We recently traveled to Maine, also known as the “Pine Tree State.”
The first part of our trip was chronicled in the June 28 issue of The Laker/Lutz News.
This column covers Part Two of our trip, which picks up on June 10, when we took a two-hour cruise along the Casco Bay. It was called the “Captain’s Special,” and we went on the Captain Fish Sightseeing Tour.
We saw many lobster boats and several people fishing from private boats.
We passed many homes with piers and docks, and saw many huge boats in the water.
We also passed Fisherman’s Island, which has now been converted to a private home.
There was a full narration on this boat that took us by two lighthouses. One was the Ram Island Light and the other was the Burnt Island Lighthouse.
One thing that caught my attention was when we passed Squirrel Island. They said the name came about because of the shape of the island.
This island had more than 100 homes on it.
We also passed an observation tower which was seven stories high and is now privately owned.
There also were many osprey, seals and pups (baby seals). It was lovely to see the seals sunning themselves.
The tour also took us through the “Thread of Life,” and during the ride we heard a narration on the history, which showed us Rutherford Island. It also told us that there are a lot of seasonal residents, lobstermen and fishermen.
At the end of the trip we saw Damariscove Harbor, and we saw more seals frolicking in the water.
Back on shore, we visited the Maine State Aquarium, where we had the opportunity to observe many fish and to touch different species.
From there, we went to Big Al’s located in Wiscasset. The way I can describe Big Al’s is it is like Ollie’s (back East), but it has loads of bargains.
There were greeting cards, crackers, cookies, pots, pans, baking sheets and lots more.
We actually got to meet Big Al, and he is a nice guy.
We then went to visit with our friends, Joanne and Duane Ferrante, in Newcastle. We had a very nice visit in their lovely home.
Before we knew it, it was time for lunch and they suggested Reunion Station. Not only was the food good, but the restaurant was decorated with pictures and a lovely stained-glass window. The menu was varied and the company — more than delightful.
On our way back to their house, they took us to a landmark that we saw several years ago, but it was great to see it again.
It was a huge sign announcing that we were at “Cowshits Corner.”
We returned to their house, talked some more and then went to Freeport. Once there, we saw the Big Freeport Indian. We saw this several years ago and decided to see it once again. It was huge.
The following day, we got up early in the morning to see some attractions before we took in a ballgame.
Our first stop that morning was at the Boothbay Railway Village. You can take a train ride (we skipped this), see automobiles, several buildings and a layout of a railroad complete with HO trains.
Then there was a village that was comprised of historically significant structures that house artifacts and displays of rural Maine.
We saw such buildings as the town hall, chapels, a hardware store, homes and so much more.
After viewing this, we took a ride on the “Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tour Boat.”
On this fully narrated tour, we saw four more lighthouses.
One was called the Bug Lighthouse because it was as cute as a bug.
Another was called the Spring Point Lighthouse, as it was shaped like a spark plug.
We also saw the Portland Head Light and the Ram Light.
We took a scenic cruise through busy harbors and islands. We saw forts, lobster boats, seals and birds. It was a very informative and relaxing cruise.
Upon leaving the boat, we took a side trip to the Eastern Promenade. We saw more beautiful and breathtaking views of the water. There were benches to just sit and relax and view the surrounding areas. And, there was a small playground with swings and slides for the little ones.
Next, we went to the Maine Narrow Gauge R.R. Museum. Here we climbed aboard historic railroad cars and viewed exhibits celebrating the heyday of narrow gauge in Maine. There was even a miniature train that was big enough for little ones to sit in. We also took a train ride and it was delightful.
Then, we went on to the ballgame. First off, the Sea Dogs won. It was a very close game and kept us in our seats. Between innings they had something going on constantly — either musical chairs, packing boxes, the entire stadium singing “Sweet Caroline,” or kids riding fake horses to see who would reach the finish line first.
It was a fun day before we traveled back to our home in Connecticut.
By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons
Published July 5, 2017
