Baby nuthatch raucously chirp, chirp, chirp from their nest tucked into the honeysuckle bush directly outside my window. Oh, what a welcoming sound! It has been too silent since the ducks and birds went nesting in mid-April. Hopefully the innocent chirping is an indication that ducklings will soon be at home on the tidal basin and the south bank duck channel will again be filled with mallard families. The new, expanded population will return only when the ducklings can survive any dangers of an urban environment.
In spite of the absent water fowl, abundant flora activity has changed the foot path landscape from barren winter to numerous shades of lush spring greens. Blooming linden trees, ringing the cove, fill the air with their delicious scent. Combined with the aromatic honeysuckle, it is a sweet ride or walk on the Boulevard. Residences on the embankment are framed with flowering white pears, golden forsythia, pink and yellow honeysuckle, purple lilacs, magenta azaleas, daffodils, tulips and violets galore. It is a pallate of springs glorious fabric. A feast for the eye. A perfect spring day. Let's take it all in.
Beginning at the public parking area located in the south east corner, we'll take to the Back Cove foot path to enjoy the pastoral serenity of this Frederick Law Olmsted designed park. In the northeast corner, we'll connect to the harbor walk which will take us into the Portland waterfront and the Old Port. I have dubbed this outing my "urban walk."
It is high noon and a southeast breeze keeps the sun from feeling too warm on the skin. (One must be careful not to become dehydrated in these conditions as both sun and wind absorb bodily fluids.) People of all ages and nationalities are out walking, jogging and bicycling on this picture perfect Memorial Day. On these days the foot path can become congested so going against the human tide, which flows clockwise, we will walk east and then north along the 295 corridor.
In spite of the absent water fowl, abundant flora activity has changed the foot path landscape from barren winter to numerous shades of lush spring greens. Blooming linden trees, ringing the cove, fill the air with their delicious scent. Combined with the aromatic honeysuckle, it is a sweet ride or walk on the Boulevard. Residences on the embankment are framed with flowering white pears, golden forsythia, pink and yellow honeysuckle, purple lilacs, magenta azaleas, daffodils, tulips and violets galore. It is a pallate of springs glorious fabric. A feast for the eye. A perfect spring day. Let's take it all in.
Beginning at the public parking area located in the south east corner, we'll take to the Back Cove foot path to enjoy the pastoral serenity of this Frederick Law Olmsted designed park. In the northeast corner, we'll connect to the harbor walk which will take us into the Portland waterfront and the Old Port. I have dubbed this outing my "urban walk."
It is high noon and a southeast breeze keeps the sun from feeling too warm on the skin. (One must be careful not to become dehydrated in these conditions as both sun and wind absorb bodily fluids.) People of all ages and nationalities are out walking, jogging and bicycling on this picture perfect Memorial Day. On these days the foot path can become congested so going against the human tide, which flows clockwise, we will walk east and then north along the 295 corridor.
It is on this eastern shore that Portland's Stonehenge is constructed. One of the city's unidentified artists creates formations from existing rocks lying seaside. Mother nature has claimed some of the delicately balanced towers, but many are built to withstand her fury and remain just as they were created in the summer of 2007. Always a work in progress, new creations replace the fallen. It has become part of the ever changing Back Cove landscape. Passing this natural sculpture garden on my left, I continue walking up the incline that puts me level with I 295 and continue until it drops down and under the highway. From the peaceful, contained Back Cove, I emerge from the dark, noisy underpass to the expansive Casco Bay on my left.
A bit like Alice going through the rabbit hole. The transition is quick, the view breathtaking. The great Atlantic, dotted with the 365 Calender Islands, spreads out as far as the eye can see.
The cement walkway announces the urban landscape we have entered. Half mile along the way, we happen upon the graffiti wall. Today an artist is practicing his craft and repainting this ever changing vibrant cement scape. Referring to the design draft on paper, he applies the image to the wall. With spray paint can in hand, his motion brings to life what was once just a vision in his mind. Once complete, tools of the trade will be removed and the walk will be left clean of rubbish. The wall remains for enjoyment or another artistic endeavor.
A bit like Alice going through the rabbit hole. The transition is quick, the view breathtaking. The great Atlantic, dotted with the 365 Calender Islands, spreads out as far as the eye can see.
The cement walkway announces the urban landscape we have entered. Half mile along the way, we happen upon the graffiti wall. Today an artist is practicing his craft and repainting this ever changing vibrant cement scape. Referring to the design draft on paper, he applies the image to the wall. With spray paint can in hand, his motion brings to life what was once just a vision in his mind. Once complete, tools of the trade will be removed and the walk will be left clean of rubbish. The wall remains for enjoyment or another artistic endeavor.Quickly from there I happen upon East End Beach where boats are being launched and a few sun bathers spot the sand. It seems more like July 4 then Memorial Day. A few steps further and I come upon "Picnic Urbana." The beach is lined with two rows of three foot high
sand mounds built to hold the fishing poles.
sand mounds built to hold the fishing poles.No casting and release here. Fishermen are enjoying libations by the rock barrier. This is fishing for food, not sport, brought to the beach of Casco Bay from another land.
Eventually we reach the mouth of the Fore River. Following the curvature of the river, the walk way takes us towards town and the bustle of Commercial Street. We also follow the tracks of The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad which provides rides for the young and young at heart. Operated and maintained by a corps of volunteers, the train was salvaged from a town in Southeastern Massachusetts and transported on flatbed trucks to its new home in Portland. Each year more track is laid and the shore line ride gains in length. In December, lights and decorations are placed to brighten the way. Rumor has it that Santa sometimes makes a visit.
Soon we've reached the corner of Commercial and India Streets where the new Ocean Terminal has been constructed. During the summer and early fall months, cruise ships and the high speed "CAT" come and go. Lots of life on the waterfront.
Just a few blocks away, I'll find the Porthole Restaurant on Custom House Wharf. Good food at reasonable prices. Once replenished, I reverse my direction and begin the return journey. Accesses to the foot path and harbor walk are frequent so plan what is suitable for you. Round trip my way is about 4.5 miles. Good walking shoes are always a must!
As you're enjoying our beautiful city, maybe I'll see you "out there!"
Madeline
Soon we've reached the corner of Commercial and India Streets where the new Ocean Terminal has been constructed. During the summer and early fall months, cruise ships and the high speed "CAT" come and go. Lots of life on the waterfront.
Just a few blocks away, I'll find the Porthole Restaurant on Custom House Wharf. Good food at reasonable prices. Once replenished, I reverse my direction and begin the return journey. Accesses to the foot path and harbor walk are frequent so plan what is suitable for you. Round trip my way is about 4.5 miles. Good walking shoes are always a must!
As you're enjoying our beautiful city, maybe I'll see you "out there!"
Madeline
No comments:
Post a Comment