Working Waterfront

As I've ridden up and down the coast of Maine for the past few months, little more than finding a quiet spot for a picnic, and thoroughly enjoying every inch of my native state of Maine, has occupied my mind. As I gaze in wonder at the glorious and bountiful beauty of the ocean, it's easy to forget that a large but shrinking percentage of Maine people work very hard on the sea.

Here at the Falmouth Town Landing, few of the boats floating at anchor are purely for pleasure. This is a part of the working waterfront.

Here near the end of the dock, one can see the homes of those fortunate enough to live on the water; and who could ask for a more pleasant "back yard," even at low tide.

But as I enjoy the late afternoon sun, a pair of fishermen prepare to go to work. Unhooking the little rubber raft, they haul it to the boat ramp.

Then it's into the ocean for the short run to their fishing boat.

Boarding the boat, they quickly put to sea.

Father and child walk along the shore, heading up the bank to a home in just the right place - smack on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean!