View from Burnt Island looking toward Seal Harbor | Click for larger view
A clear and frosty landscape greeted us this Easter Sunday morning. After a Saturday that brought snow and then rain showers, it was a welcomed sight to see the picture perfect weather.
We learned that the Maine State Prison Showroom in Thomaston was to open and decided to make the 45 minute drive to look for Tree Sparrow nest boxes. The showroom hosts over 600 handcrafted products that are made by prisoners in the Maine state prison system. If you like quality woodwork, this is the place for you.
We arrived an hour before the shop was to open and decided to drive to Weskeag Marsh in South Thomaston. The marsh was alive with 16 Great Blue Heron, nearly 50 Snowy Egrets and numerous species of ducks. Osprey hovered above and dove into the Weskeag River, some sucessfully catching fish.
View from Burnt Island looking toward Seal Harbor | Click for larger view
Driving further down the peninsula on Route 73, we went onto Spruce Head Island and Burnt Island. The views were spectacular! Lobster boats dotted Seal Harbor and lobster traps filled the docks. Gulls and Common Eider were feeding in the outgoing tide.
Continuing our loop around the peninsula, we took Route 131 north along the St. George River. All along the way, shops and restaurants had signs announcing open for the season dates. Most of these dates are in the next two weeks.
It wasn’t long and we were back in Thomaston. Thomaston, located southwest of Rockland, is an old seaport popular with tourists and noted for its antique architecture. As early as 1630, a trading post was established on the eastern bank of the St. George River, then considered the boundary between New England and New France.
Thomaston was incorporated from St. Georges Plantation on March 20, 1777. At that time, the town was officially named after John Thomas (general) of the Continental Army, who was from Marshfield, Massachusetts.
Maine State Prison Showroom - Thomaston, Maine | Click for larger view
On the west end of town, we pulled into the Maine State Prison Showroom parking lot. Inside the large retail showroom, woodwork handcrafted by state prisoners line the walls and shelving. Hutches, bookshelves, birder feeders and nest boxes, ships, coffee tables, nic-nacs and other wooden products are sold.
Today was our lucky day as most items were 30% off tagged price. We spent over an hour browsing and came out with a pair of Tree Swallow nest boxes. A coffee table that I wanted was out of stock, but I was promised that more would be in soon. The table featured a scene engraved on the top that included a three masted ship, lighthouse and a wharf. This table will be in my living room before summer arrives! It was time to head back home.
The perfect early spring morning driving along the mid coast of Maine. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else! This is the first post on our new blog. Let us know what you think about it. In the mean time, enjoy the photos!
Site of the soon to open Maine Heritage Village, Wiscasset, Maine | Click for larger view
Maine Heritage Village Lobster Shack Ad | Click for larger view
Route 1 South Sheepscot River Bridge on approach to Wiscasset, Maine | Click for larger view
Howdee John,
Very nice blog.I am sure you will show off Maine and its people and places beautifully.
Where are you going to find the time for two blogs and going back to work…wow. No sleep I guess.
Thanks Dawn!
Oh, I will sleep. It won’t be too bad maintaining two blogs. I maintain 5 other web sites that are mine and have plenty of time for other things.