Trip Report, Part 2

Our second day in Portland was forecast to be a good one before the Nor'easter rolled in, so we took advantage of the sunny skies and headed north to Booth Bay.  Guided by a trusty navigation app that actually worked, we made our way to the Coastal Maine Botanic Garden.  

Straight away we found the bus loading lot but finally made it to a convenient parking spot near the visitor center.  We had earlier gotten tickets online and quickly made our way out into the gardens. 

Wide pedestrian bridges over the bogs connect the VC with the gardens

Fountains, flower beds, and sculptures were tucked into the Maine woods to great effect.  There was some color change*, but nothing stunning.  Still, one could tell that the season was winding down.  By mid-October they'll close except for Christmas light displays. 

The dahlia display was stunning

Dahlia profusion

Panorama

We toured the central gardens and eventually caught one of their little carts and got a narrated tour of some of the backcountry beyond our reach.  We saw 3 of the giant wooden trolls and now are officially hooked on them.  Sadly, the nearest ones to ABQ are in Colorado, at least 6 hours away.

A Damso troll

A second Damso troll

A third Damso troll (out of 5 total)

Afterwards we drove into Booth Bay itself looking for a late lunch.  Our guidebook suggested The Boathouse and we chose it because it had oysters on the menu.  

My lobster sandwich (shared with little Schlepp)

Caro's blueberry pie (ditto)

We had checked my botanical box and Caro got her oysters and blueberry pit.  Mission accomplished.  A splendid fall day! 

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* Stay tuned for Day 3 and the fall colors in the mountains.