Leaf Peepers

On October 8th, Bruce and I began our adventure to head back east to Maine to visit the coast. I've wanted to go for so long but never worked out since I was teaching but now we are beginning to do things on our bucket list. Because of the weather issues and the air traffic, we decided to fly commercially so we left Wichita very early on Saturday the 8th. After a hangup in New York we ended up in Bangor by 6:00 pm. We checked into our hotel and then left on Sunday for Southwest Harbor. On our way, we discovered Pentebcost Bay which boasts an incredible observatory from their bridge. I was a little hesitant to go up in that that thing, but I'm so glad I did. Bruce really enjoyed looking at the construction and the views weren't bad either.

 View from the top of the bridge looking at Bucksport. There is a paper mill there also which we enjoyed seeing.

 We went up the elevator to the top of this pier.

 The bridge on the left was replaced by the new construction..

You can see the bridge in the distant background!

 downtown Bucksport where we ate at a grille overlooking the river.

 The Pentebcost Bay bridge in the background.

 This is the large papermill on the river. We read they were planning on laying off 125 employees.

 So sad.

The river....from the top of the bridge.

Fort Knox was part of the tour area next to the Pentebcost Bridge. This was built to protect our nation from enemies wanting to infiltrate our bays and rivers and then move inland from there.  A basic stronghold.

 We got to witness reenactors this Sunday and Bruce really enjoyed talking to the guys about the history of this site and how this cannon worked.

 The reenactors were truly engaged with the public.

 I can't believe I got a shot of this actually going off. It was so LOUD!!

 Inside of Ft. Knox was this cannon! Massive.

This area which is the center of Ft. Knox is where the troops would gather for exercise, drills, etc.

This was a view towards the paper mill from Ft. Knox where the cannon was sitting. After spending most of the day here, we drove on to Southwest Harbor....

 This is the harbor across from our B & B. The tide is out....
they unload lobsters in this area - very busy place!

 another view off the dock.....

 The Coast Guard with some of their boats docked here.

That is lobster buoys all over the harbor. I had no idea they trapped lobsters so far inland.

and that was only our first day! More to come......

Just some of the beautiful color we encountered!