Fishing boats in
Gloucester harbor
Fisherman's Memorial
statue, right outside our B&B
Deb in her glory, parked
in front of our B&B
For her birthday, I gave Deb a 'just us' weekend away and a chance to drive her dream car, a BMW Z3. We stayed at the Harbor View Inn in Gloucester, MA, which was very nice and had a great location right on the harbor. Bright and early Monday morning we picked up Deb's Z3 3.0 from Fantasy Motors in Beverly just a few miles down the road. Bob at Fantasy was really great, and the car was sparkling outside in the sun when we pulled up. We immediately headed for the coast to just drive and see some lighthouses.
|
Fishing boats in Gloucester harbor |
Fisherman's Memorial statue, right outside our B&B |
Deb in her glory, parked in front of our B&B |
Our first lighthouse stop was at Cape Neddick Light, or Nubble light as it is also known. This is a very picturesque lighthouse, but it is not open to the public. As a matter of fact, the only way to get to it is via boat or a tiny cablecar (no thanks). Deb was 'thrilled beyond reason' to be finally driving her dream car, and I'm sure the beautiful coastal route through New Hampshire helped.
 On the coast of Maine |
 Cape Neddick Light |
After Cape Neddick we headed to our main goal, Portland Head Light. Easily one of the most beautiful and photogenic lighthouses there is, Portland Head did not disappoint. We spent a few hours in the park walking around the light, climbing rocks, checking out and old fort, and generally having a great time. It rained a tiny bit on us on the way to Portland, just enough to put the top up for 5 minutes.
 Deb in front of Portland Head Lighthouse |
 Coast Guard helicopter and lighthouse from the north side |
 Check out the kayaker |
 Portland Head Light from the South |
 Nice offshore lighthouse with rainbow |
 Us in front of the light |
 Checking on Michael |
 You better believe it |
Just up the road from Portland Head was Spring Point Ledge light, which is on a long jetty in Portland harbor. Deb was not too thrilled with the walk out there on the rocks, but being the trooper she is she managed it with a smile. South of Portland Head is Cape Elizabeth Light.
We had a great time on Monday with the BMW. Easily the fastest car I've every driven (it's about 1/2 second quicker to 60 than the Corrado was), it was an absolute rocket. We nicknamed it "Mr. Furious" for the way it would launch from a stoplight. Top down, foot down, you'd be at 60 before the guy behind you finished taking his foot off the brake. We returned the car Tuesday morning, and stopped at Mystic Seaport on the way home.
 Spring Point Ledge as seen through a gun hole in a battery |
 The walk out to the light |
 Spring Point Ledge Light |
 Cape Elizabeth Light East |
 Mmmmm |
 All good things must come to an end, and Deb was mature about it |
 A cool wheel at Mystic |