A Weekend on the Trails

During weekend walks throughout the year, but particularly in the fall and spring, we regularly include the Capisic Pond Trail as part of our personal walking route, but we wanted to walk it again as part of our official "walk all of the Portland Trails" summer adventure. A recent Press Herald article featured a timely nature talk sponsored by Portland Trails, since the trail will soon disappear while work on the sewer line is completed. Participants on the walk echoed what we noticed-where is Capisic Pond? The cattails are definitely taking over as this picture shows, filling in the area on both sides of Capisic Street.

We will certainly miss this trail over the next few months but hope that this project succeeds in improving the water quality of the area.

Today we stopped at the trail at Martin’s Point. As teachers in the Portland Public Schools, we spent many hours at the old Marine Hospital, which served as the headquarters for the school district until recently. We were amazed at the building that is going on in this area, but confused about the trail. In most of the areas we have hiked, the trailhead is marked with a Portland Trails sign, but this was not the case at Martin’s Point. After walking the paved trail on the water side of the building and checking the Portland Trails map, we concluded that we had indeed walked the trail even though there was no official signage. The memorial to the USS Reuben James (the first Navy ship lost during WWII) and to all the Mainers lost in World War II in sea related duty was a surprise to us and would provide a “teachable moment” for youngsters walking the trail. The highlight of this trail is the gorgeous view.

Finally, we headed to Mackworth Island, where we had spent many hours when our children were young. It’s a great mile plus, gentle trail, hugging the perimeter of Mackworth Island. Parking is easy, although sometimes the lot is full. A new addition to the island is the request for the payment of an entrance fee, which is at the trailhead.

Our memories traveled back to the days of packing a light snack and heading to Mackworth with preschoolers in tow. I think the island provided us with a few moments of sanity and relaxation that we were so grateful for at the time. We know they would have loved the fairy house activity that is now a part of the trail.

Well, maybe we can bring our grandchildren to build a house someday!!!