Day 58 - Portland Pics - Long Lens Day

Sometimes it's fun just to throw a lens on your camera and "run with it." Today was such a day; let's call it long lens day. I have a 70-300 zoom for my Canon 7D that I rarely use. That's sad, because it's a great lens. So why don't I use it more? Well, pretty simple answer - long lenses require more patience (I'm short of that) and, for best results, a trusty tripod. Hey...who do you think I am, anyway...Wildlife Willie Reid? Nosirree - not me! If I can't grab and run at a moments notice, I leave it at home. But, I heard the long lens crying in my camera bag last night, so I just "went for it."

Here's the results. We went back to Portland. It is an amazingly scenic and beautiful city. The Old Port area is especially nice. Obviously, if you pay attention to its name, Portland is, well...a port. Thus, it's on the coast and comes fully equipped with lotsa boats and fishermen and the like. I dig that kinda stuff, and so does my camera. We began our 4 mile walk at the wharf in Old Port.

Click the pic...for larger image!

Boats love to hang around here as well...

Can you imagine living dockside? 

From there we followed another path similar to the one in Perkins Cove. Seems Maine is really big on providing creature comforts for hikers, bikers and tourists. Makes sense since they get a lot of income form visitors. The path lead us from downtown Old Port along a recreational area which just happens to look out into the Atlantic Ocean. That made for a few nice snaps:

Apple Trees are in bloom all over this area - kinda nice!

Convenient location for a lighthouse as well

Don't ask what these are; I have no idea who planted them here nor why.

Boats belong in the water as sure as animals belong in the woods

More boats doing what boats do best...floating (and looking sexy)

Ultimately, we cut back on a street named Congress which took us through an older, downtown, residential area. We passed by homes, shops and ultimately a cemetery dating back to the 1600s. Some strategically placed flags gave it a definite Memorial Day air.

1668 - Older than me!

Nice floral touch

Several flags throughout the grounds

Couldn't help think about Memorial Day in a solemn way.

Finally, we turned back towards the wharf from whence we began our trek. Lots of interesting sights, especially the architecture. It's a constant reminder that this ain't Texas, folks!

Conjoined structures near Commercial St.

Tasteful

Coastal Local

Bathing Beauty

Street Scene

Why, you ask? I was curious what was open on the 3rd floor, of course! And...how you get there!!

Great local brews and dogs

Authentic watchtower. Not quite as useful today, however.

All in all, it was a great day. All three of use, Lizzy, Lenny and Lensy (my telephoto lens) got a nice workout. Now we must hunker down for a couple of grayzy, rainy Mainey days. Hey it's worth it!