Wabanaki

A blue hour view near the bow of the Wabanaki, the newest vessel of Casco Bay Lines. 

Random Acts of "Art"

It's not all museum-quality work, but there is never a lack of random pieces of art around town. Some of it is certainly more artistic than others. Some is little more than vandalism, a random scribble of letters or a phrase, while some is less of an annoyance. Here are three random pieces from the past few weeks:

From back in May:

Fountain in the Oaks

Had to snap a quick (hand-held) shot across the pond after last evening's Twilight in the Park Event at Deering Oaks:

Twilight in the Park

The Hospice of Southern Maine's annual Twilight in the Park event was held earlier this evening in Deering Oaks Park. This was the first time I've checked the event out so I wasn't sure what to expect. It ended up being a perfect evening for the event, which, as advertised, was a moving experience. Each of the luminaria were dedicated to a specific person who is no longer with us.

Harbor Watch

Looking beyond the Custom House towards the harbor. The Nova Star ferry can be seen backing into its spot at Ocean Gateway.

Portland Shades of Grey

A colorless view from the East End Beach this past Sunday. I only had to desaturate the original version of this photo a tiny bit to make it completely black and white. 

Textile & Fashion

A glimpse inside the Maine College of Art's relatively new Textile and Fashion Design space next door to their main campus on Free Street. 

The Last of Us

What appears to be the last bunch of flowers on State Street poking through an old fence:

Sunset Spot

The park around Bug Light in South Portland is almost always a good spot to watch the sunset.

Trail to Ale 2014

The annual Trail to Ale race, a fundraiser for Portland Trails, was held this morning. The "rain or shine" event featured 1,871 participants running or walking the scenic 10k course. I was there early as a set-up volunteer, and also got to take control of the Portland Trails Instagram account for the day. Check it out here for more of today's photos and be sure to give them a "follow." Some of my photos from previous years can also be seen here. 

From a Window Seat

A view towards the Portland Observatory looking through a Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad car. 

Wharfside

A pleasant nautical scene from Union Wharf:

Under Construction: September 2014 (2)

I left a few locations off of my post earlier this month so it's time for another entry.

First is the project on Maine Wharf (to the left) which may include a restaurant on the first floor and office space above:

Sheridan Street Apartments, which will sit on a 45 degree incline below Standpipe Park. Hoping the views from the Park aren't negatively impacted.

Munjoy Heights rises in the distance. And in the foreground, the current location of Casale's Auto on Washington Avenue may become the site of East Cove Townhomes.

And for good measure, an update on West End Place.

Block of Bricks

A late afternoon sun lighting up the front of the Thomas Block on Commercial Street:

West St.

Pictured today is a sunflower on West Street. Sidewalk-based gardens (in the area between the sidewalk and the road), such as this one, are a nice way for residents to show off their green thumbs and make their street a little more picturesque. 

When You Look to the West

Your standard bench and sunset photo at the Western Promenade last evening:

Martin's Point Bridge, 2014

I did a quick walk-by of the new Martin's Point Bridge today. A "grand opening bash" was held along the pedestrian and bicycle walkway on the east side of the bridge and along the Portland approach. 

Modern Day Explorer

The Explorer of the Seas, one of the cruise ships in town today, pictured at Ocean Gateway. Some of the tourists on board might have been disappointed by the afternoon weather, but I think Portland tends to be rather photogenic with some cloud cover and passing showers. 

Top of the Hill

A view from above the Hilltop Superette and North Street from the Portland Observatory:

Harvest Moon

The moon rising beyond the State Street Church earlier this week:

Light the Way

A recent view of the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse, otherwise known as Bug Light, in South Portland. You would be correct to assume that I also have some skyline shots to share from this spot. 

Portland Welcomes You

I'm not sure if the city is going for a rustic vibe, or if these signs around town just need to be replaced. I like the design overall but I think it's time for a refresh!

Under Construction: September 2014

Time for an update on some of the new buildings rising around the peninsula. In no particular order:

409 Cumberland Avenue,  housing by Avesta. 

118 on Munjoy Hill, luxury condos with first floor retail.

West End Place, apartments with first floor retail on the corner of Pine and Brackett Streets.

Munjoy Heights, luxury townhomes off of Walnut Street.

Maine Medical Center, Bramhall Campus expansion (new operating rooms). 

Sun & Water

A recent sunset reflected off of the water of Casco Bay between South Portland and Portland:

Bike Corral

Portland's first bike corral was set up on Friday in front of Crema Coffee and Rosemont Market on Commercial Street. One bicycle corral can provide temporary parking for up to ten bicycles (as opposed to just one car). You can read more about the project in the city's press release here. If this pilot location goes well then we will hopefully see a few more corrals in front of local businesses next year. 

Jewell Island, Continued

Looking north and east from the Jewell Island observation tower:

The Rita B., which offers fishing trips as well as harbor cruises and tours, was my transportation to the island:

Skyline from Jewell Island

Jewell Island offers a unique view of the Portland skyline if you bring a lens with some reach. I think the land in the foreground is the back side of Peaks Island. 

Commercial Street Abstract

Looking through two windows towards the Custom House. Perhaps partly inspired by some of the paintings by Richard Estes, currently on exhibit at the Portland Museum of Art until September 7th.

Halfway Rock Lighthouse

Here is a view of the Halfway Rock Lighthouse taken from Jewell Island. The lighthouse, currently up for auction, was completed in 1871 and is on the National Register of Historical Places. Its name comes from being located roughly halfway between Cape Elizabeth and Cape Small, the two ends of Casco Bay. 

Jewell Island - The Tower

Pictured here is the observation tower (the island's largest one) that provided my aerial views of Jewell Island: