Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-07-26

Otherwise, | can recall no view with which
% compare it," And this pass is within
bout six hours ride from Burlington, and
;welye hours from Saratoga
The Notch, with its comparatively cool
.ir, and the excitement of the passage
through it, was great rest and rcfreshment'
N the middle Of our days ride. of the rest
If the run to Portiand and Of our little sea
,oyace to Boston, and back to this splendid
beach, will say something in another letter.
e. G. B.
No. IL.
OLD ORCHARD BEACH, July. 1873.
DEAR FREE Press There are occasional
6pe views of mountain outlines on either
hand, after the train emerges from the
Notch but the scenery on the whole
grows tame rapidly, as the White Noun
tains are left behind; and Sebago Lake,
which is skirted by the road for mile or
two. offers almost the only relief worth
mentioning to the monOtony Of pine plains
and small villages with white wooden houses
all of one pattern till you reach the sea side
at Portland.
Your readers have heard something Of the
new route from Lake Champlain to Boston
by way Of Portland, arranged this season.
For the sake of the short sea voyage, we
decided to try it. Arriving at Port
land at half past six in the even
ing, passengers and baggage are
quickly transferred without expense to
holders Of through tickets) along the water
front Of Portland to the dock OF the Port
land and Boston steamers. The steamer
starts for Boston at I. 1t was our good for
tune to take the Forest City, one Of the best
boats of the line. She is staunch boat Of
something over LOO tons burden, COM
manded by Captain Donovan, whose kindly
face and staid ways reminded me OF Captain
P. 7. Davis, long one Of the best and most
substantial captains on Lake Champlain.
81 have followed the sea. said Captain Don
ovan. "now for over thirty years, and never
yet was sick day" "And this line oil
steamers has run for over twenty years and
never had but one serious mishap-a collis-
ion in fog-snd never lost passenger.
OF course we sought the open forward
deck, without delay, in order to see the
most Of Portland Harbor. We were for
tunate in finding there an acquaintance in
the person of Mr.. Goodwin, City Engineer
of Portland, whose former connection with
the Coast Survey and Light House Depart
ment lakes him q walking encyclopedia OF
interesting information in regard to this por-
ton of the coast. We noted, Of course, the
land locked stretch of the Harbor; the break
water; the forts-Preble, Gorges and Scam
nell which guard the channels; the
Islands, with their hotels and places OF Sum-
mer resort, and the rocky shores Of Casco
Bay, along which lay our course; and the
change from land to sea, with the fresh ocean
breeze and cool air. made right pleasant
change after the heat and WEAKNESS OF the
day. We made the most of our hour and
half Of daylight then went below to get an
excellent supper. and then returned to the
deck, to see the moonlight on the ocean and
watch the lights in the Lighthouses on shore
some white, some red, some double, some
fixed and some intermittent and varied by
flashes, which mark every headland in the
way-for an hour or two longer before we
sought our state-rooms.
The steamer had been at her dock in Bos-
ton for two hours, when we woke next morn
ing, and most of the passengers had left.
Breakfast was served for US on the boat, and
we gave the day to riding and sightseeing in
Boston and its beautiful environs. The day
was warm but not overpowering showers
in the night had laid the dust and VIC made
long and pleasant and profitable day OF it.
for the details of which have no space.
At seven in the evening. We were again
on board the Forest City, and the boat was
soon pushing out through Boston Harbor. II
was full of boats and shipping and moving
life, and the ride for ten miles or so through
the harbor. past Forts Warren and indie
pendence, and the points and Islands, is
very interesting one. The night was un
eventtul and the morning found US at thu
Franklin wharf in Portland.
do not see why this route from Burling
ton to Boston should not take good many
passengers in the Summer season. In ah
solute economy of time. of course, it does no
equal the more direct route; but 1t costs NJ
more than any other, and for those who art
familiar with the others. it affords variety
Some persons would as soon spend day OF
the cars and night on the boat, as day OF
the cars and day in Boston hotel; and Tor
many, as for US. the little sea trip and sight o
two OF the finest and most interesting harbor
on the Atlantic coast is strong inducement
That with many people it is favorite wa,
of going from Portland to Boston and vic
versa, is shown by the number of passenger
of all classes which throng the boats an
l have only to say further that any one VIII
is lucky enough to be commended to tn
especial care of Mr. j. B. Coyle, Jr., tn
bright and courteous Portland agent Of tn
steamers, who is son of Mr.. j. B. Coyle. Q
Portla nd, one of tie chief owners Of tn
line, may deem himself particularly fol
tunate. &. &. b.