We awoke before dawn. This wasn’t one of Asa’s rude early morning wakeup calls. Even Dad was in on our plan. We were on a mission. We were going to watch the sunrise at West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, the easternmost point of land in the United States.

Asa and I were still half asleep as we ate our breakfast, and then quickly took Mom and Dad for their walk. Next we all climbed into the car to head out on the one hour drive from our rental cabin to Lubec, Maine. As we drove into the darkness, for the there are no street lights there, we were on high alert. At any twist or turn, a deer or other animal could be crossing on the blind side of the densely wooded, steep and winding roads.

There was a palpable feeling of anticipation as we drove on in the night. Have the previous day’s storm clouds parted? Was the GPS directing us the right way? What if we didn’t time it right and we miss the sunrise? Would we have access to the park at such an early hour?

We all breathed a sigh of relief, as we arrived at Quoddy Head State Park and saw the early rays of sunlight were just starting to break through the clouds on the horizon. We weren’t the only ones there to greet the day. But everyone was so focused on the nation’s first sunrise as it lit up the iconic red and white candy cane striped lighthouse, that no one even asked to pet Asa and I as we positioned ourselves for the best view. Normally I’d be insulted, but this day was different. This day was special. This day was about family.

For you see, we were there to greet the sunrise on the 6th anniversary of when our Grandpa’s long journey with Alzheimer’s ended, and he went to be with our brother, angel Lemmy. Mom recited her favorite poem by Celia Thaxter, a poem that was read at Grandpa’s funeral and has brought her great comfort over the years, “The Sunrise Never Failed Us Yet!”

“Upon the sadness of the sea 
The sunset broods regretfully; 
From the far lonely spaces, slow 
Withdraws the wistful afterglow. 

So out of life the splendor dies; 
So darken all the happy skies; 
So gathers twilight, cold and stern; 
But overhead the planets burn; 

And up the east another day 
Shall chase the bitter dark away; 
What though our eyes with tears be wet? 
The sunrise never failed us yet. 

The blush of dawn may yet restore 
Our light and hope and joy once more. 
Sad soul, take comfort, nor forget 
That sunrise never failed us yet!”

~ Celia Thaxter, “The Sunrise Never Failed Us Yet,” 1896

Mission accomplished! We all knew in our hearts that Grandpa and Lemmy were there with us on this adventure.

Quoddy Head State Park consists of 541 acres with spectacular ocean views of Maine’s Bold Coast and across the channel are scenic views of Grand Manan Island in New Brunswick, Canada. Located on the easternmost peninsula of the United States, the trail system offers approximately 5 miles of hiking ranging from easy to difficult, with picnic areas, shore access, and of course picturesque views of West Quoddy Lighthouse. Dogs are allowed on-leash, and must be picked up after. If you would like to read a review of our visit from a few years earlier, please visit Quoddy Head State Park – Lubec, ME on our Dog Friendly Places page.