We left Old Orchard Beach at 6:45 am to start our drive home. Most of the drive was with relatively light traffic. then we got south of Scranton on I-81 and spent 45 minutes going about 4 miles...road construction. This delay put us into another jam down in Harrisburg, 15 more minutes added. Anyway, we got home at 7 PM after a relatively easy 613 mile drive. We're glad to be home and the kitties are glad to be home.
Thus we end another vacation and blog. Where to next? Who knows?
Favorite stop on this trip: Quebec City
Best Food: Red's Eats in Wiscasset, ME - Lobster Roll
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Day 41 (October 1, 2009) – The Final Day
Wood Island Lighthouse
President George H.W. Bush Compound - Walkers Point
Cape Neddick (Nubble) Lighthouse
Portsmouth Harbor LighthouseToday was our final day of “real vacation” as tomorrow we head for home. We had a good day of seeing the remainder of the southwest Maine coast. Our journey started in Old Orchard Beach and headed towards New Hampshire. We made it as far as Kittery, but did not cross into Portsmouth, NH. Our first stop was Wood Island Lighthouse, or as near as we could get as it is on an island. From there we headed south and stopped near Walker’s Point. You can park a car at the viewpoint for only 15 minutes, but it does give you a nice view of the house. Former President and Mrs. Bush are in residence as he was on TV last night with the dedication of a monument from the local folks. No we did not see them. By the way, I am referring to the senior George, George H. W. Bush. I can see why they like the place. The drive along this part of the coast is very picturesque when you can see it. There are many really big places along this area. Kennebunkport is very upscale.
From there we drove on to Cape Neddick (Nubble) Lighthouse. This was the last Lighthouse automated in 1987. The lighthouse is located on an island just off shore and is not open for tours. I guess it has something to do with the bucket suspended from a line that is the only access the island. This part of the coast has many nice beaches and houses of every type along the road. Our final stop near Kittery was old Fort McClary, which gives a nice view of the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. At this point we decided to call it a trip and head back to the campground via I-95. A fitting end as our final stop was a lighthouse viewpoint. Tomorrow we beat feet towards dear old Virginia and home.
From there we drove on to Cape Neddick (Nubble) Lighthouse. This was the last Lighthouse automated in 1987. The lighthouse is located on an island just off shore and is not open for tours. I guess it has something to do with the bucket suspended from a line that is the only access the island. This part of the coast has many nice beaches and houses of every type along the road. Our final stop near Kittery was old Fort McClary, which gives a nice view of the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. At this point we decided to call it a trip and head back to the campground via I-95. A fitting end as our final stop was a lighthouse viewpoint. Tomorrow we beat feet towards dear old Virginia and home.
Day 40 (September 30, 2009) – A More Perfecter Day: Lighthouses and Trains
Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse
Portland Head Lighthouse
Portland Breakwater Light (“Bug Light”)
Maine Narrow Guage Train Ride
Narrow Guage Parlor CarWhat could make a day more perfecter than lighthouses and trains in the same day! The day started out inauspiciously as we headed north…er…east…er…OK, back towards Portland to see the sea. Old Orchard Beach reminded us some of ocean City,MD without the Boardwalk. It has big time amusements, shops of all kind, etc. As we drove up the coast we had great vistas of the backsides of motel, hotels, condos, etc. A we drove further the coast became totally residential with houses of all kinds. Our first stop was Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is surrounded by posted private property and can only be seen from a few hundred yards away. The light is the strongest on the Maine coast and can be seen from 27 nautical miles away.
Our second stop was the one I was looking forward to, Portland Head Lighthouse. This is the one you see in all the photos, paintings, etc. The Lighthouse is located in Fort Williams Park a former army base. Although the day was gray, the lighthouse was beautiful. There is an excellent museum in the old keepers house. The lighthouse is still operational with modern lights. Visibility of the light equipped with a powerful airport beacon only improved visibility of the light to 23 mi from the 21 miles with the Fresnel lens and oil lamp. Progress?? From here we had a pretty good look at Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse. The rock ledge upon which it is built is submerged during high tide. Our final stops were at the Portland Breakwater Light (“Bug Light”) and the Spring Port Ledge Light, both small lights marking the entrance to the harbor.
Since we were so close we decided to drive into Portland to look around. We missed the new Cunard “Queen Victoria” by one day. Apparently she gives new meaning to “big.” Anyway, as we drove through the waterfront I noticed some narrow gauge RR tracks. We spotted the sign and in we went to the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum. There were 5 narrow gauge railroads in Maine that operated until the mid-forties. In this case, narrow gauge means 2-foot wide tracks. We signed up for the train ride that took us a short distance along the shoreline to the old swing bridge (30 minute ride up and back). The museum has several old narrow gauge coaches to inspect. They used a diesel locomotive today, but on weekends they run a coal fired steam engine. We had been chatting with the engineer and afterwards he took me on a private tour to the engine shed to see their 3 steam locomotives. One is operational. One is being rebuilt with goal of complete restoration in about year. One was operational until about 10 years ago, but needs restoration.
Our second stop was the one I was looking forward to, Portland Head Lighthouse. This is the one you see in all the photos, paintings, etc. The Lighthouse is located in Fort Williams Park a former army base. Although the day was gray, the lighthouse was beautiful. There is an excellent museum in the old keepers house. The lighthouse is still operational with modern lights. Visibility of the light equipped with a powerful airport beacon only improved visibility of the light to 23 mi from the 21 miles with the Fresnel lens and oil lamp. Progress?? From here we had a pretty good look at Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse. The rock ledge upon which it is built is submerged during high tide. Our final stops were at the Portland Breakwater Light (“Bug Light”) and the Spring Port Ledge Light, both small lights marking the entrance to the harbor.
Since we were so close we decided to drive into Portland to look around. We missed the new Cunard “Queen Victoria” by one day. Apparently she gives new meaning to “big.” Anyway, as we drove through the waterfront I noticed some narrow gauge RR tracks. We spotted the sign and in we went to the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum. There were 5 narrow gauge railroads in Maine that operated until the mid-forties. In this case, narrow gauge means 2-foot wide tracks. We signed up for the train ride that took us a short distance along the shoreline to the old swing bridge (30 minute ride up and back). The museum has several old narrow gauge coaches to inspect. They used a diesel locomotive today, but on weekends they run a coal fired steam engine. We had been chatting with the engineer and afterwards he took me on a private tour to the engine shed to see their 3 steam locomotives. One is operational. One is being rebuilt with goal of complete restoration in about year. One was operational until about 10 years ago, but needs restoration.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Day 38 (September 28, 2009) – “Now Those are Real Lobster Rolls.”
"Now Those are Real Lobster Rolls""
"Red's Eats"
Kennebec Riveer below Bath
Ocean front vista near Boothbay Harbor.
Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay Harbor in the still morningYesiree Bob! Donna said it right…”Now those are real Lobster Rolls,” as I set the tray down at the table with 3 of them. I think Guy Fieri had a similar comment on his Food Network Show. These were not contaminated with lettuce, celery, onion, mayo or anything else. Just a plain roll piled so high and deep with nothing but lobster meat that you couldn’t see the roll. So where did we find these delectable jewels? A little red shack right next to US1, on the corner at Water Street in Wiscasset, ME named “Red’s Eats.”
Now picture sitting in the warm sunshine, trying to pick up your roll and you can’t without spilling lobster meat all over the wrapper. Then take the roll and for each bite, dip it in melted butter, and ENJOY! When you are done, use the fork to eat the other half of the lobster that fell out. Alternate bites with fries and onion rings and you have the perfect low cholesterol health food lunch. Reportedly, and we confirm, these are the best lobster rolls on the east coast, Canada or US. We got in line about 20 minutes before opening, 6th in line. The line was around the corner by 11:30. It was still that long at 3PM when we went by on the way home. OK now, that’s about 4 lobsters I consumed in less than 24 hours. Top that Walt. Now there’s this other place in Boothbay Harbor called Lobster Dock featured on “Throwdown” with Bobby Flay…Donna has grounded me! Guess we’ll have to come back some time.
Other than stuff our faces, we did have a good day seeing the area. After a hard rain overnight it was beautiful today, warm too. We did walk around in both Wiscasset and Bath, drove by Bath Iron Works, and down Rt209 along the Kennebec River to Popham Beach and old Fort Popham at the mouth. It must be quite a sight when one of the new destroyers sails down the river to the sea. Oh yes, have no fear, we did find a lighthouse or two.
Now picture sitting in the warm sunshine, trying to pick up your roll and you can’t without spilling lobster meat all over the wrapper. Then take the roll and for each bite, dip it in melted butter, and ENJOY! When you are done, use the fork to eat the other half of the lobster that fell out. Alternate bites with fries and onion rings and you have the perfect low cholesterol health food lunch. Reportedly, and we confirm, these are the best lobster rolls on the east coast, Canada or US. We got in line about 20 minutes before opening, 6th in line. The line was around the corner by 11:30. It was still that long at 3PM when we went by on the way home. OK now, that’s about 4 lobsters I consumed in less than 24 hours. Top that Walt. Now there’s this other place in Boothbay Harbor called Lobster Dock featured on “Throwdown” with Bobby Flay…Donna has grounded me! Guess we’ll have to come back some time.
Other than stuff our faces, we did have a good day seeing the area. After a hard rain overnight it was beautiful today, warm too. We did walk around in both Wiscasset and Bath, drove by Bath Iron Works, and down Rt209 along the Kennebec River to Popham Beach and old Fort Popham at the mouth. It must be quite a sight when one of the new destroyers sails down the river to the sea. Oh yes, have no fear, we did find a lighthouse or two.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Day 37 (September 27, 2009) – A Total Wash?
Well it was total wash for the laundry. A rainy morning, good time to sleep late and do the chores. Donna did hers; I did mine, including the most important one. Important? Yes, inviting 5 of our cherished friends for dinner tonight at 6 PM. They will be warmly welcomed with a bowl of melted butter. Our CG offers cooked lobsters at 5 for $30. After lunch we headed downtown to Boothbay Harbor to wander around. The rain had stopped. There are many shops of about every kind, from pricey galleries and boutiques to the plain old tourist traps and everything in between. As in Bar Harbor, many had end of the season sales in progress. All the better for us. We even found a candy store where some fudge snuck into our bag.
After “doing town” we headed north out of town to “Edgecomb Potters.” We had noticed this place on the way in. Walt! Do not bring Cathy here! If you do bring a sleeping bag and food as you will be there for a while. They have some really pretty pottery and glass works. This is well worth the stop. On the way back to town we saw a flock of 5 turkeys (Jakes) right next to the road under a tree.
One more thing on Gray Family Campground. It is not in any of the national campground books. We only found it with the on-line Maine Campgrounds website. The owner says the big books are too expensive for the limited return. I’m guessing reservations well in advance are needed during peak season. Even on a Sunday night the CG is mostly filled. For those who want to camp here without the challenging drive through town, there is another north CG of Boothbay Harbor. There you can park in formation with your neighbors on perfectly level graveled sites.
Addendum
Well, our friends made it for dinner. Boy, were they steaming. But we got them out of their shells and into a soothing bath of melted butter. URRRRP! Two each for Donna and I, one for Katherine. No leftovers! Well, the mess doesn't count.
How 'bout dem 'skins...don't they stink the place out. Sure glad it was not on TV up here, might have been tempted to waste my time. Time for Vinny and Danny to GO!
No pix today, too gray.
After “doing town” we headed north out of town to “Edgecomb Potters.” We had noticed this place on the way in. Walt! Do not bring Cathy here! If you do bring a sleeping bag and food as you will be there for a while. They have some really pretty pottery and glass works. This is well worth the stop. On the way back to town we saw a flock of 5 turkeys (Jakes) right next to the road under a tree.
One more thing on Gray Family Campground. It is not in any of the national campground books. We only found it with the on-line Maine Campgrounds website. The owner says the big books are too expensive for the limited return. I’m guessing reservations well in advance are needed during peak season. Even on a Sunday night the CG is mostly filled. For those who want to camp here without the challenging drive through town, there is another north CG of Boothbay Harbor. There you can park in formation with your neighbors on perfectly level graveled sites.
Addendum
Well, our friends made it for dinner. Boy, were they steaming. But we got them out of their shells and into a soothing bath of melted butter. URRRRP! Two each for Donna and I, one for Katherine. No leftovers! Well, the mess doesn't count.
How 'bout dem 'skins...don't they stink the place out. Sure glad it was not on TV up here, might have been tempted to waste my time. Time for Vinny and Danny to GO!
No pix today, too gray.
Day 36 (September 26, 2009) – Through Boothbay Harbor to Southport Island
The Cuckholds Lighthouse
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
Pemaquid Point Light Reflections
Hotel PemaquidToday was bright and sunny, much less wind, and a bit warmer. This was a nice day for a leisurely drive through the country…that it was…mostly. A late start was in order since it was only a 119-mile drive. Our journey down US 1 took us through many famous Maine towns, Ellsworth Bucksport, Belfast, Camden, Rockport, Rockland, Waldoboro, and finally into Boothbay Harbor. Our slow pace gave us ample opportunity to admire the old homes that are in all of the towns. The most interesting of these homes are the old farms, where an enclosed area to the barn connects the house. Of course these barns are now now mostly garages. These farmers were smart and did not want to venture outside to the barn in the dead of winter during a blizzard to milk the cows or feed the livestock. It was a Saturday drive, so there were Flea Markets, Garage Sales, and Farmers Markets all along the way. Driving the RV was a ready-made excuse to pass them by…no place to park. The Fall colors, now very evident in Bar Harbor, are just starting here in Boothbay Harbor.
We drove into Boothbay Harbor, probably one of the most picturesque towns we’ve seen. It was overrun by tourists, who have the right-of-way and like to step out in front of you, and chocked full of cars. Add this combination to the only road through town (RT 27) being extremely narrow with abrupt steep hills, and sharp curves make for an interesting couple of miles driving a 30’ RV towing a car. We went slow and easy, ran over no toes or curbs, and sideswiped no cars, buildings, or walls. Our new home for 3 nights is Gray Homestead Camping. Yes there are spaces for big rigs and there are several here, so I guess you can navigate one through town. The CG is small and prototypical Maine. There are many trees and the sites are nestled in among the rocks. We have full hookups and WIFI.
We wanted to take advantage of the great weather so we parked and took off. We drove to the end of the island where we had a nice view of “The Cuckholds.” Whizzat? You say! Guess…just one…of course it is a Lighthouse. Since the day was getting late, we made the 30-mile drive over to the next peninsula east. Why there? The Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is at the end of it. I made the hike to the top, only 32 steps, very steep, very narrow, winding metal staircase to a small platform with a near vertical ladder through a hatch into the top of the lighthouse. Late in the day is a perfect time to visit lighthouses along the coast. The lighting is near perfect. A short distance away is the Hotel Pemaquid, a beautiful Victorian hotel that opened in 1888. I’ll bet their rooms are a tad more expensive today than they were back then. Although we drove through Bottbay Harbor, we did not stop. parking was nearly impossible unless you wanted to pay. Monday should be much less crowded.
We drove into Boothbay Harbor, probably one of the most picturesque towns we’ve seen. It was overrun by tourists, who have the right-of-way and like to step out in front of you, and chocked full of cars. Add this combination to the only road through town (RT 27) being extremely narrow with abrupt steep hills, and sharp curves make for an interesting couple of miles driving a 30’ RV towing a car. We went slow and easy, ran over no toes or curbs, and sideswiped no cars, buildings, or walls. Our new home for 3 nights is Gray Homestead Camping. Yes there are spaces for big rigs and there are several here, so I guess you can navigate one through town. The CG is small and prototypical Maine. There are many trees and the sites are nestled in among the rocks. We have full hookups and WIFI.
We wanted to take advantage of the great weather so we parked and took off. We drove to the end of the island where we had a nice view of “The Cuckholds.” Whizzat? You say! Guess…just one…of course it is a Lighthouse. Since the day was getting late, we made the 30-mile drive over to the next peninsula east. Why there? The Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is at the end of it. I made the hike to the top, only 32 steps, very steep, very narrow, winding metal staircase to a small platform with a near vertical ladder through a hatch into the top of the lighthouse. Late in the day is a perfect time to visit lighthouses along the coast. The lighting is near perfect. A short distance away is the Hotel Pemaquid, a beautiful Victorian hotel that opened in 1888. I’ll bet their rooms are a tad more expensive today than they were back then. Although we drove through Bottbay Harbor, we did not stop. parking was nearly impossible unless you wanted to pay. Monday should be much less crowded.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Day 35 (September 25, 2009) – A Touch of Frost?
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Natural Seawall in Acadia NPWe awoke this am to a much cooler windier day with heavy clouds, but no rain. We drove the quieter side of the island this morning with visits to Bass Harbor, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and Southwest Harbor. The fall colors are now just beginning to show. We’ll see what tonight’s cold weather (frost and freeze warning) will do to help them along. We then did the obligatory shopping trip in Bar Harbor. Not crowded at all today, no cruise ships in port. The Hostess at the restaurant said one or more a day for the next month starting tomorrow. Lunch? Think of a Salmon Pastrami BLT, maybe a cup of chowder, and definitely an ice cold Bar Harbor Real Ale. Many of the shops have big sales on so it’s a good time to walk about downtown. We have some steamer clams for dinner tonight, and then we’ll try to burn the rest of Paul’s firewood. Tomorrow we wander south/west to Boothbay Harbor, a pleasant drive through many towns.
Oh yes, there is a hard freeze warning for tonight with lows tomorrow morning in the mid to upper 20's. I think I'll disconnect the water hose tonight and use gas heat. With the wind predicted to remain about 10 mph overnight, it could be a rather brisk start to the day. The proximity to water will not help as the wind from the north is coming directly from over the mainland.
Oh yes, there is a hard freeze warning for tonight with lows tomorrow morning in the mid to upper 20's. I think I'll disconnect the water hose tonight and use gas heat. With the wind predicted to remain about 10 mph overnight, it could be a rather brisk start to the day. The proximity to water will not help as the wind from the north is coming directly from over the mainland.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)