Southern Maine Exploration

Greetings!

On Monday April 25th Kate and I had a rare weekday off together and with the weather holding nice that day, why not take the time and explore a new part of the State.

Portsmouth Harbor Light, in the background Whaleback Light

Our journey actually began with a 100 plus mile to New Hampshire starting us off at Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.  Originally built in 1771 the current tower was built in 1878.  Located at Fort Constitution the whole area is on the grounds of the US Coast Guard.  During certain hours you can follow a blue painted line from the parking area to the Fort.

We got lost on the way and had to double back through Portsmouth.  We were both taken back by the narrow streets and old colonial homes.  It was beautiful and a sight to be seen.  Many of the houses were marked with the year they were built and we've never seen so many 200 year old homes in the same area.

Heading back into Maine we stopped in Kittery at Fort McClary.  Kate was fascinated by the 1864 Granite Wall, she couldn't stop raving about it.  Our next stop was down the road at Fort Foster which was an active military fort during World War I & II.

From Fort Constitution, Fort McClary, & Fort Foster you could see Whaleback Light, located in waters belonging to Kittery, Maine it was first built in 1831.  The best photos and the closet view from land is at Fort Foster.

We continued down the road to York checking out the Old Burying ground and the grave of Mary Nasson the alleged Witch of York.  When she died in 1774 her husband put a stone slab down on her grave, some believe it was to keep animals from digging up her grave, others to prevent her from raising from the dead.  We found lots of change on the grave that other visitors had left.

Also located in York is the famed Cape Neddick Lighthouse.  Built in 1879 on Nubble Island about 100 yards of shore it is one of the most picturesque lighthouses in Maine.

For lunch we stopped at a place that I have wanted to go to for years but it just never worked out, Flo's Steamed Hot Dogs. Located on Route 1 in York Flo's has been serving up steamed hot dogs since 1959 and they are showing no signs of stopping.

Kate and I each had a dog dressed up "The House Special" with Flo's Relish, mayonnaise, and celery salt.  Sounds gross but it is so delicious!  I'm going to write more about out stop at Flo's on my hot dog blog.

With full bellies we headed up to the top of Mount Agamenticus and took in some pretty nice views.  They have a Learning Lodge and several trails around the summit.  On clears days you can see Mt Washington, we could not on this day.

Next stop was in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport for the blowing cave and the Wedding Cake House.  Sadly we missed the tide on Blowing Cave, similar to Thunder Hole you need to gt there as the high tide is coming in.  The Wedding Cake House in rough rough shape.

We finished the day in Cape Elizabeth at Two Lights and Portland Headlight.  The Cape Elizabeth Two Lights were built in 1874 and both remained in service until 1924 when the West Tower was deactivated while the East Tower is still in service.

Cape Elizabeth West Tower

Cape Elizabeth East Tower

Portland Headlight was built in 1791 on the behest of George Washington and is on the grounds of what is now Fort Williams Park.  From this light I was also able to grab some great photos of Ram Island Ledge Light.

It was cool but we had bright sunny weather all day.  I'd say it was quite a productive day as we were able to take in seven lighthouses, three forts, a witches grave, steamed hot dogs and more.

It was great to explore a part of the State that we hadn't hit yet, however we both agree that the driving was out least favorite part.  Lots of interstate and the majority of Route 1 that we traveled was high traffic and congested areas.  Last year on our trips in the mountains and highlands was all back roads and low traffic.

I have a few more ideas for day trips that will take us into western Maine and some New Hampshire as well.  I think I can speak for Kate when I say we look forward to more day trips this Summer.

Later Readers!

Ricker-Heinold Respite Day 1

Today I awoke a bit past 8am and within the next few minutes I was dressed and heading to Portland with my mom to meet my brother and his family for what turned out to be and impromptu and unexpected day of fun!

First up was the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum in Portland.  Today was one of the rare days where they run the Steam Engine.  The train ride, which takes about 35 minutes, is nice and runs a couple miles on the Portland Waterfront in a mostly straight line.

It was great seeing my brother Jason, his wife Jillian and their three kids Bailey, Ethan, & Aidan.  Next we popped over the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse that is only about 5 miles away.  Jillian wanted to see a Lighthouse that she hadn't seen before.

 Today was an open house but the little kids weren't allowed to go in.  That coupled with the dangerous gaps in the breakwater only Bailey and I forged ahead to take the tour.

The breakwater looking back to land from the light

The Lighthouse itself is was first lite in 1897 with the breakwater added in 1951.  The lighthouse has a basement and 4 levels plus the lantern room.  The first level is the common area with the kitchen, the second level is the head lightkeepers quarters.  The 3rd level is the assistant keepers quarters and the 4th level is called the watch room.

Kitchen

Head Light Keepers Quarters

Assistant Keepers Quarters

While we were in the light the others check out Fort Preble and the shore line.  We could see Portland Headlight from here as well.

Next up we hit the Sea Dog for lunch after the wait to Becky's Diner was too long.  We then traveled to Gray to take in the Maine Wildlife Park because Jillian had never seen a Moose before and really wanted to...plus the kids would probably like it.  

I didn't take as many pictures because most of the shots would have been the animals in the background and mesh fence in the foreground.  Ethan just kept asking too see the bears over and over, and when we finally did he was so excited.

There was a black and a brown bear.  We then headed over the the moose and the bull was laying down on the far side of his area.  You could see him just not as well as we would have liked. 

One of the cooler animals there was this albino Raccoon! 

It was a great day!!  Bailey road with us for the majority of it and the weather was beautiful.  When we got back I assist Gram-Gram in getting her wi-fi up and running which consisted of another call to Time Warner Cable.  Jason & Jillian got her an IPAD and she appears to love it.

I found out today that Bailey is huge Rush fan, which is odd because he just turned 12, but he does have awesome taste in music.  So this it Rush track has been stuck in brain all day and this particular clip has a pretty bad ass opening bit!

That's all for now, have a great day!

Later Readers!!

Mike