I just returned from our week at Washburn Cottage. The weather was a little chilly, quite a bit of fog for the first few days and we had a wicked good thunderstorm. Some of our highlights were:
The majestic Portland Head Light (1 hour)
Freeport (40 minutes)
Exploring Bailey Island (shops and Giant Stairs)
Boothbay Harbor (1 hour)
We ate in most of the time, but two notable restaurants were:
David's (on Memorial Way in Portland)
Sea Dog (in Topsham, 30 minutes)
The best highlight was the cottage. Most of our time was spent on the porch reading. We found a lot of seaglass as well. The cottage is fully equipped with everything (but bring a towel for drying dishes). It was my friend's birthday so I made a cake and frosting from scratch. I had everything I needed - baking pan, mixing bowl, spoons, measuring cups/spoons even a hand-held mixer. There are plenty of plates, glasses, mugs and silverware. Go to the cottage before buying spices and things you "might" need. There is sugar, salt, pepper, oregano and other good things there.
Remember how I said it was rainy and foggy? No big deal. There is a cd player, a tv and some movies to watch and plenty of different books and magazines to read. While you need to bring your own sheets, there are plenty of blankets to help stay warm. Even if it's warm during the day, the cottage cools off at night. We bundled up on the porch to read our books until we couldn't see anymore.
Washburn Cottage has the best shore on the west side of Bailey Island. You can watch the tide go in and out and discover little friends the tide left behind. In the evening we were visited by a family of ducks and Harry (the Heron). Grab the binoculars and watch him hunt, the seagulls and other birds dive for their food and the ducks swim along. Though it's not wildlife, the seaglass on the shore is amazing. You can have your own treasure hunt.
The pictures do not do the cottage justice, it is cozy and quiet. If you are looking for a sprawling mansion on the water, this is not for you. If you are looking for a place that's in the middle of it all with lots to do, it's not for you. It is a cozy cottage, wooden inside which a huge, covered wrap-around porch. It was clean when we arrived and we tried to leave it just as clean when we left. Lois is very easy to communicate with. I have recommended it to friends but I need to be careful because I want it to be available for me next year!
