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Casco Bay, Maine ~ An Island a Day by Nate Soule
Stand by the shores of Casco
Bay on the coast of Maine and you may expect to find ocean as
far as the eye can see. Instead seemingly endless islands dot
the seascape. Sometimes called the Calendar Islands, there is
rumored to be an island in the bay for every day of the year.
Stretching from Cape Elizabeth
to Cape Small these islands with their rocky shores and rustic
way of life define the stereotypical New England coastline.
Mostly uninhabited, they provide a serene escape from everyday
life. Their natural beauty and their sheer numbers create a
place one could visit every day and still never have completely
explored.
With an island for every day
of the year there is more than enough shelter from the wind to
allow everything from large fishing vessels to solo kayaks to
roam the bay. While sandy beaches are few and far between here,
the rock strewn shores and miles of nature trails can supply a
continual source of enjoyment.
If you know where to look the Casco Bay islands
will also provide a glimpse of Maine maritime history. Being
located on the eastern most part of the country, these islands
served their time during World War II as bases and look outs for
German U-Boats.
Kendall Tavern
Bed and Breakfast is a lovingly restored early 1800's farmhouse
in the peaceful village of Freeport in Maine's mid-coast region.
Great towers and forts still remain on Jewel Island, and while
mostly converted to homes now, the military buildings on Great Diamond
Island are hard to miss. During the war anti-submarine nets and mines
were deployed at many harbor entrances and the islands took on a front
line role. Even before WWII Casco Bay held military purposes. In 1858
Fort Georges was constructed and armed for the Civil War, Spanish
American War, and was used to store submarine mines during WWI.
Many opportunities await those looking
to enjoy the islands for their less historical characteristics.
Chebeague is the largest of the Casco Bay islands, and one of the few
with a year round population. Ferry service takes visitors from Portland
or nearby Cousins' Island to the perfect setting for an adventuresome
hike or leisurely bike ride. You can finish the day off with a delicious
dinner and a night's rest at the breath taking Chebeague Inn. Great
Diamond Island also offers an exceptional dining experience at the
Diamond's Edge restaurant in Diamond's Cove. Peaks and Long islands both
present dining opportunities to their guests and their proximity to
Portland makes them popular tourist attractions.
If you are looking for a little less
populated destination then you have literally hundreds of choices. You
can relax on the beaches of Sand Island, watch the seals bask on the
rocks of French Island, or setup a picturesque camping site on one of
the Gosling islands. Many of these smaller islands will require you to
provide your own transportation, but kayak, canoe, sail, and motor boat
rentals all provide easy access.
Whether you are looking for fine
dining, a historical stroll, or a relaxing day on the beach Casco Bay
offers something for every visitor and an island for every day of the
year.
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information about accommodations, recreation, dining and much
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