Maine Coast - The Most Scenic Drives in America: 120 Spectacular Road Trips - page 814

8. Damariscotta
TheIndianswhooncefarmedandfishedherecalledtheareaDamariscotta(''meetingplace
ofthe ale-wives'').Every springthese small fishofthe herring family swim upthe Damar-
iscotta River to spawn. To witness this yearly ritual, stop at the Damariscotta Reversing
Falls—so named because the rush of incoming tides is sometimes strong enough to over-
come the natural flow of the river.
Many species of birds also make annual migrations to this historic town, with the os-
prey being perhaps the most impressive. Usually arriving in mid-April and staying through
September, these fish-eating hawks have wingspans of up to six feet. Thanks to excellent
vision, they can spot prey from far above. The mighty predators then swoop down and
plunge right into the water to snatch prey with their razor-sharp talons.
9. Pemaquid Point
Most visitors travel down Rte. 130 to Pemaquid Point for a glimpse of its famous light-
house, a beacon to sailors since 1827. Also of interest here are the Fishermen's Museum,
the Pemaquid Art Gallery, and the surf-pounded rock formations washed by the Atlantic
Ocean. Living in tide-swept crevices amidst the stones are green sea urchins and limpets,
snail-like mollusks known for their ability to cling steadfastly to the rock even in the most
punishing surf.
Christmas Cove, off to the west and reached via Rte. 129, was reportedly visited by
Capt. John Smith on Christmas Day in 1614. With its well-protected harbor, this summer
hamletisafavoreddestinationforthemanysailboaterswhocruiseupanddowntherugged
coast.
10. Waldoboro
Follow coast-hugging Rte. 32 up to charming Waldoboro, which was named for a wealthy
Bostonian who tried to start a settlement here in 1748. Many hardships met the German
immigrants who arrived with Samuel Waldo, and the community was soon dissolved.
Other adventurers eventually came ashore, however, and Waldoboro has been active in
the shipbuilding business ever since. (It launched the world's first five-masted schooner in
1884.)Some10milestothesouth,thevillageofFriendshipisrenownedforthegaff-rigged
sloops that bear the town's name.