Day 9 Portland, Maine

As the ship made its way slowly into Portland, we were surrounded by fog.  It did not look a promising day at all

 but within an hour the fog started to lift

and we ended up with a glorious day

The strangest thing is though, the fog returned in another three hours - almost in the middle of the day.  This apparently is common.  It did not distract from the tours that we had planned.  Philip was booked on a bike ride and I had a walking culinary tour to look forward to.

Philip was first off the rank with his tour beginning at 9am.  He loved it and was pleased that the bikes were not electric.  The tour was called "Explore the coast by bike and on foot". The group rode to Macworth Island (approximately 1 hour) and then hiked for around an hour before returning to the ship around 12.30.

We both met at the pool bar for lunch as my tour, Portland Culinary Walking Tour,  didn't start until 2pm -  It was written in big letters on my tour voucher that the tour DID NOT INCLUDE LUNCH, so I had quite a hearty lunch before meeting up with my tour guide.  I should have known better. American idea of a "tasting" is far different to my idea!

As we departed the ship our first stop was at a cute restaurant on the waterfront where were given Lobster Rolls!  I love lobster and even though the rolls were relatively small they were hearty fare.

Next stop was at a pub, that was full of character, for Seafood Chowder washed down with the publicans own craft beer.  This was once again a very very hearty "meal".  So much for the "tastings" that I was expecting.

I did not have more than a sip of beer and a few spoonfuls of soup - even though it was bloody delicious.  My tummy was full to the brim.  

We then continued our walk around Portland.  It is a gorgeous town full of character with its cobblestone streets and historic wharves.  It has become a culinary destination celebrated for its fresh seafood and thriving craft beer industry. 

Just when I thought the food tastings might be finished we stopped once again for Blueberry/Banana Smoothies to wash down giant Cookies.  Not just one cookie though.  We were given four of them.  Fortunately they were bagged so I brought them home for Philip to enjoy.

The tour was great, but had I known the size of the "tastings"  I would never had lunch before I left.  It might be a good time for me now to have a long fast…….