In search of Maine

Thalheimer Trail Orr's Island

2011-11-05T06:12:00.000-07:00

A farm road and woods trails offer a variety of walking options to experience.
118 acre property, operated by Bowdoin College as its Coastal Studies Center, makes up
the entire peninsula between Long Cove and Harpswell Sound. This is an active research
and residence facility. Please stay on designated paths and follow all regulations. Trail
maps available at the parking area.
Enjoy this short video of one of the trails and beach area.

Some of the trails can be a little wet so bring along some good boots or go during the summer when the land is more dry. I walked the trail on the left of the road that leads down to the bar island. The woods were beautiful, dark and green. the smell of fall was in the air and the views going down to the shore were amazing. I spotted a bald eagle when I reached the edge of the shore line. I had my video running and caught glimpses of him.You can see him in the Middle left hand side of the picture below.

I climbed down to the beach and it was wonderful.Tthe bar to the island was exposed and I walked about half way across. A great spot for pictures.

You can walk the shore for some time or cross over to the island. Just be aware of the tide. There are few places to get back up from the shore and it takes a little effort. So bare that in mind. The walk back up was nice but a little difficult to find the path. It was fall and the leaves had covered the trail. The trails are also not marked as well as I would like them to be. But you are on a small peninsula and so getting lost would not be easy.

I Give this trail 5 stars for it's beauty and 3 stars for its walk ability. Have fun. :)

Directions: Take a right off Route 24 approximately 1.7 mile south of the Orr’s Island bridge
onto Bayview Road. Follow the road to the end --- about 1 mile --- to reach the farm. Park in
the designated spaces (limited parking) on the right & left on the edge of the property. Do
not drive past the parking area into the farm. No camping and no groups larger than 10
permitted.

The Devils Back Trail

2011-07-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

The Devils Back Trail

is located on Orr's Island in the town of Harpswell. A fun easy trail with deep woods full of moss and fields of ferns. Beautiful ocean views from atop the ridge and sweeping vistas as you approach the waters of the sound. While at the waters edge we enjoyed a beautiful sailboat anchored in safe harbor. Well marked and groomed trails make this a comfortable stroll for people of all ages. The trail has some nice wooden bridges that take you across the few wet spots on the trail, adding character to this special place.
Please enjoy this video of our walk on The Devil's Back Trail.

To Help you find this great trail and the others discribed on this site please use our interactive Map

View Maine Mid Coast Tours in a larger map

Lands End Bailey Island Maine

2010-06-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

Lands End is a fantastic place to see Maine and its many faces. You may be looking for the rugged Maine coast with cliffs and granite rocks jetting to the edge of the sea. You may be looking for a beautiful sand beach to stroll along and enjoy the sounds of the sea. Walking paths with vistas that will take your breath away. You can watch the lobster men pulling their traps or view the brightly colored spinnakers of sailing vessels as they glide past the tip of the Island.

A bronze statue of the fisherman of the sea makes for a great picture opportunity for you.

Before or after your time on the point of Lands End, don't forget to visit the gift shop. One of the largest on the coast of Maine. The Lands End Gift Shop has great Maine gifts as well as local artisan crafts and pictures.

For a wonderful day on the Maine Coast drive on down to Lands End on beautiful Bailey Island

The Long Reach Trail In Harpswell, Maine

2009-11-17T05:30:00.000-08:00

The Long Reach Trail in Harpswell starts at the ball field on rt 24. A medium hard walking trail with some steep banks leading down to the water. You are first introduced to the beautiful deep woods of Harpswell and slowly descend to the fabulous bogs that are abundant with beautiful plant life. Walking up out of the bogs on well made wooden walkways you are suddenly in a the deep woods again. Lush and green with some very interesting wild growth. There are sturdy stone walls along the path marking boundaries of times gone by. You start to ascend the hill that creates the eastern wall of the water inlet separating the Cliff trail and the Long Reach Trail. The decent is a bit steep and the leaf cover made it a bit slippery and hard to see the trail, so where good gripping footwear and go slow. Once down to the bottom of the hill you have great views of the inlet and cliffs. We were there at low tide and saw clams being dug up near the island in the middle of the inlet. The path travels along the inlet for a ways and is a great spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of the spot. Now traveling up away from the inlet you are treated to some of the most wonderful plant life and rock formations existing side by side or intertwining in harmony. Up and down a few small hills and down to another bog. White cotton like plants filled this bog and contrasted the lush green surrounding it. It was a marvelous sight. On the other side we met up with the loop again and made our way back to the ball field. I love this trail with it's many different features. I do need to warn you that it is a bit strenuous and the trail is in need of remarking. All in All I give this trail a B+.

The Cliff Trail In Harpswell

2009-11-05T06:35:00.000-08:00

The Cliff Trail in Harpswell is located just behind the town office on the Mountain Road. It is a trail of wonder that seems almost out of place on this stretch of land. You can park behind the town office and start your hike down a well kept picture perfect tidal inlet. The path goes in and out with the shore.The woods are deep and green with moss covering the fallen branches and stumps that are scattered along the way. As you go your way into the woods and leave the inlet behind a new world is revealed with large old pine trees towering overhead, allowing just a glimmer of light in. Ferns and reindeer moss cover the floor of this forgotten retreat. The trail is well marked with both white and yellow markers representing the two separate trails. My father in law, my dog ( ladybug )and I continued initially along the white marker trail. Up and down along a series of small hills and valleys till we came to a sign that stated we had truly entered a magical place. The sign said Fairy House Trail. In the deepest part of the wooded trail, if you looked carefully, were a large number of fairy houses that were constructed of various types of material. Wooden sticks, birch bark, moss, and even a fairy house with a stone roof. It was truly a magical sight to behold. I would have been satisfied with the walk if that had been the end of our trail but we had just begun to find the hidden treasures that were in store for us. We came upon the sign for the Cliff Trail loop and started our ascent to this magnificent overlook. Breathtaking views that can only be compared to some of the overlooks at Acadia National park. What a sight. The edge is very steep so you need to be careful and to keep your dog leached for their own protection. The trail followed this incredible stretch of cliffs for a good while and there were many places for resting and reflecting on the beauty of the place we live. From there we were led back into the woods with it's many wondrous sights that only the most preserved northeastern woods can provide to the hiker. I found it amazing that we were only minutes form the town office and the cross road we call mountain. The trail is well kept and fairly ease to walk. The two trails are about a total of 3 miles and can be done easily in a couple of hours. A must walk when in the Maine Mid Coast Area.

Skolfield Shore Trail in Harpswell, Maine

2009-10-22T05:45:00.000-07:00

Located on Rt.123 the Skolfield Shore Trail is a true treasure of the Mid Coast Maine Region. Maintained by the Harpswell Heritage Trust and loved by the local community. The trail has a little of everything. Deep woods with ferns and mushrooms to open fields with tall grass swaying with the gentle breeze to water front with breath taking views of the outer islands. The path is easy walking and has a lot of great features to it. Hand carved benches are located at beautiful overlooks. Rustic wooden bridges cross over steep banked valleys. The path is well marked and maintained. Wildlife abounds on the trail. Song birds, chipmunks and other native land animals make their home here. I would have to give this path an A for its ease to walk, combination of environments and beautiful views. I want to also thank the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust for maintaining this property so well.A Video Tour

Mackerel Cove, Bailey Island, Maine

2009-10-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

Mackerel Cove is one of those places that post cards are made for. Working harbor, beach, field of grass. boats and docks. It has it all in this one tight little area. I was a little early for an appointment at the log Cabin Inn on Bailey Island. So I thought that It would be a good spot to kill some time. It was beautiful there. I walked the beach and snapped a couple of pictures. If your looking for a quick get away this is the perfect location.

The Giant Staircase Walking Path On Bailey Island, Maine

2009-09-27T05:07:00.000-07:00

Bailey Island is rich with beautiful vistas, beaches and walking paths. One of my favorite places to go for a short walk with incredible views is the Giant Staircase. Located off Washington Ave. The Giant Staircase is so named because of the large boulders located near the end of the path that are over lapping, creating the appearance of a staircase rising out of the sea. The Giant Staircase is a beautiful, well maintained path. A must stop while visiting Bailey Island.

Enjoy this short video to get a feel of the path.
Giant Stairs Walking Path

A walk on the Freeport, Maine's Mast Landing Trail

2009-09-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

The mast landing walking trail in Freeport, Maine turned out to be a pleasant way to spend the morning. A easy walk with beautiful wooded trails and lovely vistas of waterways that are full of wild life and flowering plants.

Mast Landing
Audubon Sanctuary

Located one mile from downtown Freeport at the head of tide on the Harraseeket River estuary, Mast Landing is actively used by area residents year-round.

The 140-acre sanctuary consists of open fields, salt marsh, an apple orchard, freshwater stream, and mature evergreen forest. Caretakers reside in the old farmhouse (a.k.a. Millmaster's House).

Habitat

Mast Landing Sanctuary's open fields, apple orchards, alder lowland, and mature pine and hemlock forest provide a pleasant spot for walking, cross-country skiing and nature study.Mill Stream cascades over an historic dam and mill site before flowing into the tidal waters of the Harraseeket River.

The sanctuary attracts migrant shorebirds and songbirds and is a wonderful place to observe the courtship flight displays of nesting woodcock. Resident mammals typical of southern Maine woodlands include porcupine, mink, fisher, and deer.

Farmers Market On Brunswick Green

2009-09-21T05:31:00.000-07:00

Went to the farmers market on the green in Brunswick. They had a nice selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers and live lobsters.The market is on Fridays as long as the weather permits. Its a great way to support the local economy and get great healthy food

A ride with no particular place to go

2009-09-14T05:05:00.000-07:00

Went for a ride with the girls the other day. We had no idea where we wanted to go but did not want to stay in the house. So we loaded up the car and set out to have breakfast. What a pleasant surprise to find that Friendly's has added some new items to their breakfast menu.
After breakfast we set out in search of a landmark that we had heard of but were not sure if it actually existed. It was a beautiful day in the mid 70s and sunny. we headed north on rt.1 and found ourselves in Newcastle. We took a little road that headed us north. Farm roads,beautiful old homes and some wild turkey grazing in a field made for a lovely ride.

After being on this back road for about 1/2 an hour we started to think that maybe this landmark was really only a rumor. As we started to think that maybe we should turn around before we ended up in Lewiston. We found it. It was magnificent. Everything that we had imagined that it would be. Cowsh*t Corner. There it was tall, proud and smelly. We had done it.

After taking in the beauty and breathing shallow so as to not pass out from the fumes, we headed south. We stumbled upon the river road.

Following the road all the way down to one of our favorite coastal towns and did the tourist thing. Great Fun!

After supporting the local economy we headed back home on rt.1. What a mistake that was. The traffic jam was 45 min to move one mile over the Wisscasset bridge. We should have known, after all it was Labor Day. So to give ourselves a treat and move about we stopped at a new crafting village.

We bought some blueberry soap and some Moxie jelly. We had a great time driving to nowhere and will do it again.
Try flipping a coin when you get to an intersection. Go right if it lands on heads and left if it lands on tails. I will be a great opportunity to see some new sights.

2009-08-16T05:29:00.000-07:00

The Highland Games at Tomas Point Beach Campground has been a favorite time for me and my family for many years. Men and women compete in their kilts to see who is the strongest. There are competitions in hammer throwing, Sheep toss and our favorite the caber toss. Where they balance a 20' pole weighing 102lbs. and throw it in an attempt to have it go over it's end and land at 12oclock on the other side.
There are lots of tents boasting of the family ties to Scotland and much music and dancing. A lot of vendors set up stores of Scottish themed items and the food vendors are a definite reason for me being their. I like the sweet potato fried rings.
Next year they plan to move the entire festival to the Topsham Fair Grounds. I hope it will be OK. I really enjoy the Tomas Point Campground location. Well a good time was had and a lot of people attended.

The Ghost Ship of Bailey Island

2009-08-06T04:32:00.000-07:00

The Ghost Ship Of Bailey Island. Use the link above to read about this Picture.

Sue's 50th at the Common Table in Harpswell, Maine

2009-07-02T08:10:00.000-07:00

On June 27th we went to the Common Table Inn and had an experience that is uncommon in dinning.

Situated on nine acres of land with a pond, woodlands and a lot of space for a quiet walk, the Inn is perfect for family reunions, parties or any other special occasions. Weddings, receptions, barbeques, lobster bakes and other outdoor parties are available from June 1 to September 30. Use of a variety of outdoor games (i.e., crochet, horseshoes, ring toss, volleyball, etc.) is available at your request.

Bob and Deb encourage all to return to the earth and enjoy the natural beautiful of the setting. In spring, summer and fall, flower and vegetable gardens (weeding help is always welcomed) add to the property.

A large deck with two canopies provides the perfect spot to enjoy Maine summers. As our guest you can simply sit and watch birds, dine, listen to the peepers and bull frogs, or star gaze in the hot tub
It's the perfect place to celebrate special occasions. When looking for a private, affordable, coastal Maine setting for an anniversary dinner, bridal shower, holiday party or other special functions, think Common Table. We offer a flexible menu and detailed planning to meet your needs. Just tell us what you want and we can make it happen within a reasonable budget.

We started with appetizers in the living room. Geraldine brought a folder of childhood memories that brought laughs to the room. A good time was had going through the hidden past of the want to be secret agent.
We then moved to the dining room which was set up perfectly for us. The menu of lime chicken, potato salad, roast vegetables and a wonderful blueberry infused ice tea was perfect. The chicken was moist and flavorful. The potato salad was light and perfectly prepared and the roast vegetables were crisp and spicy.
To end the meal we had a moist yellow cake with a sinful butter cream frosting. Yum!
A great night with great people. I recomend the Common Table for any one looking for a relaxed meal with good friends and family.

A day on the river with my girls

2009-06-19T04:13:00.000-07:00

Went with my girls down the river in Brunswick to test my little boat out. We had a great ride. We saw heron and osprey fishing the waters. The day was beautiful and the company was great. We launched from the river walk and went up stream to the Sea Dog building and then turned around and went down stream to the bend at the end of the river walk. about an hour. I'll let the pictures tell the story.

Noon Time Cruise Around Bailey Island

2009-06-13T05:50:00.000-07:00

On June 27th Casco bay Tours will begin the noon time cruise off Cook's Lobster House Dock. This two hour cruise is the perfect way to see the beautiful coast of Maine. The tour departs at noon and returns at two. While on the tour you will see some of the most beautiful waters that Maine has to offer. Seals, osprey, beautiful summer homes and the sights and sounds of lobster men hauling their traps. A must while on vacation in the Mid Coast Maine area. Cook's Lobster House is located on Bailey Island, Maine. For more information Call 207-833-2818 or visit their web site at: www.cookslobster.com

Great Video Of Cook's Lobster House

2009-05-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

Cook's Lobster House is located on Bailey Island, Maine. Great views, food and service. They have tour boat rides around the island. You can have a lobster bake on their shore. They have a great fireworks display on the 3rd of July, right off their point. Cook's Lobster House. Take a look at the video for a look at what Cook's has to offer. You can visit their web site at: http://www.cookslobster.com/

The River Walk In Brunswick

2009-05-16T04:39:00.000-07:00

We started our walk on the northern end of the river walk. It was a perfect day with a nice cool breeze to keep us refreshed on this hot summer day. We walked over Rt. 1 on the sky walk and then down to the river. Stopping to take in the beautiful scenery and give our pug a breather. The river was lovely winding its way along the newly budded trees of green, red and yellow. As we walked we were buzzed by giant planes from the base and ran to get right under them. what a hoot. Stopping to sit on one of the granite benches that are scattered along the trail. I wondered when the stripers might start running. It was a great day for the river walk.

2009-05-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

Construction on the one of a kind in the world Cribstone bridge continues. The traffic to and from Bailey Island seems to flow smoothly with no interruptions. The renovations should be completed by 2010. The bridge was constructed in 1928 in a fashion that allows the Atlantic to flow through. A national land mark that is a picture takers dream. For the best shots take your first right after crossing on to Bailey's Island. Go to the end of the Garrison cove road to Cook's Lobster House and on their point set up you camera. Sun set is a great time to be there because the reflection of the sun makes the bridge seem to glow. I think it must be the flex's in the granite. For more on the Bailey Island Cribstone Bridge go to: http://www.potatoepete.wordpress.com

Lobster for Mother's Day

2009-05-08T05:06:00.000-07:00

Why not give mom what she really wants for dinner. A lobster dinner on the coast of Maine where the lobster is the best in the world. The cold waters of Maine produce the best lobsters. So pick a spot that she will enjoy. I will be bringing my mom to Cook's Lobster House on Bailey Island. The views are wonderful from every table and the service is great. Lobster and blueberry pie for dessert, what could be better for the women that raised you and took care of your every need. You ungrateful child. :)

www.cookslobster.com

207-833-2818

Cook's Lobster House

2009-05-03T15:09:00.000-07:00

Cook’s Lobster House has been amazing guest for over 50 years. They have inside or outside seating for guest. They can accommodate gatherings as large as 180 in their cozy, nautical themed dining rooms. Both rooms provide expansive views of the pristine waters surrounding the restaurant. A working lobster harbor and the only crib stone bridge in the world can be marveled at from every seat.They prepare lobster bakes on the point surrounded by water on 3 sides. You will experience the beauty of the Maine coast with working lobster boats, wonderful sailing boats and the only Cribstone bridge in the world.
Portland’s Casco Bay Cruise Lines offers a coastal tour to and from their dock the end of June through Labor Day. Cruise the breathtaking waters of coastal Maine. Board in Portland, ride to Bailey Island and enjoy lunch at Cook’s before your return trip or board on their dock and take a 2 hour round trip cruise. View local lobstermen tending their traps, Admiral Peary’s home on Eagle Island and a large variety of wild life including bald eagles, osprey and perhaps a harbor seal or two.
Cook's is open year round. Just 40 Minutes north of Portland and just 10 minutes south of Brunswick on route 24. It is a beautiful scenic drive along coastal Maine. Whether you arrive by land or by sea, Cook’s Lobster House is what Maine is all about. For more information on Cook's Lobster House visit: www.cookslobster.com

In search of Maine

Thalheimer Trail Orr's Island

The Devils Back Trail

Lands End Bailey Island Maine

The Long Reach Trail In Harpswell, Maine

The Cliff Trail In Harpswell

Skolfield Shore Trail in Harpswell, Maine

Mackerel Cove, Bailey Island, Maine

The Giant Staircase Walking Path On Bailey Island, Maine

A walk on the Freeport, Maine's Mast Landing Trail

Mast LandingAudubon Sanctuary

Habitat

Farmers Market On Brunswick Green

A ride with no particular place to go

The Ghost Ship of Bailey Island

Sue's 50th at the Common Table in Harpswell, Maine

A day on the river with my girls

Noon Time Cruise Around Bailey Island

Great Video Of Cook's Lobster House

The River Walk In Brunswick

Lobster for Mother's Day

Cook's Lobster House

Mast Landing
Audubon Sanctuary