Bathing in History at Bath, Maine

     I'm totally smitten with Bath, Maine. Every time I learn a bit more about this town, I fall more in love.  The town was a busy wharf and ship-building town in the 1800s for ocean-going commercial ships because of the Kennebec River's tides that reversed the river's current. Boats would time arrivals and departures with the tides; no currents to fight. Today, however, it's a pleasure boat mecca and arts-craft-farmer's market during summer months.

There's a 5-mile hiking trail here; known as the Whiskeag Trail.

Saw these unusual "flower" mushrooms on the trail.

The library's original building was built in 1889, and additions have kept the same architectural style.

Historic homes are plentiful in this town. And kids ride their bikes here without adult supervision.

This home converted to The Cosmopolitan Club is across the street from the library.

There are several old churches; this one's the Winter Street Parish restored for special events. Down the street is another beautiful old church known as the Chocolate Church.

The town rebuilt its 19th Century bandstand in the park near the library. Twice a week in the summer, their local band plays here.

     Folks walk here with their lawn chairs to hear two hours of good music and talk with their neighbors.

     I shared a park bench with a couple from town and we talked about many things. They spend on average $7,000 annually to heat their large home! Plus extra for wood for their fireplaces. They were equally shocked to know my heating bill in Texas is about $300 for the entire winter.
     Every half hour during the band concert, the Trolley passed by and rang its bell.

The next night, folks visited the Riverside Park to hear folk singers.

     In contrast to Texas' crowds which hoot, holler and howl loudly with approval, this New England crowd politely clapped quietly.

     And, the town's local YMCA has a Jacuzzi and a great indoor pool! Besides a heating bill in the winter, what's not to love about this town, eh?