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Marine life abounds in and around Maine. Washington County is well known for its fresh water fish. They include small mouth bass, white and yellow perch, pickerel, salmon, and brook and lake trout. Salt water and deep sea fishing also are popular; varieties of fish in nearby waters include striped bass, cod, flounder, haddock, hake, halibut, mackerel, pollock, Atlantic salmon, and blue fin tuna. Clams are abundant on much of Washington County's coastline, and crabs are found as well.
In America, lobster is synonymous with the Maine coast. About 70% of the lobsters harvested in New England are caught in Maine, and much of Maine's lobstering is done in Washington County. Lobstering is Maine’s most valuable fisheries industry and is very important to the livelihood of Washington County fishermen as well. Lobsters have lived off the Maine coast at least for many hundreds of years. Native Americans harvested lobsters long before Europeans arrived. European reports indicate lobsters being caught in this area as early as 1605, but commercial lobstering really started in the mid 1800s. Although lobsters all turn red when cooked, natural lobster coloring varies. Most commonly, they are greenish-brown with an orange underside, but lobsters colored blue, red, white, and spotted yellow also have been caught.
Whale watching is an activity enjoyed by Washington County residents and visitors alike. Several of the following creatures often are seen on these trips -- seals, harbor porpoises, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, right whales, and finback whales.
The Puffin Pines carries a selection of gift items having Marine life themes. Several are listed below. If you have an interest in something a little different, please let us know and we will try to accommodate your request.
Books
Castles in the Sea: All About Icebergs, by Lawrence Jackson
Every spring, travelers come to Newfoundland from around the world to see the icebergs drifting south. As big as a city block covered in tall office buildings, or as small as a grand piano, these mountains of freshwater ice began centuries ago when snow fell on Greenland. In this 32 page soft cover book, science writer Lawrence Jackson unravels the mysteries of icebergs for children. This clearly-written book is illustrated with remarkable watercolors and paintings on silk by Newfoundland artist Diana Dabinett. It is suitable for children from pre-school through elementary school. $18.00
Buoys (Maine-made)
Two kinds of buoys are available: foam and wooden. Most will have a handle on the bottom. Each buoy is 17-18" tall, including handle. In addition, each will have a cord at the top so it can be hung. Buoys without handles can be set upright. Foam buoys weigh less than a pound. Wooden buoys weigh 4-5 pounds each. Please click on Hanging Things for examples and prices.
Kids Corner
Maine Lobster
Soft Maine lobster measuring about 11" long by 8" wide. This stuffed toy is made from 100% new synthetic materials; the surface is washable. For ages 3 and up. $15.00
Linens
Potholder and Grabbitz - A Microwave Potholder, Lobster design
The potholder is 8" square. The grabbitz is a 9 ½" x 5 ½" potholder with places for your thumb and fingers so you can grab smaller items easily. It is a perfect gift item for microwave users. Both are made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester and are made by Stevens Linen.
One pair of potholders $14.00
One pair of grabbitz potholders $16.00
Souvenir Dish Towel, Lobster Design
This attractive linen towel by Stevens Linen measures about 16" x 27".
One pair of towels $16.00
Mugs
Wide Mug for clam chowder or lobster stew
This glazed white ceramic mug measures almost 3" high and over 4" in diameter. Each mug has the lobster and clam design shown on the top cup. The clam chowder mug also has the design at left, which includes a recipe for clam chowder. The lobster stew mug also has the design at right, which includes a recipe for lobster stew. $14.00
Slates (Maine-made)
These are hand-painted, old slate, roof shingles quarried in the Monson- Brownville area northwest of Bangor. The slate was used as, or as part of, a roof shingle in the 1800s. These slate shingles are not being made any more.
The slates are hand painted by a Maine artist. Scenes or sayings on the slates can be painted (within reason) per customer request at NO additional charge. Please click on Hanging Things for examples and prices. If you have a special request, please describe it on the back of the order form.
Socks
Adult Black/Red Lobster Sock
These thick acrylic-nylon socks, for sizes 9-11, give excellent warmth. They are excellent for wearing around the house or in a pair of boots outside. Also comes in adult white/red lobster style (for photo of the style in a child's size, click here and scroll down to socks). Please specify the style you want. One pair $13.00; two pairs $20.00