Dear Editor:

On Sept. 9, my family and I went on the Burnt Island Lighthouse tour for the Maine Lighthouse Day.

We were given two hours to complete the tour. Upon arrival a sign stated the Lighthouse tours began at 10 a.m. We explored some of the trails and beaches and met a previous Lighthouse keeper’s son, Steve. He told us many stories of his experiences in the Lighthouse and the island.

At 10:15 two DMR workers that had been cleaning the bathrooms, left on a golf cart, as nearly 30 people waited in front of the Lighthouse. At 10:40 another DMR worker came to the Lighthouse. She stated she was unaware of the Lighthouse tour as they were busy getting ready for a private lunch. I asked if we were going to get a tour before 11 a.m. and she wasn’t sure who was doing the tour. I explained to the DMR worker we had to make the return boat trip at 11:15. I stated today was suppose to be a guided tour that we paid almost $100 for parking and the boat ride. They continued to say they were unaware of the tours. We asked if Steve could be the tour guide and he agreed.

Thankfully Steve did an amazing job explaining the Lighthouse operations, different colors of glass etc. and we made the return boat on time. However, Steve and his wife were also supposed to be on that return boat as they were just visitors, but stayed on the island to continue giving free tours. If we hadn’t met Steve and his wife, I don’t think he would have offered his time and knowledge to give us a tour.

I appreciate Balmy Days Cruises for a great boating experience. If I had Steve’s address I would send him a card and lobsters for being such a wonderful tour guide. I’m very disappointed in how DMR handled the situation. The Maine Lighthouse day had been advertised for weeks. DMR needs to have better communication with its employees and understand that it cost us nearly $100 to get to attend the tour. Many people left the island at 10:30 without getting a tour and some of them traveled many miles to come to Boothbay Harbor and visit the Lighthouse.

Rachael Townsend

Boothbay Harbor