Draft

Hello my blogging buddies!

I'd like to say how much I have enjoyed this experinece and all the feedback you have provided. It's been a learning experience for sure!

I have posted a draft of my written piece for your comments. I have tried diligently to space out the poem as it appears in a later post - but have had difficulty getting it to show correctly. I wonder if its the positioning of the pics. I varied that. It looks correct in the final piece for publication.....which is a good thing.

I appreciate all of your comments and suggestions!
Thanks!
ML

Writers Blog Draft

Maine
Our Vacation Paradise

I have been fortunate enough to visit many areas of Maine. Each has its own charm. Our vacation this year was a return trip to the Midcoast. We have visited the Boothbay Harbor area for 6 years, and have returned to the same cottage for the past four years.

The Cottage in Ocean Point

The cottage we rent is located in Ocean Point, which is a small community of summer cottages. Many were built in the 1940’s and are situated close together, along winding roads. Sizes and shapes vary from very small to very large. What is always wonderful about Ocean Point is the feeling of community. People can be seen walking their pets, jogging with strollers, riding bikes, or transporting kayaks for an afternoon sail.

The cottage sits right along the shore with a glorious view of the shore. With an enclosed porch on two sides, the cottage affords panoramic views. The shore is rocky and so typical of Maine. The shore shares its rugged and wild nature with each tide. It is fascinating to watch the tides come and go and to see the waves crash against the rocks. It would seem that every sunrise and sunset offers a different view – a new glimpse of the wondrous shoreline.

This view is to the right of the porch.

This view is from toward the center. You can see Rams Head Light on the distant island. The picture below is the view to the left.

We often sit on the porch and have coffee in the morning. It is wonderful watching people stroll by with pets and strollers, some jogging and many with IPods and cameras. As the day progresses we may sit and read, watching the changing tides and the sun cross the horizon. We have dinner outside almost every night. It is wonderful to listen to the waves and talk about the days activities. The cottage brings many thoughts to mind as you take in all there is to see.

A closer view of Rams Head Light.

The schooner, Eastwind, making its way along the coast.

A seagull flying overhead is checking on dinner.

Cottage Thoughts

Waking up with coffee

Watching the shore wake

A view from the porch - so delightful!

Seated in rockers - feeling a gentle breeze

Starting the day with nautical thoughts.

Boats checking lobster traps

Putting across the bay

Gulls follow - hoping for a treat.

Ducks along the rocky shore

Babies follow having breakfast with the family

There’s a straggler - Mom circles around to encourage.

Images of rocky shorelines and pines

Colors vibrant against the blue sky

Sunlight sparkles against the water

Rolling over rocks

Dragging seaweed, sea glass and shells

Tides rolling in and out

Bring new wonders.

Sounds of seagulls and waves

Children playing along the shore

Couples strolling by with their pets

Some carry Frisbees and tug toys

Many joggers with iPods connected.

The day begun - slow and easy.

This is Maine!


Spending time at the cottage is very relaxing and enjoyable. The first few days of our time in Maine is spent at the cottage, enjoying the shore, sounds of the waves and gulls. We also enjoy going into Boothbay Harbor to enjoy dinner out and shopping. The boardwalk offers stores of many types. There are typical tourist spots with tee shirts, candles, salt-water taffy, and trinkets to remember your visit. Some of the shops offer handcrafted items – such as pottery, hand tied sailors knots in the form of trivets and coasters – COOL! There are also a couple of candy shops, an ice creamery and several boating tours and slips to observe people caring for their boats. It is a great way to end a wonderful day after meandering along the shore – looking for sea glass and seashells.

By far the most enjoyable day this year was the Clam Bake on Cabbage Island. We took a large motor boat out to the island. There were many wonderful things to see along the way. The tour of the harbor and surrounding islands was wonderful as was the lighthouse on Ram Island. That is the lighthouse directly across from our cottage.



When we arrived at the island, members of the family that own the island greeted us. They have been hosting clambakes every summer for many years. The island has several buildings used by the family. They live there in the summer and there are buildings that are used for people to eat inside in inclement weather. Many picnic tables dot the hillside and lawn for people to enjoy the views and company. People stake out their tables and meander over the island or play horseshoes or volleyball while food is prepared.

One of the wait staff checks the lobster!



The fire pit; used for cooking our lobster feast!



When the dinner bell sounds, everyone returns to their table and wait staff bring the chowder. It was steaming hot and served with oyster crackers. As that was taken away there was time for another glass of wine or a beer and then the bell sounds again. Guests are asked to line up to pick up their tray down by the pit where the wonderful food is prepared. Each guest is given a tray with corn on the cob, a hard boiled egg, a baked potato, an onion a bowl full of steamers, (steamed clams) and 2 lobsters! Wait staff are there to assist with more butter and napkins!

As we ate our meal, we watched an older woman making her way around to all the tables. She is the owner's Mom and has been helping for many years. She continues to prepare the dessert - a WONDERFUL blueberry cake! She is 85 and loves spending her summers on the island with her family. Oh - the recipe continues to be a secret!

What a great day! What a wonderful place!

There is considerable information available on vacationing in Maine. While the Boothbay Harbor region is my favorite there are many wonderful spots. For more information on Boothbay as well as other spots - follow this link. Enjoy!

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/Maine/Boothbay_Harbor-805340/TravelGuide-Boothbay_Harbor.html

Clam Bake

It's been so great having Kathy with us for our vacation. We have enjoyed visiting, shopping, eating - both in and out! By far the most enjoyable day for us all was the Clam Bake on Cabbage Island.

We took a large motor boat out to the island. There were many wonderful things to see along the way. The tour of the harbor and surrounding islands was wonderful as was the lighthouse on Ram Island. That is the lighthouse directly across from our cottage.

When we arrived at the island we were greeted by members of the family that own the island. They have been hosting clam bakes every summer for many years. The island has several buildings used by the family. They live there in the summer and there are buildings that can be used for people to eat inside in inclement weather. Many picnic tables dot the hillside and lawn for people to enjoy the views and company. People stake out their tables and meander over the island or play horseshoes or volleyball while food is prepared.

When the dinner bell sounds, everyone returns to their table and waitstaff bring our the chowder. It was steaming hot and served with oyster crackers. As that is taken away there may be time for another glass of wine or a beer and then the bell sounds again. Guests are asked to line up to pick up their tray down by the pit where the wonderful food is prepared. Each guest is given a tray with corn on the cob, a hard boiled egg, an onion a bowl full of steamers, (steamed clams) and 2 lobsters! Waitstaff are there to assist with more butter and napkins!

As we ate our meal we watched an older woman making her way around to all the tables. She is the owner's Mom and has been helping out for many years. She continues to prepare the dessert - a WONDERFUL blueberry cake! She is 85 and loves spending her summers on the island with her family. Oh - the recipe continues to be a secret!

What a great day!

Writers Blog Assignment

Hi all,
I am trying to decide which piece I will use for the week 5 assignment. I have been thinking of submitting the initial two - combined. That would include the background information on Maine and the remembrance of my re-visit to Swans Island. I could include this weeks visit as well......but it would be so LONG - I'm not sure if that would make it rougher to read! So - I'm asking for your assistance and advice - and feedback! I certainly appreciate it!
ML

Shopping!

Visit

Kathy arrived yesterday afternoon. We went out for dinner down in Boothbay Harbor and strolled around the village after dinner. There is so much to see and enjoy in Boothbay Harbor. We went to a restaurant called McSeagull’s for dinner. We sat outside and enjoyed the sunshine overlooking the harbor and all the different boats. We each enjoyed some type of seafood. Lobster stew is a must, as were the lobster filled mushrooms. We had plenty of good wine and lots of laughter to go along with it. McSeagull’s offers live entertainment and we stayed and enjoyed a bit of that for awhile as well.

The boardwalk offers stores of many types. There are typical tourist spots with tee shirts, candles, salt water taffy, and trinkets to remember your visit. Some of the shops offer handcrafted items – such as pottery, hand tied sailors knots in the form of trivets and coasters – COOL! There are also a couple of candy shops, an ice creamery and several boating tours and slips to observe people caring for their boats. It’s a great way to end a wonderful day after meandering along the shore – looking for sea glass and sea shells.

We returned to the cottage and built a fire. It’s amazing how chilly it becomes when the sun goes down! You can hear the fog horn blowing alerting ships of the dangers within the bay. It’s a sorrowful sound and almost hypnotic to listen to. We sat on the porch talking and laughing until late in the evening. God, it’s great to see her!

Shopping!

I got up relatively early and took a shower. I’m ready to start the day. Its overcast today and they are predicting rain this afternoon and evening. What a great day for shopping! After having coffee we headed out toward Damariscotta and Pemaquid. We stopped at a clothing store that I have been to in the past. The clothes are natural fibers – different colors and a great selection. They are a little pricey….but they are so unique…….it makes it fun. The women there are really helpful but not pushy…which is a huge plus in my book! I found a couple of outfits for work in the fall. Kathy found an outfit for her brother’s wedding. We left lighter in the wallet – but filled with joy at our purchases and the laughter we shared.
We continued driving to Pemaquid Lighthouse. The road seemed to go on forever. It was a fairly narrow road filled with houses and some antique shops. Just when you think the road will not end the sign for the lighthouse is there – and beyond that is the ocean. It is so typical of Maine! There is a very rocky shoreline and beyond that nothing but the open water. What an incredible view. It’s amazing to watch the waves roll and crash into the rocks.

We had lunch in the restaurant on site. I had lobster stew – of course! And a crab salad roll. Kathy had salad and a lobster roll. It was wonderful. The waitress was very friendly and seemed to have a way of endearing herself with all of her customers.
As we headed back towards Boothbay Harbor it started sprinkling with a little more intensity. We listened to Bonnie Raitt and Rick Redington and talked and laughed. It seems we need little to keep us smiling. It doesn’t seem possible that we have known each other for 31 years! She’s such a great friend!

We stopped at a pottery store in Edgecomb. It’s been around for quite some time and is actually quite pricey. The craftsmanship is amazing! I have a couple of small pieces and stop almost every year. They are truly talented and have a way of creating beautiful designs with their glazes. Some almost look crystal like in their design. I bought a stain glass lamp last year with a dragonfly theme. I love dragonflies! I was looking for something for my cousin’s son. He’s getting married in Sept. What do you get a couple of 19 year olds….They need everything! I could find a million things I would adore – but don’t know their taste or desires. I was hesitant to buy a piece and hope they’d understand and appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty. (That may sound petty……..I know) I decided to wait and see if there was something else I found that stikes my fancy for them. I can always come back.

Kathy and I ran into the village and went to Enchantments. It’s a different store for sure. They have anything magical you can imagine! Fairies, tarot cards, incense and music, candles and wind chimes, jewelry and other paraphernalia……….literally! It’s quite a place. I found a spun glass dragonfly which I had to have – as well as a fairy wind chime for my classroom.

By the time we left Enchantments it was pouring rain. We stopped at Hannaford’s and picked up some groceries. Got more wine – naturally. We picked up steaks to grill. Luckily, Phil has the grill on a porch that has an overhang so that the rain wouldn’t affect him. We also made a tomato, basil and mozzarella salad. To top it off, we shared some home baked bread Kathy brought up. It was wonderful!

We sat after dinner, watching the fire in the fireplace. It wasn’t cold as much as damp and the fire cut the dampness nicely. Phil had classical music playing in the background and sat and talked and laughed. We are planning on a clam back on Cabbage Island on Wed. I’m praying the rain will stop!

Life is good!

Sunshine!

We have enjoyed three glorious days so far at the cottage. The weather cleared nicely after an initial heavy rain. The skies are clear blue and it's warming up nicely. We have settled into the cottage. This is our 3rd year at this same cottage - so in a way it feels like coming home.

We have had lobster stew at the Lobster Shack. If you ever visit the Boothbay Harbor area you must try it! It's the best. Part of the charm is its simplicity. You line up and order at the window. If you are having steamed lobster - you can pick it out from the tank. You seat yourself - and of course the best seats are outside overlooking the view of the harbor and all the boats. The servers will bring your meal.........and you just relax and ENJOY! It truly is one of my favorite places.

The lobster stew is rich, filled with lobster, a few onions - lots of cream and butter. What a treat!!!

We have also been to the Boathouse Bistro. This restaurant is pricey - but well worth the visit. They have entertainment in the lower dining room. There are three levels - the top overlooks the harbor. How wonderful! I ordered scallops, shrimp and lobster served on risotto. It was heavenly. (I will have my fill of lobster while we are here for sure!!!!)

Kathy is coming today. I'm so excited to see my friend. It will be great exploring more shops with her.

Mike

We arrived! It's always an exciting drive. It was made more exciting by visiting Mike's college for orientation. He will be starting at the Fire Science program at the academy at the end of next month. I couldn't miss his orientation - so we all went - cars packed, Libby along for the ride. The orientation was wonderful. I was very impressed by the school and particularly the number of services available to the students.

Mike has always been our 'miracle man'. He was born 5 weeks early, but a healthy 6 pounds. I have fought for him - with him forever........that's a mom thing. I have always been grateful for my background experience as it has helped tremendously with Spec. Ed. services, doctors, etc. Mike has a visual processing deficit, dysgraphia and ADHD. He has grown into a fine young man - young socially - but a wonderful and caring guy! (Not that I'm proud at all! :))

I have a booklet he made in the second grade - where they were talking about what they wanted to do when they grew up. He said he wanted to be a Fireman and help save lives. He has never looked back. He volunteers on two fire departments, the Sullivan and Nelson Fire Departments. He has lights on his truck, his own helmet and turn out gear, (the big yellow suit!) and all the rest. He is almost as proud as I am!

He has completed Fire I which was sponsored through the Sullivan Dept. I remember asking him why he was so excited about completing this course. I wanted to know what that would bring him - why it was so important to him. He replied, "Mom, instead of helping keep things cool outside the buildings - with equipment and people - now I can go into the fire and actually work on the fire." And this is something that should make me happy? Smile

He recently trained at a 'live burn'. It's where they practice on a supervised intentional structure fire. He asked before he left if I was nervous or would worry. Of Course!!!! I reminded him that as a Mom - we worry each time they walk out of the house. I have to believe that he will listen to instructions - follow directions and use his training to keep him safe. Or I'd go crazy!!!!!

I'm very proud of him and of course will be proud to assist him as much as I can with his dreams.

This picture is from a recent parade. Mike is giving us the wave.

Some Thoughts

As I prepare for our trip I find myself thinking of trips from the past. Often Phil and I would wake and just sit with coffee on the porch of the cottage - watching the day begin. The following is an attempt to capture some of that. Also - For those of you who use Google Earth - If you go to 270 Shore Road - Ocean Point, ME you can see the cottage and a 360 degree view. Lovely!


Cottage Thoughts

Waking up with coffee
Watching the shore wake
A view from the porch - so delightful!
Seated in rockers - feeling a gentle breeze
Starting the day with nautical thoughts.

Boats checking lobster traps
Putting across the bay
Gulls follow - hoping for a treat.
Ducks along the rocky shore
Babies follow having breakfast with the family
Theres a straggler - Mom circles around to encourage.

Images of rocky shorelines and pines
Colors vibrant against the blue sky
Sunlight sparkles against the water
Rolling over rocks
Dragging seaweed, sea glass and shells
Tides rolling in and out
Bring new wonders

Sounds of seagulls and waves
Children playing along the shore
Couples strolling by with their pets
Some carry frisbees and tug toys
Many joggers with ipods connected

The day begun - slow and easy.
This is Maine!

Ready for the Trek

I am packed. I am ready to go, although there are a million things left to wrap up.....So - another list!

books! - always need lots of books to read

leave instructions for Mike
numbers
food shopping
emergency money

leave instructions for house cleaner
check on table
follow up projects

call to the Vet - Libby supplies

call to Cottage Connection - late arrival instructions - (DONE!)

Phil - desposit
pick up car
packing


We will be traveling to Laconia tomorrow morning for an orientation at the Fire Academy for Mike. He starts this fall. So exciting! We will leave from there and head to Boothbay Harbor and Ocean Point. Kathy is so excited! - as am I. It's always such a wonderful trip.

Prepping for the Next Excursion

I tend to be a list maker. Many people are. My husband and I will be headed to Maine on Friday for our yearly 'trek'. My dearest friend, Kathy, will join us on Monday. Yesterday I ran to the drugstore to pick up basic necessities for the trip. Today - I list! Tomorrow - I pack!

sheets X2 - queen size
pillows x4
towels
folding chairs x3

paper towels
kitchen towels x3
cutting board
knives - Phil
sharpener
frying pan

clothes - remember cooler weather stuff!
denim jacket
fleece vest
socks
sneakers

dog food and treats
test strips
insulin
alcohol
needles

music!
Zunes
player and boom box

knitting and cross stitch

laptop
text books
camera

checklist for Mike
money and phone numbers for Mike

I found a neat website called Virtual Tourist - I have included the website here and sent it to Kathy. I gave her 'instructions' to check it out and see if there activities she'd like to check out. It was great seeing so many familiar places and activities. Perhaps you can give us some suggestions as well? Let me know!

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/Maine/Boothbay_Harbor-805340/TravelGuide-Boothbay_Harbor.html

Maine

I have included a few maps of Maine. This map gives some idea of the various parts of this wondrous state.

My memories of Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor and Swan's Island are located in Downeast Maine. Bar Harbor is located on the northeast part of Acadia. Southwest Harbor, also known as the "Quiet Side", on the southern tip of Acadia - just east of Bass Harbor. Bass Harbor houses the ferry to Swans Island. Although not labled on this map - Swans Island is just southwest of Bass Harbor.

Swans Island, Maine

Swans Island is located to the southwest of Bass Harbor. You can just see Bass Harbor in the upper right corner of this map. Swans Island is actually quite large, amazing to see how unchanged and undeveloped it has remained!

Mid Coast Maine bring a whole new set of memories to be shared. We travel here almost every year in July to visit the Boothbay Harbor area. Future posts will explore this area - another wonderful spot!

Time Passages - and Circles

A great deal of time has passed since my initial visit to Bar Harbor and Swans Island. It doesn't seem possible that over 24 years has passed! I have thought of that trip often, and kept telling myself I'd return. Life takes many twists and turns - and sometimes completes a circle. I will give you a bit of history to help you understand the magic of this spring.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phil and I have been married for 23 years and have a wonderful son. We have traveled to Maine off and on over the years, but I had only returned to Swans Is. on one other occasion. Phil and I were recently married and traveled up the coast staying at places along the coast from Kennibunkport to Winter Harbor. On our way to Winter Harbor, we stopped in Bar Harbor and took the ferry to Swans Island. The island still held its rugged demeanor. The lighthouse was in pretty good shape but I couldn't seem to locate the lobster shack.

Jim and I remained close for a time. He played guitar and sang at our wedding, met our son Mike, and became close with my Mom, Dad and brother Mike. We often included him in holiday plans and visits, and Mom kept me posted on his latest escapades......he was a bit of a rebel!!! We'd lost touch over time, but I enjoyed hearing the stories from Mom and infrequent visits.

Phil and I were married on Dec. 20. It was an unbelievably cold and snowy time. There was a snowstorm two days before the wedding and I remember his Dad worrying about getting the driveway cleared. Anyway - I remember remarking to Phil how similar this winter was to that time in 1986. We'd had an awful snowstorm and it just seemed to keep piling up. For some reason, as I was planning for the holidays, wrapping gifts, and coming up with shopping lists for the Chrstmas Eve dinner at our house, Jim kept creeping into my mind. I'd sent the customary Christmas card from all of us and hoped he was fairing well. (The Christmas holidays were always the roughest for him.)

I was devastated to receive a phone call from my Mom - crying - saying that Jim had passed away of an apparent heart attack. He was found on Dec. 22. My mind was reeling with many thoughts and memories. Christmas was a little less joyous this year. He had few that were truly family and so Mom kind of took the reins. He'd always told her she was the Mom and even some of his buddies would call her Mom. The interment was to take place at the Veteran's Cemetery in Vermont sometime in the spring. I knew I had to be there to say goodbye to my friend.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Life has a way of moving forward. It doesn't stop but only perhaps rests momentarily to remind us of where we've been and, hopefully, guide us to the next chapter. My husband is a designer/builder. A client who'd purchased a summer home in Maine, wanted some work completed so that he and his family could enjoy summer up there. Phil would be travelling to Southwest Harbor and staying for 2 weeks at a time - returning for weekend respites. This would be taking place from mid March through May. I kept thinking, "Thank God school's still in session. I'll go insane with him gone!

It was ok at first. I kept busy with my classes and school. Winter seemed to be passing so slowly......but Mike and I were doing ok. Phil and I talked daily and he was getting a lot done on the project. He mentioned how close he was to Bar Harbor and my ears really perked up! I guess I knew he'd be relatively close......all the towns seem to be connected to one harbor or another......We decided I would go up during April vacation and spend the week at the house. As April vacation got closer I became more excited. Was I really travelling back up there? I was anxious to see how things changed......and if anything remained the same.

I left very early in the morning. It was chilly- but I was fine with my coffee and tunes. I had Van Morrison and Clapton cranked. (I'm showing my age again - I know!) The trip was mostly uneventful. The Maine turnpike can seem to go on forever. I realized I was in Downeast Maine as I passed Ellsworth and travelled onto Acadia. I stopped for gas and didn't have to pay first!!! I saw the signs for Bar Harbor to the left and a sign for the Swans Island ferry pointing straight ahead to Southwest Harbor. I kept thinking........it can't be. I knew the ferry was out of one of the harbors.....and not directly in Bar Harbor.

As I entered the village of Southwest Harbor, I realized I reacognized the main street. Some of the buildings seemed to have remained exactly the same. I was looking for Philips Lane - I had to turn there to get to the house Phil was renovating. There was a new store being put in on the corner of Maine and a new wine shop and deli. Hadn't that been a small grocery store? And.....wasn't the B & B just ahead? Yup. I couldn't believe it. There was the victorian building - still a B & B, currently closed in preparation for the summer season.

Philips Lane was literally just in front of it. I made the left hand turn and three houses down was the property that Phil was working on. What a gorgeous spot! The house sat on a hill and just below was an inlet with some ships. It was so awesome to watch the tides come and go. I'd sit for hours in an enclosed porch and just watch the water.....and the gulls.....and the lobster boats.

We travelled into Bar Harbor. Although it was still late spring some stores were open. All seemed to be preparing for the summer season. New paint was being applied, young wait people were busy learning how to care for customers. Geddy's is still there. It has changed quite a bit since I was there last. It's now more of a family atmosphere....with a fun moose and lobster themed restaurant......although you can still see license plates everywhere from all across the country. Naturally, I had to get the obigatory tee shirt of a biker moose heading to Geddy's for my son. He loved it! The food was wonderful, but then you can't beat the Maine coast for fresh lobster, and lobster stew.

There were several restaurants that had outside seating and even had a warm enough day to have lunch outside one day! That was amazing. The sun felt warm against our faces. It was great just watching people walk up and down the main street - some with dogs - most with children to see what treasures they could find. Several of the galleries were open as were the gift shops. All offered tee shirts and pottery with blueberries etched into pie plates and candlesticks. Some offered lovely photos of local sights including Acadia National Park which is another adventure all of its own. Many water colors and oil paintings of nautical themes were available. It was wonderful.

We travelled one day to Bass Harbor and took the ferry to Swans Island. I wasn't sure I could find anything - it had been so very long since I'd been there. I had asked Phil if we could just gather some shells and small pinecones. I wanted to make a pouch for them and place them with Jim's ashes. He'd loved Maine so and had sold his land years ago. When we drove off the ferry I turned right. Not really knowing - just figured that we'd get around the island one way or another! As we drove up a rise the road forked. It suddenly looked so familiar.

I remembered the house we'd stayed in so many years before. But I couldn't see the fishing shack. We stopped and parked the car and I got out. Not sure if I should......but knowing I had to see if it was in fact the same place - I walked down a hill towards the shore. Suddenly - to the right behind some trees.....there was this weather beaten structure. At first I thought - this can't be.....it's too big. There seemed to be much more to it than I remembered. But as I looked up at it I realized there were still a couple of buoys hanging from the side. It was the same building. The tide was out - as it had been when Jim had taken the original picture so many years before. I did the best I could to duplicate the shot. You can still see some original lobster traps in the shack and stacked outside. The trees have certainly grown and the building not in nearly the shape it was.......but it was there. I gathered some small stones, shells, and yes, a buoy and we walked back up the hill.

We continued driving not having a clue where I was headed. We passed the historical society, the library and the elementary school and the road forked again. I took a right onto what looked like a driveway. It was quite narrow, and there were still trees down from winter storms. I was able to navigate around them and came upon the lighthouse. How amazing.

The lighthouse itself was in good shape. The house was in disrepair but had been covered by a blue tarp to protect it from the weather. (I learned later that it is being renovated.) I gathered pinecones here and took a couple of pictures. We sat on the ledge and just took in the view. It was spectacular and raw and wonderful. The water looked blue and clear below us and the sky was clear as well. The pines looked crisp against the sky and while it was still too early for things to be greening up there was enough color in the grasses to create a lovely picture.

We drove further around the island. It was a wonderful experience and I really felt brought some closure concerning Jim's passing. I had my treasures for him and felt he'd rest just a bit more peacefully knowing that part of Maine was brought back to him.

We enjoyed Acadia Park, the restaurants, the wildlife - gulls, deer, rabbits abound! Strolling through town during the evening getting to the ice cream shop just before it closes and getting a treat.........and enjoying it on the bench in front as they close up shop! You can't beat it!

I love Maine!

**********

On a final ending note to this chapter - I was able to bring home my treasures from Swans Island for Jim. I knit a pouch and placed the shells, stones and pinecones inside. It was placed with him at his interment. It makes me smile to think that I could bring this to him......I am constantly amazed by the turn of events that allowed that to happen. Life is amazing.

A Beginning

Maine has always been one of my favorite places for a variety of reasons. We visited Maine when I was a young girl - traveling with family and our pet Springer Spaniel, Betty. We'd visit the ocean - of course! - typically staying near Old Orchard Beach in cottages. It was more like a family reunion as well which only added to the excitement. As I grew older the family made less frequent trips to Maine. I visited the ocean all along the Atantic shore and certain isloated sections of the Pacific in CA, but none held the beauty of Maine.

In my early 20s I was re-introduced to Maine in a big way. I was taken on a trip to the mid-northern coast - the Bar Harbor area. We traveled along Route 1 and experienced the traffic delays, stopped for fried clams and lobster rolls, rested at the beach, trolled antique shops with old fashioned lobster traps and just had FUN!

Bar Harbor has its own charm. Its location - so far up the coast, has helped maintain its charm. Weather was cool but certainly wonderful - and the shops - oh the shops were filled with crafts from local artisans as well as the typical tourist tee shirts, starfish, and candles. The highlight of Bar Harbor at that time (for us) was a small bar/restaurant called Geddy's. It hadn't been open very long, and had a rustic, local feel. There were several license plates hanging all over inside, as well as hats.....hundreds of hats!

We stayed in a bed & breakfast in Southwest Harbor. It was a quaint, victorian styled building, and I remember it having a wrap around porch, and a wide staircase upon entering in the front. Little did I know, I would be reacquainted with this B&B about 25 years later! We stayed in the B&B as we missed the ferry to Swan's Island which was our ultimate destination. The person I was traveling with owned land on Swan's Island and wanted to share the island experience with me. I had no clue what I was in for.....but oh what a magical place.

It's about a 45 minute ferry ride, and upon arrival you disembark and follow one of the roads. Many people bring bikes or just hike. We brought my car. We stayed in a house that sat on a hill overlooking the water. You had to walk down the hill to reach the shore which was so typical Maine...rocky and rough with pines along the shore. When you reached the shoreline and looked to your right - you saw the lobster shack, (the image is above). It was a working facility with traps, buoys, lines - you name it. We could watch the boat come in and the fishermen unloading traps. It was so typical of Swans Island.

There were no restaurants, no hotels, no tourist shops. It was most definately a fishing community with the lobstermen's co-op in the central harbor, a library, elementary school, (high school students had to ferry to the mainland), a lighthouse and historical society. Everyone knew everyone and the history of their families, and how that impacted the island. It was very quickly apparent that life on Swans Island was unlike anything I had ever experienced - even growing up in a small New England town in Vermont didn't compare. Life here was rugged, isolated, hard and beautiful!

Jim's land was near the center of the island, near a pond. My poor little car bounced along the dirt road...more like a path....but made it! We experienced all the pond had to offer - complete with mosquitos, ducks, deer and rabbits. We collected pinecones....so many pinecones and shells. Lovely! We dined on lobster from the co-op, (I didn't dare walk down the planks to the deck where the boats were moored....silly girl!)

It was a magical journey, a beautiful trip, and most certainly the beginning of an enduring love for Maine and its coastline wonders!