Portland, Maine - a peaky time!

Next, we got the Greyhound bus to Portland, Maine. By this point winter was really setting in and one day even walking outside was difficult as the snow was falling in sheets against your face so you really couldn't see where you were going!

Portland is the largest city in Maine and one of the attractions is the Old Port.Cobblestone streets, 19th century buildings and lots of bars, boutiques and restaurants line the Old Port district.

We decided to take one of the ferries over to an island called Peaks Island. It is one of the most popular islands and is actually part of the city of Portland. As this was winter and the island is mostly a summer destination, the island seemed quite deserted but this proved to be advantageous for us as we felt we had the whole island to ourselves! The view back to mainland Portland was very grey and drizzly but still felt great to be on an island looking over :-).



Whilst walking around the island we happened upon an idyllic New England white church. I love the idea of getting married in a church like this one day!



We saw a lot of advertisements asking for people to house sit houses on Peaks Island. This was offered free of charge throughout the off season as long as the tenant agreed to look after the family's cat etc. How wonderful to hole yourself up on Peaks Island for the winter all cosy and isolated!

We stopped for lunch at the Cockeyed Gull www.cockeyedgull.com which was delicious and would be great in summer when the view would be magnificient.



We also spent time strolling the streets of Portland and already planning that we would visit again in the summer time when we could take advantage of the harbour.

(We stayed at Inn at St John, 939 Congress Street www.innatstjohn.com which was in an ideal location for the Greyhound station).