Dawn at the Docks

Old wharf pilings in Portland Maine at dawn — Old wharf pilings in Portland, Maine, on a chilly fall morning. The pilings form beautiful abstract shapes.

PORTLAND, MAINE – Anyone who knows me knows that I am not an early morning person, so getting up in the pre-dawn dark on a chilly morning to take photos at the waterfront in Portland, Maine, was a bit of an effort. However, my friend Jodi bribed me with a thermos of coffee, and drove us to Portland to join some other photographers.

The location we were photographing was the old wharf pilings just off the Eastern Promenade Trail (Thames Street), overlooking Portland Harbor and the Fore River. It’s just past the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad. (More about that later.)

TIP: When photographing in cold weather, wear fingerless gloves, or the stretchy kind with little grips on the fingers, so you can operate your camera (or phone) with ease. I like the eGloves from FoxglovesInc.com.

Boats at dawn in Portland Maine — Boats appear blue in the early morning light.

Old Trains

When it grew light, we walked over to take photos of the railways cars resting on the narrow gauge railway nearby. The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum is a popular visitor attraction, and it offers train rides on narrow, 2-foot (610 mm) tracks.

You can take a ride on board a historic train – pulled by vintage steam or diesel locomotives. The train ride lasts about 35 minutes, a 3-mile round trip along the Eastern Promenade in downtown Portland. Train crew or history docents provide historical information as you enjoy the scenery.

The trains and museum traditionally open April 1st. Check their website and Facebook for up-to-date information.