Wheelz In Maine – Part Two

No trip to Maine would be complete without a visit to Freeport. The great outdoors lures with kayaking, hiking and camping. Headquarters to the famous L. L. Bean clothing company since it’s founding in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, we were greeted by it’s most famous shoe-the duck boot. The icon converted into a vehicle and stationed at the entrance made for an unforgettable visit. Those teens with newly minted driver permits are sure to take notice.

If you’re living on a budget, like most of us, trek down the street to the L. L. Bean outlet store! Trips for seniors in the USA need to be aware of these limited fixed incomes and search out alternatives like we did.

Strength sapped from our day’s adventures, we returned to our hotel and geared up for the next destination, Portland, ME.

Nestled along the wharf in Portland were boats galore. Stacked like dominoes along piers that jutted out from the main wharf, some were for hire while others were strictly private and had the locked access gates to prove it. Buying a yacht? Sales offices were easy to access and your pleasure cruiser dreams to be fulfilled.

We enjoyed strolling along and dreaming while others locked their love by adding to those who came before.

Remember the fall of the Berlin Wall? With the thawing Cold War in Eastern Europe, on November 9, 1989 the wall between East and West Berlin fell as officials for East Berlin’s Communist Party announced softening talks with the West. Revelers capitalized on the newfound freedom by crossing the border and chipping away at the wall at midnight. Part of that wall made it to Portland, ME. It’s pictured below, right next to all that love!

This is the second instance of love locks we’ve had this year. Remember my post Wheelz in Savannah, GA a couple months ago? There was a bridge with love locks there too! Could this be a sign?

The streets of Portland were hilly and sidewalks were laid with bricks. Charm oozed from its pores. Wearing good walking shoes is definitely a must on senior bus tours.

After cruising the streets of Portland, we were whisked off by our tour bus for a party filled dinner. Kibutzing with our fellow Diamond Tour guests that we ran into in Kennebunkport, a lively time was had by all at Duffy’s Tavern & Grill in Old Orchard Beach, ME.

I’ve always been up with the chickens, so our early morning trip to Pineland Farms in New Gloucester was a treat. Once again all the senior gardeners were in their glory as we stopped at the nearby community garden. As the monastery before, we wandered amongst the flora and fauna enjoying the cool Maine morning. From every variety of hostas you could name, to columbines in three colors, our eyes were popping at the beauty we beheld.

Here are some of the highlights. “Bee” sure to send this story link to all your gardening friends and listen for their “oohs and ahhs” as they browse the pictures below. It was a pollinator’s paradise.

Did I mention that the garden is maintained by an all volunteer crew? There is something to be said for hands in the dirt and minds in the clouds as you age…ask someone over 60, they will concur.

Synopsis of Pineland Farms from their website:

“Located in the rolling hills of New Gloucester, Maine, PINELAND FARMS is a 5,000-acre working farm, diverse business campus and educational and recreational venue that welcomes visitors to enjoy its beautiful rural landscape.

Pineland Farms’ mission is to provide a productive and educational venue that enriches the community by demonstrating responsible farming techniques, offering educational opportunities and encouraging a healthy lifestyle through recreation.”

This multi use property went neglected for years until visionaries took the time to see its potential. We could learn quite a bit from the folks up in New Gloucester.

A taste of home was available as we visited the Equestrian Center at Pineland Farms. The Morgan Horse is highlighted in this state of the art breeding program. The Morgan Horse is known for being reliable, loyal, tireless, and versatile.

“Justin Morgan was a teacher, composer, businessman, and horseman who had moved to Randolph, Vermont, from Springfield, Massachusetts. He acquired a bay colt, born in 1789, giving him the name Figure. As was the practice of the day, Figure became known by his owner’s name, the Justin Morgan horse. This colt was the founding sire of the Morgan breed.” (American Morgan Horse Assn., 2022)

Kentucky breeds thoroughbreds and loving care is a common denominator in both breeds and states.

Valley Farm cows produce enough milk to sell and in turn make cheese for the general store. Stay for a salad, sandwich, or ginger molasses cookie at their fully equipped deli/bakery! Wholesale produce is available at Pineland to locals for pickup and delivery. Click here to order!

Wow, I’m bushed. Stay tuned for Part Three…yes, there will be cars.