Old Orchard Beach and Salem

August 21st

We left Portland in the late afternoon and stopped off at Old Orchard Beach for some old fashioned boardwalk fun. After several games of skeet ball (my Hoffman's Playland arcade skills were way rusty and Chris won most of the games) and a quick ride on the roller coaster, we hit the Fun Wheel for some nice views of the ocean and the pier.

After a long overpriced late lunch, we rolled into Salem. We arrived after all of the "museums" had closed but I can't say I was disappointed.

After messing around in the shops all selling the same ubiquitous witch paraphernalia, the message was clear that this town is a one trick pony. I only regret that I didn't get a chance to stop by the New England Pirate Museum. Arrrrrrgh.

We did spend some time exploring the graves in the creepy cemetery next to the Samuel Pickman House.

Why would someone want this image on their tomb? (Read my smart friend Amy's comment here for the answer.)

There was a section of stones set in a garden paying tribute to the actual women and men who were killed during the witch trials in 1692. This poor bastard was PRESSED TO DEATH!

And if the graveyard wasn't spooky enough on its own, the trees inside seemed ideal for a hanging.

To see more creepster photos from this day you can stop by the set here.

Liberty Ships and Peaks Island

August 20th

My day in Portland was super busy and I took an obscene amount of photos. I encourage you to look through them all here as my camera caught some really nice shots, especially on Peaks Island. However, if I post them all to the blog, I fear it might implode.

My first stop was the S.S. John W. Brown, which happened to be in port.

One of two surviving fully operational Liberty ships preserved in the United States, the Brown is the result of an emergency shipbuilding program from World War II that resulted in the construction of more than 2,700 ships, most of which were dismantled for scrap metal. This ship is on tour (with its team of tug boats) operating as a museum about the men and women who built the fleet and those who sailed them during the war. You can go here to learn more about the boat and the project.

We spent a lot of time exploring the big guns and the engine room. It's amazing this boat still runs on its original steam engine and can power itself around the ocean.

The idea of having to use this medical facility was terrifying.

After the WWII history lesson, we hopped the ferry over to Peaks Island. One of over 211 islands in Casco Bay it is home to 1,000 year round residents. I had a field day exploring the summer houses and photographing the awesome rocks on the shore. People left tons of little impromptu rock sculptures like this on the beach:

There are a ton of photos of the rocks in the full set of photos. Be sure to check them out.

Every time I pass something like this I think, "Well, at least I don't work at THIS museum." My favorite part about the Umbrella Cover Museum was the sign that said they were "mostly" open Monday-Thursday.

After a few cocktails, we caught the evening ferry back just in time to see the amazing sunset over the Portland skyline.

Portland

August 19th

As the subway travel ads advised me, I "cheated" on New York and went on a little road trip to New England.

First stop: Portland, Maine. I arrived just in time for a late dinner and a little ramble around.

Adopt A Neighborhood - City Island

August 18th

First of all, just a quick reminder that you can click on any of the images in the blog to see a full screen version. I try to post the photos small to conserve space, as you will see was needed in this particular episode.

Anyway, on this AAN adventure, my trusty companions and I travelled to the far reaches of the Bronx to the bizarre City Island. This small community is located just beyond Pelham Bay Park and surrounded by the waters of western Long Island Sound and Eastchester Bay. It is approximately 1.5 miles long by 0.5 miles wide and feels like a New England fishing village. You can read more about the history and such here and see the full set of images from our day here.

We primarily went to wander around and get a feel for the architecture,

(Um, this is special)

oddities,

(yes that is a couch at the end of the pier)

boats,

(Check out the NYC Skyline in the background)

and cram some delicious seafood and drinks into our faces.

It was an awesome summer day, followed up by a free play courtesy of Chris's roommate. If you're into political humor, check out Will Durst: The All-American Sport of Bipartisan Bashing currently on Broadway.

And just one last note of personal thanks to the dude that figured out small wires keep nasty mangey birds away from my seafood dinner. Budweiser Real Man of Genius, Mr. Bird Wire Keeper Outer Inventor, I salute you.

(Nah nah nah nah nah, you dirty bastard!)

Fun With Puddles

August 17th

Wow. I just realized how far behind I was in posting! Hang with me as I get caught up with my own life. Anyway, without any further bullshit from me, I present fun with New York puddles and other random shit!

You know a place is classy when you get your bill on a post-it note from a drug company! But, they do have the best nachos!

Subway stickers are fun.

Treated with what? Dog pee?