Lighthouse, Lenny, and Lunch!

Thursday, Aug 17

Whoa!!  41 degrees this morning!  Turn on the heat!!!

But it turned out to be a warm lovely day, and we went to Portland to see the Portland Head Light, built in 1791 having been commissioned by George Washington.  A really beautiful light, and gorgeous keepers house!  How they must have loved living there.  

 Ram Head light sits out on the ledge beyond the Portland Head Light. Maine has so many light houses!

Longfellow is thought to have sat here and derived inspiration for his poem ,Lighthouse, as he used to walk to the Light from Portland where he lived, and visit the keepers.  

Stone home of John Goddard, a wealthy lumberman, built in 1858 was also on the site, but had been acquired by the army in 1900, and used as headquarters and a club,  and suffered damage in a fire.  Such a shame to have such a beautiful structure in such a bad state. 

Also the location of Williamson Fort, where old stone fortresses were replaced by cement bunkers during WWI and WWII.  We enjoyed walking around and exploring the entire area.  Also a recreation park, a lot of people were enjoying the beach on the lovely summer day. 

         

one of the old bunkers

I just HAD to see Lenny, the Chocolate Moose, which is at Len Libby Chocolates, not far from Portland.  Made in 1997 , of 1700 pounds of chocolate, and standing in a pool of white chocolate, tinted blue, he is quite a sight!  Check one off my Roadside America list, and get some yummy chocolates to boot!  

             

We did NOT buy one of these!

Friday was certainly a big switch in the weather!  It absolutely poured,  and was accompanied by some fog.....a truly ugly day!  We had arranged to meet Howard and Karen at a restaurant on the water, at his request, but it would barely have mattered where we ate!  They were on their way to a 50th Wedding Anniversary party in Old Orchard Beach, and stopped on the way by, and it was good to see them, and we enjoyed a nice relaxing lunch at Hobbs Harborside.  

So much for a water view for lunch! Don't know why I didn't get a photo of all of us when they arrived!  

Clem thought it was just the day for a Bloody Mary, and everyone agreed and joined him!

We felt nice and cozy in our coach, while these poor folks spent time outside, even in the downpour!  Yuk!