Go Fly A Kite!

On a perfect early spring day at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, it seemed that someone had suggested "Go Fly A Kite!" And a dozen or so eager kite fliers obeyed, filling the clear windy sky in the shadow of Maine's most famous lighthouse with kites large and small.

Portland Head Light became operational on January 10, 1791, lit by 16 whale oil lamps

This fighter-kite was one of the more elaborate objects in the sky

Here, a more traditional kite sails over the sea

Below the remains of the Fort Williams batteries and barracks, visitors stay a respectable distance from the icy ocean.

The big guns are long gone, but the abandoned batteries are still a popular place to visit

Until August, walking the paths in and around the park is more popular than swimming. But for about 20 minutes in late August, the ice melts and a few brave souls put to sea.

Ram Island Ledge Light, a mile from Portland Head light, was auctioned off in 2010 for $190,000 to a Windham surgeon. Since 2001, the light has been solar-powered. Landing a boat - the only way to get to the ledge - has been described as "treacherous." The ledge is under water at high tide; the only way to enter the lighthouse is via a 30-foot ladder.

But you can't beat the view!