After Work Adventures- Mackworth Island

After seeing some of the pictures of our adventures around Portland, and friend from work recommended that Thom and I should visit Mackworth Island. This past Sunday we decided to give it a try and ventured on over. Mackworth Island is a small island just off the coast of Falmouth, which is the next town north of Portland. The island is home to the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf, which is private, but the parameter is public lands maintained by the Maine Department of Parks and Recreation which contains a 1.25 mile trail with views of Casco Bay, pathways down to the shore, and a fairy village.

The island scenery is absolutely beautiful. We visited on a clear day, and had views of Fort Gorges and Portland Headlight. We also followed a path down to a pebble beach with views of Portland. Our only complaint was the wind coming right off the ocean made the trail rather chilly, we really should have brought jackets. On the other hand, we plan on visiting again on a hot summer evening. Natural air conditioning at it's best.

The scenery on the island was equally beautiful. Old growth forest with various shrubs and wild flowers. We had a strong nor'easter blow through a few years ago, and the island is definitely still recovering. You still see trees toppled over with lace-like networks of roots. There is also a community fairy village, where visitors are encouraged to build fairy houses out of sticks and pinecones found on the island.

The trail is a very easy 1.25 miles. It is mostly level, and paved with gravel. We spent an hour going around the island and taking in the scenery and did not feel tired at all. The trails going down to the shore can be a little steep, but at one point there are a set of steps make access easier.


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After Work Adventures- Fore River Sanctuary

Thom and I have driven past the trail head for the Fore River Sanctuary countless times, so I suggested that we check it out for our evening walk. The Fore River Sanctuary is a 85 acre preserve around the Fore River and surrounding salt marshes. A two mile hiking trail winds along the river and ends at Jewell Falls, Portland's only naturally occurring waterfall.

Unfortunately, the sun was already rather low in the sky when we arrived at the trail head, so we were only able to explore the first half mile or so of the trail. Spring is definitely not the most ideal time to visit the Fore River Sanctuary, the wetlands were very much so still in their winter slumber mode. We were able to see two pairs of ducks.

With the exception of a bit of a hill to get down into the sanctuary, the hill is for the most part flat, and there are even boardwalks and bridges to get over the muddy areas. Thom was not a fan of the proximity of houses to the park, at times you definitely feel as though you are walking through someone's backyard. I am sure that feeling goes away as the leaves fill in on the trees. The history geek in me really enjoyed the fact that the park is the site of a canal that was used to connect the working waterfront of Portland to Sebago Lake. I was intrigued with the idea of walking on what used to be a horse trail to pull the boats through the canal.

We will definitely be returning to the Fore River Sanctuary, just a bit later in the year when we have more time before sunset and the leaves and grasses have had a chance to fill in. The scenery is pretty, and I want to find the waterfall.

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After Work Adventures- Baxter Woods

Thom and I have lived in Portland for almost two years, and we are just have just now discovered the diverse network of trails within the city. With spring finally upon us, we have been exploring the trails in the evenings after work with our hiking buddy, Dakota.

Our first adventure was to Baxter Woods, which is a 30-acre wooded area with a loop trail. It is a nice green space to take a stroll on a spring evening. Baxter Woods is also dog-friendly, which Dakota enjoys. It is nice to be able to let her go off leash and socialize with other dogs.

It is a nice easy walk on level ground through towering pine, oak and ash trees. There is also a pond on the Forest Ave end. We are particularly fond of Baxter Woods because it is not very far from our apartment, so we will be sure to frequent the park throughout the summer.


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