Maine

Judy. Happy Canada Day!

Leaving Massachusetts, we headed to Maine, first to see the famed Portland Head Light House in Ft Williams Park, and a glimpse of the wild Maine coast. Although we were only there an hour or so, it was a powerful introduction to the shores we’d heard about. We also ran into several Scottish soccer fans, something that always delights us. 

From there we drove to Portland, already crowded with tourists, but lovely all the same. Avoiding the crowds in the popular parts of town, we walked across to a local hotspot for lobster rolls, A Bite of Maine. Well worth the walk. 

That evening we arrived in Brewer, a suburb of Bangor, to spend the next few days. Although right across the river from Bangor proper, it’s a quieter town, more blue collar, and a great base from which to explore the region. We had dinner with Amy, a theatre acquaintance of mine, now a representative in the Maine government, I explored the second hand stores in town and found great deals, we hiked Acadia (which Ted told you about), visited the historical society and the art museum, and attended a warm and friendly church, St. Patrick’s Episcopal. It was a delightful visit. 

Amy is a fine actress & powerful representative, and knows good restaurants!

General Joshua Chamberlain, a professor & general in the Union Army, one of Ted's heroes

We headed next to Rumford, mostly to get our Appalachian Trail hikes in. The first, to Dunn’s Falls, was gorgeous, the river falls running hard with the recent rains. The second, to the Table Rock Loop, was a bit wilder. We had no idea it was full of boulders we’d need to climb over, practically straight up. Reaching the top, though, we’d have to say the view was well worth it. The return down the other side of the mountain was much simpler! 

Adding another state to our AT hikes

Dunn's Falls was beautiful and peaceful

Then came the Table Rock hike

Climbing the ladder, only to face more boulders

I'm afraid of heights, but Ted stood close enough to the edge to get a great photo

Another Maine AT hike in the books

Although we left from there to head into Canada, I have to add a side trip into Vermont to visit a friend I’ve known from Zoom Bible Study for five years. Deb and I had never met in person, and over lobster rolls (of course!) I learned so much more about her life of travel and teaching and family! And—in a wild coincidence— she went to church with Ted’s step-grandmother’s family! Feels like she’s family through marriage! We had so much fun we forgot to take a photo--but it really did happen.

And so we continue our trip into Canada…