June 30 - Harraseeket Saves the Day

Today began like most magical Maine mornings. I was snuggling with my sweetie in our cozy comfortable Rocky Hill Farm bedroom; a cool breeze wafting through the windows encouraged us to tug the covers up ever so slightly higher to perfectly balance the snug warmth of the bedding with the freshness of the chilly morning air. Next, Lizzy disappears only to return with a nice cup of hot tea or lemon water to assist in managing the transition from nighttime bliss to discerning daily destinations. Soon after, the spell was broken when I had-ta go pee and take the first three (3) of my eleven (11) daily eye drops. Oh well, it was great while it lasted. I guess no morning can be perfect.

Today we decided to visit Rockland, Rockport and Camden. These are among the few Maine oceanside destinations that you can connect in one circuitous route. Pretty cool, huh. Hold that thought...

...because while the farthest destination point, Camden, is only about 100 miles and roughly 2 hours away, there's no way we could have anticipated the impact of being in a tourist state at the beginning of the July 4th holiday. OMG!

We traveled only a few short miles on I-95 before heading east on Hwy 1. The traffic through Bath, ME was cumbersome but nothing like what was to come. Traffic came to a standstill as we entered Wiscasset. The tiny town of Wiscasset is home to one of the most famous lobster joints on the coast of Maine, Red's Eats. Folks stand in line for lengthy stretches waiting patiently for a bite of Red's tasty nautical nibbles. We were more than a mile from Red's with another 35 more to go when traffic halted. Hey...this is supposed to be fun and not work! So a swift about-face was in order.

Now... we time tested travelers don't let fate dictate. Nosirree...if at first you do not fricassee, fry and fry a hen (or words to that effect). Between Wiscasset and Rocky Hill Farm lay an aforementioned treasure...Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster.

OK...OK...I know I've touted this place before...BUT...if you love lobster...this place is "heaven on earth."

Be it ever so humble...there's no place like Harraseeket L&L

Now let me walk you through the magic process step by step:

It all begins here...

Boats go out every morning to retrieve their nightly bounty.

More boats adjacent to Harraseeket L&L

...next stop here...

By 11:00am these traps are empty, stacked and the critters are cooking in the kitchen

...and here's the best part...

Hey! Somebody's got to do it...and you're not here to help!!

So...I just keep working and working and working and working...ho-hum...

Freshly fueled and invigorated, we decided that we should look for some neat new spot we hadn't seen before. After perusing the trusty electronic cyber-map we noticed a nearby wilderness spot, Wolf's Neck Woods State Park. Heck, you could see it from the dock at Harraseeket. While it was less than a mile away (as the crow flies), it required about eight miles of winding through the lush backwoods of Maine to reach it. And, reach it, we did. Like most state parks, we were greeted by a friendly forest ranger. This young man was rather unique, however. He walked stiffly to my lowered driver's window, and in a matter-of-fact tone initiated the following conversation: 

Ranger Rick (hereinafter referred to as RR) - "Good morning, sir. Are you familiar with the Brown Tail Moth Caterpillar that resides in our park here?"

Lenny (hereinafter referred to as,...well..., Lenny) - "No...should I be?"

RR - Well, sir, yes you should. You see, these caterpillars are throughout our park. Should you come into contact with their hairs you will most likely develop a painful, red rash.

Lenny - "Wow...I see."

RR - "Further, sir, many of these toxic hairs are airborne. Were you aware of this before arriving here?"

Lenny - "Uh, no...not really. We were hoping we could just circle through and see the place."

RR - "Well, sir, you really can't see anything from your car. You'd have to get out and walk to see anything."

Lenny - "Aah...so are you suggesting we just hop out and take our chances?"

RR - "Well, sir, that's really up to you. I'm just informing you about the presence of the caterpillars."

Lenny - "Well, I think well just do a U-ey right here and catch you some other time.

RR - "Okay, thank you sir."

With that, Lizzy and I reversed our course and reflected upon the brief encounter with RR. We agreed he was probably not now, nor had he ever been employed by the Wolf Neck Chamber of Commerce. I mean, really...why not close the park if you don't want visitors?

On our way back up the dirt road we rode in on, we did, however, receive our bonus reward for Having Lunch and H L&L. Standing right beside the road was a lovely lady...

Lovely lady standing beside the road.

She seemed friendly enough, so we struck up a conversation. I commented I thought she was lovely and would love to take her picture. That said, I mentioned being without my telephoto so I would need to get rather close with just a 50mm lens. This was necessary in order to capture her radiant beauty. 

"Deer me," she commented, "I didn't leave my boudoir this morning expecting to be photographed. I must look a mess." 

I assured her that, aside from a few nasty ticks and her unsightly sores from Brown Tail Moth Caterpillar hairs, she looked just fine to me. Reluctantly, she acquiesced. 

She insisted this was her "good side" as she dainty pointed her right "rear" hoof.

Well...now we were completely re-energized. So instead of heading straight home, we decide to check out a place recommended to us by our hosts with the most, Pam and Nicol. It's called Prouts Neck. Don't ask me what Prouts Neck is...a park, a point, a spit, or just like it says, a neck. I can tell you this; lots of really high rollers like to live there. There's really no parking or stopping unless you're a resident, so I didn't snap any architectural memorabilia. I did, however, snap a couple of shots of the townie's views. Geesh!

This reminded us a lot of looking out on our lakes at Country Place in Carrollton

Sit-in' in the bay...just chillin'

Well, I guess I'd better run before I wear out my welcome. Just so you'll know, we're suffering up here, too! It's 82 deg today. Folks here are about to die of heat stroke. It's predicted to get up to 85 for the Fourth. Yikes!

Let us hear from you. It's no fair not to share.

Stay tuned...

June 26 - Day trip to Pemaquid Point

After you've hit most of the popular (more touristy) spots in Maine, there's still much to do, The coast of Maine is challenging to explore without the advantage of a boat. Envision, if you will, the anatomy of a comb with its spine running down the back and teeth protruding from the spine. To visit a port or tiny town located at the end of one of Maine's coastal finger's requires some tedious travel. Yesterday, for example, we we're on Pemaquid Point and wanted to visit Booth Bay on a nearby point. As the crow flies the distance was 7 miles. The actual GPS "shortest route" was nearly 30 miles and over two (2) hours. See for yourself:

Typical of seeing sights along Maine's jagged coastline

Instead, we opted for Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster! That's no backseat, secondhand choice, by-the-way. It just exemplifies how planning and flexibility are requirements. It helps, too, having some extra time. Don't get me wrong; both trips were well worth it as you can see below.

The beach at Pemaquid Point looking toward Booth Bay

Playing on the dangerous rocks at Pemaquid

NOTE: Folks lose their lives here on the slippery rocks. This typically happens during storms at high tide despite the numerous warning signs posted nearby.

The backbone of the aforementioned comb analogy is Highway 1. It differs significantly from the Pacific coast's Hwy 1 in that you seldom find yourself driving immediately adjacent to the coast. As I mentioned before, the inlets and fingers of the coast make navigation more challenging. Until you've been here, your imagination might have conjured images of driving along rocky fingers of land reaching out to the sea. Perhaps, those exist; but our experiences, thus far, reveal the routes running from Hwy 1 toward the ocean are through dense forests. This leads to a much anticipated surprise when you actually encounter the stretch where land meets ocean.

Now that what I call a gorgeous, rocky coast!

Maine resident enjoying the sunshine on Pemaquid Point

One of the Maine features of Pemaquid Point is the lighthouse there. Some say it is one of the most photographed and painted. The park area includes a museum, a restaurant, and an art gallery where many of the locals display and sell their art.

The lighthouse a Pemaquid Point

The museum is also a private residence upstairs. Nice digs!

We're still pondering how the restaurant got its name...yes, Martha...they're real.

As we arrived there was a gorgeous two-masted schooner heading out to sea. I must apologize because while I did have my trusty 400mm zoom lens, I find grabbing the tripod a bit of a hassle. Therefore, I exposed that I am far to old to handhold such long lenses. Oh well...hopefully we're among friends here. So here's the gorgeous schooner...

Boat ride anyone?

I know...you should never zoom a handheld, long-lens shot. So shoot me.

Handsome old fellow. Sometimes the sky can be just too perfect - needs some clouds for interest.

Shortly after 1pm we decided to head for Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster. For those that don't know, it is a dock at the end of a point on the Maine coast where a delectable sea creature, known fondly as the "lobster," is captured, cooked and consumed continuously. Until you've chomped down on a boat of bread containing a crew of 3/4 of a pound of this morning's lobster, you haven't lived. Unfortunately, we may have to forego this delectable delicacy sooner than later. It seems the warming waters around Maine are yielding fewer and fewer of these nautical nibbles. Soon they will migrate to Nova Scotia or cease to exist in the warmer waters where they will not or cannot spawn.

Here is my only shot from Harraseeket since I was far to engrossed in foraging than filming.

Just a filament of my imagination.

As you can see by my enlightening photo above, Harraseeket is but a tiny spot on the map. It is almost always crowded with illuminated locals who have come to see the light, culinarily speaking, dontchasee?

Gotta run. So little time; so much to see; no time to be coasting...

June 21 - Please Come to Boston…

…and return with mixed emotions.

Boy…for a guy that never cared much about reading books and learning history as a kid, I’m far too invested in such pastimes as an old, traveling geeser. Lizzy and I took the DownEaster Amtrak to Boston and jumped aboard the OldTown Trolley tour of the city.

Amtrak Downeaster - Saco to Boston

The train ride took a little over two hours and was novel and almost pleasant. While unexpectedly quite and smooth, the comfy seats were much too close together and no arm rests were provided. 

NOTE: Down East refers to ship travel from Boston to Maine. Because Maine physically protrudes on the US map, vessels sailing from Boston to ports on the Maine coast navigationally travelled east, and subsequently downwind. 

Arriving in Boston was a cold water bath after lallygagging around lethargic Lexington and sleepy Saco. The hustle and bustle was off-putting initially. In fact, I can’t say we really warmed up to it at all. 

The trolley tour lasted a bit over two hours and painted an excellent portrait of art, history and culture of one of the most intriguing and fascinating cities in the US. Thus began my mixed messages. I guess you could describe the way I roll as fissiparous; one fine thing at a time and no confusion. For that reason alone, Boston just ain’t my cup ‘o tea. Here’s a couple of examples.

Old South Meeting House - folks don't seem too interested in Ben or his tea party recommendation

Ben Franklin looks on with pride at his new Steakhouse in Old City Hall

 Okay, okay…I get it. If it weren’t for the funds provided by the patrons of Ruth’s Chris, the old building might either be razed, replaced or reconstructed. But still, my narrow-minded historic traveler’s eye has trouble juxtaposing Ben Franklin and Ruth’s Chris. Similarly, something’s lost when the place where he proposed the Boston Tea Party (the Old South Meeting House pictured above) is now  surrounded by cars, construction and clutter while touting t-shirt vending tenants. There’s just something missing for me.

We walked over 3.5 miles aside from riding the trolley and spent some time perusing one of the oldest cemeteries still in existence, The Granary Burying Ground. It's home to some 2300+ permanent residents including such notables as bold penman, John Hancock, brewmeister Sam Adams and fabled rider Paul Revere. 

Granary Burying Ground

Famous Brewmeister

John Hancock - inspiration for President Trump's modest signature

Paul Revere - multi-talented patriot - fabled night rider

Other Granary long time residents

Paul Revere exemplifies yet another of my strange quirks. I find it rather unsettling living in a national fairy tale of sorts. So much of our history has been embellished and distorted to perpetuate an inauthentic spirit of…never mind…I digress. I guess I just feel that sometimes, even though the truth sucks, it’s still the truth and deserves that little bit of dignity. Take that, Andrew Jackson!

Alas, our day ended much as it began...boarding the Downeaster for our return trip to Saco.

At the station...

...track 9

All Aboard -  🎶 "east bound and down, loaded up and truckin'" 🎵

Everyday is a gift and a blessing. Today was no exception.

Parting shots:

Old North Church - "One if by land, two if by sea"

Massachusettes State Building

June 20 - Catching Up

Wow! Maine, at least around Saco, is sooo peaceful and serene it's hard to get motivated to do much of anything except relax and enjoy the gorgeous scenery and the balmy weather. I almost had to force myself to take some pictures and get back to blogging. In case you've forgotten since last year, here's the beautiful place and beautiful people we are staying with at Rocky Hill Farm.

Rocky Hill Farm - That's our abode on the ground floor.

Pam and Nicol with Lizzy at their favorite "hideaway."

Pam and Nicol are very special folks. They are kind and caring and always ready for some mischief. The photo above was taken when they showed us their favorite, secluded, get-a-way spot. It's hidden deep in the woods where nobody goes, so heaven only knows why they go there. We asked several times what they do out here in the woods so often and they always just giggle. If you think I'm kidding about it being remote, here's how you get there...

Just follow the trail into the woods...

...go past the sweet, fragrant blossoms...

...until you reach the shoreline.

Again, we have no idea what they do here that requires so much privacy, but they seem to love it. I must say, it's a beautifully romantic spot. They also have another place they like to hang. They own a second hideaway deep in the forest; starting to sound familiar?? This one actually has an amazing structure they claim to rent out. While it's not overstated on the outside, the interior rocks. It's what everyone is buying back home, i. e. no hallways and very efficient space. It's all wood panelling on the interior with a cool loft. The cabin resides on several acres deep, deep in the woods.

Hideaway in the woods

Lots of privacy

And...a special little out building with a comfy seat in case you require some privacy.

We spent a fun afternoon with Pam and Nicol and really got to see some of the Maine charm that's reserved for the locals.

As stated as I began this blog entry, Saco, Maine and the surrounds are quite peaceful and serene. Of course, it is summer; so if you choose to ride along the coastal highways and byways you'll find lots of crazy hustle and bustle. But, that really never has been our style. We're a backroads kinda couple and prefer to avoid the madding crowds. As a result, it may require long, leisurely drives to get where we're going.

Today was just such a day. Lizzy decided that she wanted to visit Cape Porpoise and Goose Rocks Beach. Starting from Rocky Hill Road that a lot of back roading. The unique Maine topography and architecture made for a spectacular late morning and early afternoon.

Some backroad Maine architecture

Oh...did I mention how close Maine is to the North Pole

It's really hard to tell where one little town stops and another one starts; they're all nestled quite close together. Just when you think you're in Saco you find you're really in Buxton, or Hollis, or Biddeford, or Scarboro. Not to worry, it's all good!

Fun Facts:

• There are no brick homes up here; almost all are wooden and require paint. So we asked:
  "How often do you have to paint?"
  Answer: "Too often"
• Winter is really cold and there's lots of snow. Snow removal is a regular activity. So we asked:
  "How often do you have to go outside and remove snow?"
  Answer: "Too often"

Cute Cottage

Nice Digs

Did I mention these are summer homes, folks...

Most of the homes along the rocky Maine coast are gorgeous and quite expensive. Other real estate in the area is more reasonable. Liz and I really dig the cool, seaside villages with their boats and restaurants and nautical quirkiness.

Parking lot at Cape Porpoise

Cape Porpoise

Fishing anyone?

Well anchored

Which way next??

Tide's out...

From Cape Porpoise we wound our way through the tree lined byways stopping here and there to "smell the flowers" as it were. I suppose when the growing season is measured in weeks rather than months, folks tend to look forward to producing some local color. We got a kick out of a sign displayed at a local nursery. It read:

We have your perennial garden: some assembly required.

 Reminded me of James Taylor's, "Line 'em Up"

Local beauty...

...a not so local beauty!

Finally, we reached Goose Rocks Beach. Now...if you know me at all, you know I'm not a beach kinda guy. Others can savor the sand and the sun, but spare me. That said, I still appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the Oregon Coast and the Rocky Maine Coast splendor. Just know you won't find me sitting in the sand with or without Jose Cuervo. So...we saw Goose Rocks Beach and spent very little time there.

Not exactly my cup 'o tea...but hey...nobody's complaining!

Stay tuned...AND...let us hear from you...what are you up to this summer?