There was construction at the Sacramento Airport and our airline Jet Blue was temporarily relocated to Terminal B. We were taking the red eye and managed to order wine at the VinoVolo before they moved us out so the could set up for the next morning.

We arrived in Portland Maine, tired but did walk around to keep from falling asleep. Bob sketched the old US Custom House.

We had lunch at Gilbert’s Chowder House where he sketched a model sail ship hanging from the ceiling.

We had a fabulous dinner (e.g., roasted exotic mushroom and fiddlehead salad) at the Fore Restaurant (no sign on street), recommended by friends.

ROCKLAND 5/14

Due to weather (the tail of a raging nor’easter), our ship could not dock in Portland. We were put aboard buses to Rockland ME. The walk to the ship was difficult and dangerous, with the crew helping us navigate the pitching and rolling wharf.

Bob painted a wharf restaurant across from our boat.

The next day we visited he Sail, Steam and Power museum and heard a fascinating lecture and looked at the photos and models of various types of boats.

BUCKSPORT 5/16

The storm abated and we were able to return to our schedule and explore Bucksport ME where Barbara drew a former paper mill being deconstructed for its scrap metal while Bob drew our boat the American Line Independence from onshore.

 

The towns had tides that ranged from 12-14 feet due to their proximity to the Bay of Fundy.

BAR HARBOR 5/16

CASTINE 5/17 AM

BELFAST 5/17 PM

Belfast was a very progressive town with regard to the number of bookstores and the types of books on display.

CAMDEN 5/18

The weather had gone from very cold to very warm. Barbara had to buy a t-shirt at Camden prices (it is a very nice t-shirt).

BATH 5/19

Bath ME was the largest of the small towns on our tour. It remains a major shipbuilding center. Here too, we saw many bookstores and the library was a busy place.

Aboard the ship, we ate very well.