The traveling manatees by Nancy French: Portland, ME

Old Port

Located on Casco Bay, Portland is home to almost one-third of Maine’s residents. The brick sidewalks, restored buildings from the 1800s, cobblestone streets and old piers remind you that this was once a vital commercial region, and the city continues to be a major industrial center in New England. The old seaport area, known locally as Old Port, now consists primarily of restaurants, shops, and galleries.

Within the city’s Art District, Portland Museum of Art is currently featuring one of the largest exhibits ever of the oil paintings by Winslow Homer. We spent several hours perusing the collection. The exhibit is being held in conjunction with the completion and grand opening of the renovated Prout’s Neck Studio, which was purchased by the Museum several years ago. Homer spent his final 27 years living and working at this location.

Portland Head Light

Visiting the nearby Portland Head Light located at Cape Elizabeth at the entrance to Portland Harbor, we found the park crowded with visitors taking advantage of perhaps one of the last sunny, warm weekends before the weather starts altering outdoor activities. This is the same bay we had the opportunity to explore last summer with our friend, Captain Richard in his sailboat.

Turbat's Creek

A short visit in the Kennebunkport area allowed Alan a few days to paint at Turbat’s Creek. This was a site he had favored during the Mel Stabin watercolor workshop last year.

It also gave us a chance to have our final Maine lobster dinner. Now we’re moving away from the water and toward the changing leaves in the mountains of New Hampshire.