Portland’s Eastern Prom

On Tuesday after Steve and Amy were done with work, and after some excellent lobster rolls, we decided to take a walk on Portland’s Eastern Promenade. In order to get there, we walked up some steep streets, past some interesting art, and found ourselves on a high, grassy hill overlooking Back Cove (which I had walked completely around earlier that same day). The setting sun was a luminous orange ball, and its reflection in the water was a glowing pathway. My iPhone photos just couldn’t do it justice.

A steep, rocky path led down to the western end of the Eastern Prom Trail. As we walked past a long graffiti-covered wall and a water treatment plant, I wondered briefly if this had been a good idea. But the concrete soon gave way to trees - we were in a large park designed by the Olmsted Brothers (sons of noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted). The trail continued along the water’s edge, offering sweeping views of Casco Bay. It was a cool evening, perfect weather for strolling. We saw an abandoned railroad swing bridge, a dog-friendly beach, and Fort Gorges in the distance. As we rounded a bend and approached Portland Harbor, we passed a narrow-gauge train and a busy marina. There were two stately schooners coming into port, perhaps returning from a sunset sail.

Best of all, we were with Amy. It was wonderful to share this relaxing, scenic walk with her. We had so much to talk about! Darkness had fallen, and we ended our walk at the start of the Old Port district, which we would explore another day.