The Portland daily press., 1878-07-15
A Delightful Excursion.

| The much talked of excursion to the mouth
of the Kennebec river on the steamer Forest
City came off Saturday under the most favor
able auspices. Owing to the dali aspect of the
early morning many who had decided to go
were deferred from so doing There were
however between 500 and 600 On board of the
steamer when she slowly moved from Frank
lin wharf dock soon after 10 O'Clock. The
party was an exceptionally fne one Their Q
being no disturbing element on board that was
visible. On the water the sun was warm and
bright, and a fresh sea breeze made the
atmosphere delightful.
Capt. Donovan in his usual obliging manner
consulted the passengers as to which route to
take down through the harbor and then chose
the course which would please the greatest
number His selection was wise one as all
on board were free 10 admit. The steamer ran
down between Peakes' aud Hog Islands,
crossed Broad solLd, sailed the whols length
of Long Island and then passed aronnd the
lower end and out by Great Chebeague She
passed Long, Eagle and Ministerial islands and
went out through Mark Island passage run
ming very near the monument which is used to
direct ships to Harpswell harbor. From here
Half Way Rock light could be seen p'ainly. A
short distance from Mark Island brought The
steamer out into the open oceao without a
single spot of land to break thu force of the
waves which were too high for tho comfort for
some on board. A porgy steamer was seen
rolling in very Industrious manner AMI the
very sight OF her drove many of the excur-
sionists below. The course lay straight for
Cape Small Point AMI wheo this was reached
there was lull in the waves and many of the
ladies who had gone below reappeared. From
Cape Small Point the steamer sailed to Seguin
which was reached about the time that the
gong announced dinner ready Cd the lower
deck. Those who were not PROVIDED with
picnic baskets, and had an appetite went
below and Toasted on spring lamb and green
peas. Rounding Seguin light the steamer
directed her course up the broad channel of
the Kennebec passing Pond Island light, Fort
Popham, Parker's head aud going nearly to
Phippsburg where large vessel was seen on
the stocks, The steamer turned about after
going about five miles up the river, and once
more pointed her bow towards the ocea9. At
Parker's head ths excGrsionistS wars shown
the long slender looking sluiee ways used to
slide ice from the pond up in the mountain
where it is cut down to vesseB in the river.
All the great quantities of ice which comes
from Parker's head comes over. these suice
ways. Repassing Seguin again the steamer
steered straight for HALF Way Rock keeping
outside of all the Islands, although several of
them could be seen quite plainly. Salutes
were exchanged at Half Way Rock and the
steamer then steamed for Portland Head,
rounding Cushing's and Ram Island, and
coming up the ship channel Ga the return
trip the water was very smooth all the way,
and there was but little sickness noticeable
The sail up the harbor was made at about
half speed aud was one of the best features of
the whole trip. The wharf was reached at
about 40 O'Clock and even those who were
sick must have rejoiced that they went, so
delightful was the trip takea az a whole To
those who were not affected by the action of
the wind waves the trip was as ch irming as
could be imagined
1t is hoped tia ,',e company will continue
these excursions, the next time they will
probably go furthfr up the river.