ME II: Mackworth Island

Oct 15, 2022 · Maine Event

Today was a lovely day cloudy in the morning and sunny afternoon low of 48° and a high of 64°. We got up early and went down to the Portland Farmers' Market in Deering Park. The big news about the park is that for a month or so the pond has been drained and we cannot find out why. Anyway, after the big rains the last few days the pond has water again! The ducks are so happy. Emily's Oysters were at the farmers market and we got many other things as well including some red cabbage sauerkraut, and vegetables and fruits. We had an early lunch of oysters and then I gave a quick presentation and demo of the app to Hesperian's board. Then in the afternoon, we thought we would go to Peaks Island but there was some kind of event and the line to get to the ferry was a mile long. We opted instead to take the bus over the Tukey bridge and then across the Presumpscot river to the edge of Falmouth and then we got off the bus and walked out to Mackworth Island. Here is a map of the area for orientation. Mackworth Island is a State Park and you can drive out there and park and then there are trails around the perimeter and through the middle. There is the Baxter School for the Deaf and Governor Percival Baxter's pet cemetery. Evergreen cemetery and the park across the street are also a Baxter project but that is Mayor Baxter who is Governor Baxter's father. The pet cemetery is totally cool and a tiny bit grim. There are tombstones for two dogs and a horse and then a large rock and plack dedicated to 8 different dogs. I was spellbound and forgot to take pictures but luckily someone else has and here are some closeups. He gave Mackworth island to the State of Maine but in return asked that they maintain the pet cemetery forever. We had a lovely trip back via bus and a walk with dinner at Nura. Then home to cook beans and toast nuts.