Day Two: Portland - Castine

Lighthouse Window

I began this day at the Portland Head Light. Even though this is probably the most photographed lighthouse in the country, I still find myself drawn here with my camera. The challenge is to find that fresh perspective that no one has found before. I was fortunate to arrive at that golden moment when the early morning sun was striking the lighthouse and dancing on the water below.

 

Sunrise, Portland Head Light

The drive to Castine took about three hours, longer than I would have thought from just looking at the map. Castine is a bit remote, lying about 16 miles south of Route 1. Even though the directions and signs I saw were clear, I still had some lingering doubts I would actually find it. But then the picturesque "downtown" suddenly appears and I realized that I had discovered maybe the most scenic town in all of Maine. It is precisely Castine's remoteness that contributes to its calm beauty and relaxed manner. If you can manage to just kick back and exist in the moment, Castine is full of simple pleasures.

Sailboat, Castine Harbor

One relatively new and not-so-simple pleasure is sea kayaking. Dennet's Wharf has a kayaking guide named Karen who in a few short hours can turn anyone into a serious kayaker. Karen's sweet and bubbly nature combine with the discipline and commitment of a drill sargeant. She has a genuine passion for what she does that comes through in the advice and instruction she offers throughout the tour. I had kayaked before, but one session with her made me a better, more confident kayaker.

After an invigorating and exhausting afternoon on the waters of Castine Harbor, I had dinner on Dennet's Wharf. The sunset was pink and spectacular and I regretted not having my camera at that moment. It seems at times that nature puts on her best shows when I'm unable to capture them, which makes what I'm able to photograph that much more precious.