We had heard from some of our campground guests that taking a ride on the mail boat ferry was a great thing to do. The Casco Bay Ferry Lines operates several daily mail runs, stopping at several islands in Casco Bay. This ferry doesn't carry vehicles; just cargo and passengers heading to and from the islands - and tourists who just want a nice ride on the bay. We both enjoy boat rides and the weather was sunny, although a bit breezy and cool on the bay.
Right before we left the dock in Portland, a school bus pulled up and about a dozen middle and high school students got on the ferry. As we later found out, the schools on the various islands are only K-5, so the ferry provides the transportation from the island the students live on to Portland, where they attend school. Notice how high the 2nd deck, just below the wheelhouse, is above the water which is about 8 feet below the dock.
Paul is checking the map to see what islands we will be visiting. Yes, the weather is cool enough to wear jeans and a sweatshirt even though the sun is shining.
We passed these ocean tugs on our way out of Portland Harbor. The building near the tugs with the slanted roof is the Ocean Gateway Terminal, where cruise ships dock.
Celebrity Line's Summit was in port this day, with over 2000 passengers and nearly 1000 crew members flooding the streets of the Old Port tourist district.
We were able to now see lighthouses near Portland from the water, with a view of Bug Light...
and Spring Point Ledge Light, which we toured in July.
As we passed Cushing Island, we could see what remains of Fort Leavitt. This fort was built for coastal defense in 1898 and remained manned until the end of WWII by the U.S. Army's Ordnance Department.
Cushing Island is now privately owned by a family that operates a Lobster Bake business during the summer months. We could see their large tent used for seating for the lobster bakes as we passed by the island.
Our first stop on our "mail run" was at Little Diamond Island. There are about 60 homes on the island, mostly summer rental properties. There are less than 10 year-round residents. The building in the front right with the red roof is called the casino. During the summer, residents of the island participate in many evening activities at the casino.
Here is a view of some other homes tucked in among the trees along the shoreline on
Little Diamond Island. This is truly Maine's island living, which is the lifestyle tradition of many New England families during the summer months. No quick runs to the grocery store here!
Along the way we passed this industrial ferry carrying two cement trucks and a dump truck. Companies with large commercial vehicles must schedule a ferry if they wish to get their equipment to the islands in Casco Bay.
Our ferry often unloaded cargo when we stopped at the various islands. Here, building supplies are being unloaded at Long Island by two crew members--one manning the crane controls and the other crewman on the dock holding a steadying line. No, not the Long Island in New York. This paneling was strapped between two pallets, both of which got broken during the unloading process as the load shifted in the stiff wind when a deckhand lowered the crane to the dock. An indication of the wind strength can be seen as the flag is standing straight out.
The crew also unloaded pallets of food for small stores and restaurants located on these islands.
Long Island was a fueling depot for the U.S. Navy during WWII. Huge fuel tanks have now been replaced by homes.
The cargo was stored on the stern portion of the lower deck. Here are a few of crates that have not been delivered, all shrink wrapped with cellophane and sitting on wood pallets.
Mail, the large bag on top of the pallet on the right, is visible as well. These packages are marked with a CH for our last stop, Great Chebeague Island.
Once we got past Long Island, the water became very choppy. Mix the choppy water with the wind, notice the wind blowing the cords on Paul's sweatshirt. We laughed when we suddenly were sprayed by salt water while standing on the 2nd deck. We wiped the salt water from our glasses and moved to the stern of the ferry where we were less likely to get wet!
As we came back into the Portland port area, we could see the Summit cruise ship headed out towards the Atlantic. The ferry, seen between the stern of the Summit and Spring Point Ledge Light, is the Machigonne II. This ferry is used to make the trip between Portland and Peaks Island. Machigonne was the name given to the peninsula or neck of land by the Indians. This neck of land is now called Portland.
We had a great day on the water observing island life from a tourist's viewpoint. Islanders, whether year-round or permanent residents, need to go into town every so often to stock up on groceries, visit doctors/dentists, etc. The ferries provide the means for transportation between their island and Portland on the mainland.
What a cool day!
ReplyDelete