It’s time to take a sunset cruise off the coast of South Freeport Harbor. On a glorious summer evening, I caught the shuttle bus in front of LL Bean for a ride to South Freeport Harbor and a sunset cruise around the islands off the coast of South Freeport and Harpswell on the Pamela B.

The boat cruises around the islands on a variety of different routes: heading to Eagle Island to Adm Perry’s summer home (a state park now), or hauling lobster traps and getting an overview of lobstering in Maine, or a self- directed private tour. No matter which cruise you choose you’re in for a great time seeing all the natural beauty of Freeport from the water.

Heading out of the harbor you pass Pound of Tea. (The absolute best name for an island yet!) Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park is off to your left and Winslow Park is off to the right.

This is a pic (above) from a few years ago of the Casco Castle. You can see this from the boat as you motor slowly out of the harbor.

Passing Bustin’s Island it’s always a treat to see the Octagon House. It stands on its own wee tiny island just off the mainland. You can walk to it at low tide, or if you have a boat you can pull up to the dock.

Bustin’s Island is a summer community. There is limited electricity and running water. Access to the island is via the Lilly B ferry or private boat.

Just cruising Harpswell Neck we passed the town of South Harpswell and the oyster farms which are popping up everywhere with the resurgence in aquaculture along the coast. These small islands had bald eagles, osprey nests, and seals basking on the rocks.

Heading back to the town dock in Freeport we were treated to a wonderful moonrise.

And a glorious sunset!

FMI: Seacoast Tours of Freeport. 207-798-2001

In summer 2019 we will have cruising packages available!

Ready to come to Freeport? Check here for availability.

Yummy chocolate panna cotta! A quick, easy dessert with or without the puff pastry hearts.

Kittery Naval Museum

We made a mad dash down to Kittery yesterday to have a look at the Kittery Naval Museum. (Exit 2 off I-95) If you are coming up from Massachusetts, this is a good stop to make. Get out, stretch your legs, and learn a little about the history of Kittery and the Navy influence.

Remember ‘Diver Dan’ from the TV series in the 1960’s?

Fort Foster

After an hour at the museum, we took off for Fort Foster and Fort McClary out on Kittery Point. Along the way, we spotted some of the oldest houses in Maine. Kittery residents played important roles in the American Revolution, not all of them on the American side.

Fort Foster was only open to foot traffic the day we were there. Park along the road before the gate, watching for ‘no parking’ signs and side roads. The walk from the car to the Chapin Battery (above) was about a half mile. Below the battery there is a small sandy beach on one side and a rockier beach on the other.

There is a playground for the kids and large expanses of lawn with BBQ sets spread out around the park.

We met up with some scientists from UNH who were doing experiments on tidal currents in the harbor. A side road we did not take had signage pointing to areas for underwater diving and a longer sandy beach. The whole park is 88 acres.

The ‘cribs’ in the photo above are the remains of a harbor defense system from WWII. They were designed to thwart attacks from the sea. The building above, on Wood Island, has undergone extensive renovation and repair work in the past few years. It also stood guard over the Portsmouth Harbor defending against attack by submarines. Eventually, a museum will open when the renovations are completed inside and out.

Whaleback Light

Yes, found another Maine lighthouse on this trip!

Portsmouth Harbor

Across the harbor, in Portsmouth, NH are the remains of Ft Constitution. To the left is the Portsmouth Harbor Light. The imposing structure behind is ‘The Castle’ a former Navy prison.

Lobster Roll

No day out is complete without lobster rolls! We found this place ‘clinging’ to the side of the road on Kittery Point. Small sign and a long parking area are the only clues this funky place exists. It’s strictly BYOB and having a picnic tablecloth completes the ambience. The Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier is just that - a pier on the Chauncey Creek. It looks like you could kayak in at high tide.

Another fun day out comes to a close.

Planning your own vacation? Check out our packages and availability! We’ll see you soon.