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?