Meandering Up the Coast

Posted on August 23, 2014 | by Annmarie Kelly

We got an early start this morning because I wanted to take a side trip to Bailey’s Island and Orr’s Island, two small islands in the Casco Bay off the coast of Portland. We had a quick breakfast and made a fast trip to Trader Joe’s for some supplies to tide us over at the cottage until we got around to shopping. Then it was off to the islands.

I learned about them from Peggy, a Mainer who was servicing the account I use for the notebooks I add to The Girlfriend Gala gift bags. I called the company one day and could tell from Peggy’s speech that she lived in Maine; I asked where. When I told her I knew her area and that I vacation Downeast, Peggy was off to the races! I furiously took notes with each “have you ever been to…” and “you can’t go home without…” suggestion Peggy gave me. I wouldn’t have known most of them from any book

These islands were two of her suggestions.

We could have gotten to the islands by mail ferry, but in the interest of meandering, Joseph and I decided to drive. Glad we did!

The two islands are home to a mix of year-round and summer residents. You can almost always tell which is which. There are lobster boats and traps everywhere. For a tourist like me, they added more color and interest to the already beautiful scenery.

Orr’s and Bailey’s are connected by the Cribstone Bridge, one of the most interesting bridges I’ve ever seen or walked across. It was built in the late 1920’s. Its purpose was to connect the two islands. But the challenge was building a bridge that would withstand the changing tides. What resulted was a bridge made of granite chunks, connected in such a way that the water could easily pass through from tide to tide. It’s the only one of its kind in the world, acknowledged as an engineering feat and listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

I found this article about the bridge. What’s funny about it is that, even in 1926, the bridge was controversial: Cribstone Bridge.

After driving to the end of Bailey’s Island (Land’s End), we drove back toward Orr’s Island and the mainland. Though we had a lunch up the coast already planned, were a little hungry. So before crossing the bridge again, we stopped at the Cribstone Grill for a snack – onions rings and quesadillas. It was so coastal Maine…on the water, nothing fancy, no air conditioning and open windows all around. We sat next to what was a sliding glass door. I don’t know if it previously led to something, but if it did, it didn’t now…but the slider was open, allowing air to come in through the screened-in half of the door. I was sitting next to it, looking out the opposite window…or so I thought. When Joseph asked me if I wanted to switch, I declined because I could see the water just fine out [what I thought was] the other window.

Just before we got our food, I used the ladies room. When I returned, I realized that the “window” through which I was seeing such a beautiful view was actually a mirror. It was right next to a side window (that actually did have a water view). Turns out Joseph and I were looking at the same scene…only my was just a reflection – and I was drinking ice tea – the non-alcoholic kind!!! Once I fessed up, we laughed at like two little kids. The people at the next table wondered what was so funny…and I think they almost asked us. I was grateful that they didn’t!

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What are the Maine Diaries?

The Maine Diaries is a fun look at my annual adventure to New England where I unwind from normal life and reconnect with myself.

I was captivated by the Maine Coast on my first trip there in the late 90’s. In the years since, I’ve traveled up and down the coast from Kittery to Calais but I spend most of my Maine time Downeast. I love the adventures I have and the chance to unwind from the world and restore my inner clarity. I chronicle my experiences in The Maine Diaries.

Maine Diaries

Every year Annmarie Kelly embarks on a trip to Maine where she reflects on her life, the years challenges and successes while seeking solace and adventure in the beautiful Northeast wilderness.