Just like the band Spinal Tap, not all the stops on Asa’s World Tour of Maine go as planned. Such was the case on our visit in August to Topsham, Maine. Online the Head of the Tide Park is described as access to the seven mile long Cathance River Corridor Historical Trail. What it doesn’t mention is the trail goes through the Cathance River Nature Preserve, which is not dog friendly. Now don’t get me wrong, the Head of the Tide Park is interesting. I learned about the first sawmill that turned into a lucrative feldspar mill. Feldspar was used in manufacturing before the invention of plastic. And there was a short dog friendly trail, but the best places described in the reviews are all located at the preserve, which is not dog friendly.
However being a professional, I decided to make a of go of it, and posed for photos by the old mill machinery…
…Before assuming my spot on the tiny stage.
But then I heard a ruckus in the parking lot. There was a large chicken, who apparently did not like its reflection in Dad’s car. However unlike the “Psycho Chicken,” in the less than family friendly song by The Fools, this chicken did not run run run run run run run away! But with Dad’s help we managed to convince it to leave his car alone.
Speaking of help, we met a lovely woman at this small park and picnic area, who realizing our disappointment, recommended a walk on the campus at Bowdoin College, a private liberal arts college in Brunswick, Maine. Which is exactly what we did!
Chartered in 1794 and opened in 1802, Bowdoin College is Maine’s oldest institution of higher learning. Named for James Bowdoin, a statesman and the first president of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, famous alumni include author Nathaniel Hawthorne, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and President Franklin Pierce! It is also the alma mater of world traveler Robert Peary, who led an expedition to the North Pole! The polar bear mascot is a nod to Bowdoin’s Arctic connections, as well as a reminder to all alumni “to be at home in all lands and places, no matter how far from Maine.”
Today it is also home to the Maine State Music Theater. During my August visit, I was too late to audition for this season’s shows, but they’ve already announced next year’s lineup, as well as some interesting concerts this fall. You can find out more at MSMT.org. I wonder if they’ve cast the role of Sven, Kristoff’s reindeer friend, in next year’s production of Frozen?
I’m sorry I didn’t ask my new best friend’s name at Head of the Tide Park, but I am grateful for her stepping up to be my tour manager that day. We had a lovely walk on the campus in Brunswick, Maine. As for my feisty chicken friend at the Topsham trailhead, I appreciate you taking your job as parking lot attendant serious, but maybe you’re more suited to a different line of work?
Anyways, this walk at the Bowdoin College, led to a visit to their extension campus on Orr’s Island. But that is a story for another day, as I continue to work my way through a backlog of posts while I heal from surgery. Thank you for joining me on this stop on Asa’s World Tour of Maine.
