested in seeing these beautiful lighthouses get your sea legs under you and register today by calling PVSC at 992-0118. This is a message phone only so please speak clearly and leave your name and phone number. Registration deadline is July 30.

For more information about this course, contact Duane Prugh at 215-3093 or duprume@gmail.com
Note that September 9 is the date PVSC's annual meeting so there will be a field trip rather than a boat trip.

While no one wants to think about fall since we have finally been blessed with summer, remember that PVSC membership comes with a variety of perks not the least of which is advanced notice of scheduled classes. It is the best way to ensure enrollment in the classes you want to take.

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