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