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.
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