Cloudy and a bit foggy as we docked in Portland today, but the probability of rain was low. We continued to get lucky with the weather.
Portland has a long history as a fishing and shipping center, and during the 19th century it was a manufacturing powerhouse. It was Montreal’s ice free port from about 1860 until 1920 – the terminus of the Grand Trunk Railway. Now it is more of a financial, IT and tourist city.
We didn’t have to get up early and dash off the ship today. We were docked right downtown and all we planned was a walking tour of the Old Port area.
The Old Port is a series of redeveloped industrial buldings along Commercial Street. This 1904 Working Man’s Club was originally an alcohol free facility for Irish mill and dock workers. It is now an office building.
The old W L Blake building now features shops and condos. The area reminded us of the Cleveland Warehouse district, or maybe Binghamton with waterfront.
The harbor was just across the street. Commercial Street was originally built on old harborside pilings.
A reminder of Portland’s nautical heritage.
The Old Customs Building was built in 1872, after the disastrous Great Portland Fire. 150 years later it remains a Federal Government building.
More harbor views as we walked through the Old Port Area. This one gave me a sort of Vlaardingen NL vibe.
Time to do a little souvenir shopping at the Shipwreck and Cargo boutique.
On our way back to the ship, we passed the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum. Their tiny excursion train was just getting ready for another trip. All aboard!
Back on board now. We had a chance to see the Portland skyline before the fog started to close in again.
One of the many busy Casco Bay Ferries on its way to the Portland ferry terminal.
We had an early departure because of our longish sail over to Halifax. As a result our sailaway took place in daylight for a change. Here we pass the breakwater and lighthouse on our way out to sea.
These are the remains of Fort Preble, which was part of the Portland Harbor defenses for close to 150 years.
Nearly past the headland now, and the last of the buoys and channel markers.
Finally time to drop off the pilot, and set sail for Canada. Halifax, here we come!