Sep 16, 2012 - Mainly Maine

We packed up early before the rain was scheduled to come and hit some on the road which was the first time we have seen rain while driving for a long time. We weren't in it for too long and that was good because our first stop was going to be an in and outdoors adventure. We took a two hour tour of the Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport ME. This consisted of 12 buildings with people in most to tell you about them. At one point in time Searsport had more ship captains then all other US ports combined. There were great artifacts and...

Jul 3, 2012 - Bar Harbor and Camden, Maine

We met Ryan and Kelly, son and daughter-in-law, in Camden, Maine Friday June 29th. We arrived in Maine on June 14th. This gave us a couple of weeks to relax and stay in one spot before meeting them. We picked Bar Harbor, Maine and Acadia National Park as the spot to explore. Acadia National Park Highlights: * We rode most of the 57 mile network of carriage roads constructed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. between 1913 and 1940 for hikers, bikers, horseback riders and carriages. They were constructed of broken stone and were actually compacted...

Jun 25, 2012 - Arrive Camden, Maine

Miles traveled today: 44 Total Trip miles 1901 Rain, rain go away cause it has been raining all day. Arrived around noon today, went to the Marriner Restaurant for the world's best Clam Chowder. Back to the RV for a nap, still raining. Staying in tonight will post more tomorrow. P.S. Before arriving in Camden, we stopped at the Maine State Prison Store in Thomaston. All the items for sale are hand made by the inmates. Beautiful wooden chests, Sailboats, toys and birdhouses are just a few of the many items in the store. We all leave with a...

Sep 1, 2011 - final field trip

After another session critiquing photos, we piled into vans for a short ride to Rockport. Our first stop was to see the Oreo cows, more properly known as the Belted Galloways at Aldermere Farm. This 136-acre farm is owned by Maine Coast Heritage Trust, a statewide land conservation organization dedicated to protecting the scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, ecological diversity, and working landscapes of the Maine coast. The Trust maintains Aldermere as a working farm and educational center, helping visitors deepen their...

Aug 31, 2011 - where the mountain meets the sea

We are camped on the side of Mt. Battie, an 800 foot pile of granite which provides great views of Camden town and the sea below. An ambitious member of our group has hiked from town to the mountain top every day at sunrise. Less ambitious folks such as ourselves can get in the car and drive up. Because we are living on site we have taken the drive to the summit at sunrise, sunset and midmorning. The shifting light and changing tides made each viewing unique. Because the hurricane took so much moisture with it, we can see all the way to...

Aug 30, 2011 - Bayside Village

We first became aware of the scenic communities left behind when the Methodists established summer prayer camps while we visited Martha's Vineyard. Apparently there are a number of such developments in New England that began in the 1850's. A large prayer tent would be erected in a grassy field. Worshippers would bring smaller tents to live in around it. Some folks who came were too poor to own a tent and would rent a "room" within the canvas walls. While religion provided the impetus for these summer migrations, getting away from the hot,...

Aug 29, 2011 - harbor photo safari

The day began with an introduction to digital photography. I always worry a bit when we attend such sessions. Either I listen to Ken grinding his teeth, as the instructor gives misinformation or he starts to ask pointed questions and the instructor gets defensive. But our teacher here is quite well informed and disarmingly modest. From the get go he made it clear that he is not the fountain of wisdom and encouraged us to share what we knew. His role as an instructor is a daunting one since the class ranges from folks who barely know how to...

Aug 28, 2011 - kudus to the weatherman

Our night in the parking lot in Freeport was uneventful until a hard rain woke us. The rain was not really all that dramatic, but on the fiberglass roof the sound is always amplified. We watched the forecast again and the weatherman's advice was to be where you want to be by 10am when the hurricane was scheduled to arrive here. Our original plan was to shop a bit more, but we hit the road in advance of the strong winds forecasted. Traffic was light as was the wind. When the road took us to higher elevations, it was foggy as we entered the...

Jul 11, 2011 - Travel to Camden, Maine

Today we arrived at Camden Hills Campground around 1:00. We set up and then drove into town for what else? A bowl of clam chowder!! We are becoming obsessed with our search for the best bowl of clam chowder in New England. We think we found it today at the Mariner Restaurant. After lunch, we took a drive up through Camden Hills State Park to the top of Mount Battie. We had great views of the city and beautiful harbor. The Penabscot Bay is the largest bay on the eastern coast with over 30 miles of shoreline. On our drive back into town, we...

Jun 23, 2011 - Sailing

Yesterday we finally got the opportunity to go on a sailing ship in Penobscot Bay. The ship was great and the capt and mate very informative, but as luck would have it there was no breeze worth speaking of. We made the best of it and got to cruise around to see some of the wildlife and scenery. I guess we will have to go again on a windy day for Penny to really experience sailing. Hope everyone is well! Gary & Penny

Jun 23, 2011 - Lighthouse

Since we have been in Maine it is amazing how many great things we have seen. We went out for a drive today and happened upon this lighthouse that was almost a mile walk out into Rockland Bay. We walked out and had lunch sitting at the end of the jetty it sits on. Just another great day! Gary & Penny

Jun 21, 2011 - Camden, Me

We are currently camping at Camden State Park in Camden, Maine. This campground and the entire area is really nice. Today Penny and I hiked the strenuous 3 mile trail through a heavily wooded mountains of Maine. Upon arrival at the top of famous Mount Battie the view was spectacular. We could see the glorious Camden Harbor and picturesque Penobscot Bay. Penny made me say that! This was of course after riding our bicycles to the start point of the trail. Needless to say our flat lander legs are not happy with us. Tomorrow we will try again...