Maine State Parks- Two Lights State Park

After spending Saturday hiking around Bradbury Mountain, we decided that a day of relaxing was in order on Sunday. It was another beautiful spring day, so we packed a picnic basket and headed out to Two Lights State Park. Two Lights is located in Cape Elizabeth, not too far from the famed Portland Headlight. To my disappointment, there are no lighthouses visible from Two Lights State Park, apparently the park commemorates the first set of twin lighthouses on the coast of Maine. Both towers are still standing, one is someone's personal home, the other is 17 miles out to sea. Regardless of the lack of lighthouses, Two Lights State Park has plenty of rocky ledges to climb on, and the panoramic views of the ocean are hypnotizing.

Thom and I found a picnic table with a gorgeous view, but then opted for a better view and set up our picnic area right on one of the ledges. A quick view of the tide table revealed that we had arrived approximately half an hour after high tide, so we relaxed, had lunch, and enjoyed the sunshine without concern of being stranded by the tide. We could have spent hours on the ledge, but our dog was uncomfortable with the ocean waves. She can be such a baby sometimes.

Once we climbed off of the rocks, we explored the rest of the park.

Thom found a staircase through the bushes that led to a cluster of picnic areas, complete with barbeque grills. Each spot is nice and secluded with a view of the ocean. As we explored the park, we found other trails with picnic spots. It would make the perfect place for a family picnic. Another walkway goes right along the coast, with more beautiful views and benches to take everything in.

Two Lights really struck a cord with me. It is absolutely beautiful, and I can only imagine how the park looks in the summer when the ocean roses are in bloom. I also love how close it is to our home, only about a 20 minute drive. We will definitely be going back this summer with friends for a cookout. The entire park just screams lazy summer afternoon.

Maine State Parks- Bradbury Mountain

Thom and I purchased a Maine State Park pass at the beginning of the year and we have been impatiently waiting for nice weather so that we can get out and use it. This past weekend fit the bill, temperatures in the 60's with no chance of rain. We took full advantage of my three day weekend from work to do some exploring. 

On Saturday, we visited Bradbury Mountain State Park. The park is on the way to my mother's house, so we have driven past it numerous times. I

had visited the park several times before, but Thom had never visited. The use of the term "mountain" is a bit of a misnomer, it might be a mountain by geological definition, but it is really more of a big hill. Thom and I went up the South Ridge Trail, and it only took us about 45 minutes to reach the summit. That time includes a break at an overlook. We went down the mountain on the Summit Trail, which is essentially a straight drop from the summit to the parking lot, the descent took us about 10 minutes.

Upon arrival at the park, we were informed by the ranger that there was a bird demonstration going on throughout the park. At the summit there were a number of telescopes set up for bird watching, we opted not to participate. Once down the mountain, there was a live bird demonstration by a local bird rehabilitation group. We sat at a picnic table, enjoyed the sunshine, and listened to the stories of the various birds. I also got to meet this little red tailed hawk named Sabre.

Despite the brief hike, the views from the top of Bradbury Mountain are gorgeous. There is also a large picnic area, playground, and campground at the base of the mountain. We plan to go back to Bradbury Mountain throughout the year to keep up with the seasons. It will be nice to see the landscape with the green leaves of summer, and the fall foliage later on.