Friday, August 26, 2011

Portland Maine and watching Irene…

glacial lake

Portland Maine 037The weather in the area for the Thursday was predicted to have a rainy afternoon as a cold front was blowing into the state of New Hampshire. The same cold front that seems to be pushing the predicted path of Irene a bit further east every time they update their maps.

So here we are about 90 NW of Portland ME and as of now we plan on staying put… but we have topped off the diesel tank (and the gas in the toad) and will top off the water before Sunday.  Yes we are watching the path of Irene very closely and will leave if we feel it looks too dangerous to stay. We hope to head to Camden Hills, Maine on Tuesday if all looks okay there.

portland maineWith rain forecast in NH due to the cold front we decided to take off on a two hour drive over to Portland, Maine. We were planning on leaving NH on Sunday to go to Maine but have cancelled our stay in Maine for Sunday and Monday and added the days here in New Hampshire. One of the days we cancelled in Maine we had planned to tour Portland ME so we decided to go today.

glacial lake 2The drive over was pretty scenic with the Mountains in NH slowly yielding to the smaller hills of coastal Maine dotted with glacial lakes. As we closed in on Portland ME the traffic picked up and was pretty bad for the last half hour. Portland in Maine's largest city and with 1/3 of all the people in ME living in the Portland metro area it was no wonder the traffic was bad…

The first residents in the area are dated back to 1623 and after enduring several major fires in the area Portland had become the capital of Maine after it became a state in 1820. The capital later moved to Augusta. Portland's downtown area today is vibrant and full of activity. We spent some time walking around and enjoying the Waterfront neighborhood and then headed for the northernmost Trader Joe’s to stock up on our favorite Trader Joe’s goodies.NH mts night of fog and rain

On the way home we stopped at a roadside vendor and bought some fresh off the boat haddock and soft shell lobster and both were only $3.99 per pound… Less than half the price we have ever seen lobster anywhere else. So it should have been no surprise what dinner was tonight…

3.99 per lb lobster

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10 comments:

  1. where's weaverAugust 26, 2011 at 7:19 AM

    We will be praying for your safety with this storm. You are being so smart with filling up the rig and car! Stay safe.

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  2. Karen and AlAugust 26, 2011 at 7:27 AM

    I sure hope Irene doesn't hit you too hard. Remember, even if you aren't in the eye, hurricanes often spawn tornadoes. Stay safe.

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  3. Catherine, Jo Beth and GraceAugust 26, 2011 at 7:54 AM

    Lobster looks great. If you have to leave, stock up on it first :)

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  4. HappytrailsAugust 26, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    You all stay safe!! Karen is so right....I grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida and know first hand how these storms can get ugly. Be careful my friends!!

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  5. Margie and RogerAugust 26, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    Oh, lucky you getting to enjoying those lobsters! Hope they were delicious. Hope Irene avoids you so you can continue to enjoy your trip. Stay safe.

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  6. Donna KAugust 26, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    Safe safe and out of Irene's way. Sounds like she has a temper on!

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  7. our awesome travelsAugust 26, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    prepared for the storm that you hope does not find you is all you can do, then enjoy those delicious looking lobsters!

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  8. SherryAugust 26, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    OH boy I LOVE lobster! Wish I could have dropped by for dinner. Hope the storm passes you by.


    Sherry
    www.directionofourdreams.blogspot.com

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  9. MerikayAugust 26, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    YUMM! I had lobster in Maine about 44 years ago. It was so good! Something to look forward to again in the future! We will do it.

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  10. UnknownAugust 27, 2011 at 12:08 AM

    Was wondering how you were and how close to Irene you'd be. Let's hope it is not as bad as predicted.

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