The other day I looked at my Facebook memories and realised that I used to be a lot less boring than I am now. I’ve done roadtrips across the entire US and explored countries on my own but lately I haven’t spent a night away from home in ages.
Determined to rectify this sad situation I decided to book a weekend on my own up in Maine at late notice. I booked round trip tickets on the Amtrak Downeaster to Portland, a 110 mile, 2.5 hour trip from home (Amtrak isn’t known for its speed). I was a little worried that it would be freezing and terrible especially as they got a foot of snow 2 days before my trip but it wasn’t too cold in the end.
There’s a number of inhabited small islands in the waters surrounding Portland and they have a daily mailboat service. For just 16 dollars I booked a 3 hour trip on the boat and got some great views of coastal Maine. It was cold as hell out on the water and I was the only one dumb enough to be up on deck but I love being by the sea. Hope you like the photos from my trip!
Old England to New England 
Brrrr 🌬 We’ve just got rid of our snow and we are at last in positive temps. Great photos 👏🏻
I’m glad it’s warming up for you! We have 12-18 inches of snow tomorrow so I can’t wait for that haha.
I spoke too late, snow forecast next week 😕
Noooooo!
So jealous. Don’t care if it’s freezing, nothing like being on deck in the Atlantic.
It was wonderful, I smelled of the sea after which is my favourite. 🙂
The pictures are great. I can almost feel the chill. But I really like that Amtrak pic. I have friends in Maine and they told me about the train because I don’t like flying. It would be a long way though as I am in California. I would have to go in the summer, though. Can’t do freezing.
Yeah I’d avoid being here from December to March, we’re due 12-18 inches of snow tomorrow and it’s not the best time of year!
I’ve been to Portland for a 1/2 day trip but didn’t know about the small islands. I’ll be back in the Boston area this summer and also visiting Maine, so might come back for that!
I would definitely recommend the trip around the islands and they do a number of trips to the individual ones too. Wasn’t worth it this time because everything on them is closed out of season but if I go back I’ll do it. If you need any Boston area tips I’m your guy! 😛
🙂 Thank you, I might take you up on that!
I was going to say “Cool trip, Tom!” Though looking at those photos, it was as cold as the Arctic!!!!!!
Interesting nonetheless.
Dookes
The air temperature was like 2C which wasn’t too bad but on the water with the sea breeze it was brutal haha.
Blimey, it was colder in Cornwall last week!