FLIGHT (Day 1)
We caught an early morning bus to the Denver airport. We went through security and were at the gate with plenty of time to spare.
Dogs are seen more and more frequently in airports and on planes. Unfortunately not all of them are well-behaved.
A view of the main terminal
Our plane arrives
From the browns of Colorado to the blues and emeralds of Maine!
Ram Island and the lighthouse on the "ledge", a dangerous partially submerged strip of rock as well as the location of many shipwrecks at high tide.
The Ram Island Ledge Light, in Casco Bay near the town of Cape Elizabeth, was built in 1905 of grey granite blocks. It stands 77 feet tall and has a range of 8 nautical miles. It was automated in 1959.
Cushing Island (upper left) and House Island ... A closer look at House Island
The Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and Fort Preble
Caisson lighthouses (also called a sparkplug lighthouses or bug lights) were developed in the late 1800's as a cheaper alternative to screwpile lighthouses. They were more efficient, sturdier and could withstand harsh weather. They were mostly made of cast iron.
The Spring Point Light was built in 1897 as an offshore light. It was connected to the mainland in 1951 by a 900-foot-long breakwater. It was electrified in 1934 and automated in 1960.
Fort Preble was a military fort built in 1808 and added to through 1906. It was active from the War of 1812 through World War II.
Flying over Portland
When we arrived at the small airport, there was no open gate, so we had to taxi about and wait for a bit. It was definitely far more humid out than we were used to but not super hot. Eventually a gate opened up and we could deplane. We walked to the adjoining rental car building.
The Portland airport ... and a welcome moose (and deer)!
We rented a brand new Toyota Corolla then drove to our hotel, a Motel 6 on the northwest side of the city.
Our lovely rental car
Our hotel
We walked across the street for some dinner at Rio Bravo, a friendly and cute place.
Enjoying some chips and salsa
Lobster tacos for Sean and an amazing stuffed quesadilla for me
return • continue
