The thunderstorms that were forecast for yesterday stayed out of Portland, so I capitalized on the unexpectedly fine weather with a quick kayak trip around the harbor and a lunch stop on Fort Gorges.

After putting in at East End Beach, I hugged the shoreline and paddled around the point toward the inner harbor, soon encountering a class of beginning kayakers who had just launched from Portland Yacht Services.

A class of beginner kayakers got started just off Portland Yacht Services yesterday.
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

A bit farther along I was awed by the grandiose cruise ship that was tied up at Maine State Pier; the "Grandeur of the Seas" dominated the port-scape.

The cruise ship "Grandeur of the Seas" was tied up yesterday afternoon at Maine State Pier.
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

Crossing the harbor to the SoPo side, I paddled past Bug Light before heading directly toward Hog Island, aka Fort Gorges.

Heading toward Fort Gorges from the SoPo side of the harbor yesterday.
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

Lots of traffic in the harbor! Casco Bay Lines ferries were scooting to and fro, while powerboats and sailboats were crisscrossing each other's wakes.

Lots of traffic in the harbor yesterday!
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

The tide was very low -- full moon Saturday night -- when I arrived at the Fort. Beaching on a cozy gravel bar, I did a quick walk around the fort, then enjoyed a picnic lunch on the massive granite blocks of the old quay.

Two red kayaks approach Fort Gorges, with the sprawling yacht anchorage at Falmouth Foreside in the background.
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

I didn't have much company. Only a handful of fellow 'yakers and a few powerboaters stopped for quick explorations.

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