Seconds

It was my second choice.
I was going to use this image for theme day, but I thought better of it. 
This is a shot taken at the bottom of the Portland Observatory, looking straight up. The building has been around since 1807 and is the last surviving maritime signal tower in the United States.  Before radio communication made it obsolete, the tower, standing 86 feet and octagonal in shape, was used to signal ships with both a telescope and various flags hoisted to provide information for and about approaching ships. Today, it is maintained by Portland Landmarks and is open throughout the late spring and summer for tours. I've heard that neighborhood children were once allowed free rein and could play all day up and down its 7 stories. That would have been something. This 'playground' would have put most of my forts and treehouses to shame. Since my first trip up the stairs on a high school field trip, I made the stair climb a few more times.
What a view!
As you might imagine, it's the best 'take' on the city.

*I took this photograph in a strong, afternoon sun. It's a bit funky how the bottom got rather washed out in color.