Maine Trip Summer 2006
I went to Maine to visit Sue, who had been there since late June. This is the journal I kept while I was there.
Note - Click on any picture to view full size
7/26/06, Wednesday
Got up about 4:30 and got ready. Did not sleep well anyway.
Drove the truck to the airport. Hitto and Jim are going to pick it up later and drive it to my house.
Arrived at the airport and made it safely through security. They asked to open one of the bags, as the scanner detected something. It was my battery charger. As soon as he found it, he closed the bag and I was on my way.
The flight was cloudy and after a 3000 mile flight over America I did not see the ground once. The clouds were very interesting for a while, but I ended up sleeping a good part of the journey.
I saw the ground as we came into NYC, but did not see Manhattan at all. I saw a few boats in the harbor and a very large cemetery.
I had to change terminals in NY, so I had to go through security again. No problem.
Had a turkey club and two beers at the airport. The sandwich was quite good. I had about a two hour layover. Took off with no problem. The flight was about one hour. More clouds. Saw Maine briefly as we landed in Portland. The scenery was very green.
Grabbed my bags, picked up the rent car (Pontiac Firebird), and headed out to find my hotel. I found a Howard Johnson, but it turned out to be the wrong one. They gave me directions, but I got very lost. Portland is laid out in a very convoluted manner and I was fairly disoriented from my flight. I finally found the correct Howard Johnson's after a long conversation with an heavily accented local who kindly wrote down the directions for me.
After a conversation with Sue I headed to the downtown area to check out the local flavor and to seek refreshments. After more hassle finding where I was going I finally found my destination, Bull Fenney's, which Sue had recommended.
I sat down, ordered a beer, and perused the menu. I had a great view looking out on the Portland Harbor and down on the tourist laden streets. The waiter told me the history of the bar. It had been owned by the father of the director, John Ford. Maine had gone dry in 1899 and he opened a grocery store, which was actually a drinking establishment. I talked myself into ordering a whole lobster. It was large and very hard to get into. I was afraid I might cut myself trying to crack through the heavily buttered shell. It tasted pretty good, but the final bill was $50 for one lobster, one beer, some grilled veggies, and a tip. They saw this tourist coming!
After eating I walked the city for a while and checked out the sights. Even though it was a Wednesday night the town was hopping. Portland seems to be a fairly hip location. I saw a lot of young "cool" people hanging in the square. Sounds of guitars and bongo drums filled the air.
However, tiredness soon overtook me and I began my search for the hotel again. After a couple of double backs I finally found my way to my room. I had a couple of hits of straight Vodka and tried to relax. I lay down to sleep, however slumber came hard, as I was very jazzed up. Finally I settled into an uneasy sleep.
07/27/07, Thursday
Woke up about eight, showered, grabbed my bags and checked out.
Headed downtown and just drove around for a while. I found a park down by the ocean with a hike and bike trail, so I parked and took a walk along the ocean. It was a little hazy. The temperature was warm and balmy. I took some photos of the beach, seawall, and a miniature train museum. I returned to the car and cruised the downtown wharf area.
I stumbled upon Becky's, which was a diner that Sue had recommended. I ate breakfast there and really enjoyed it. Bacon, eggs, pancakes, toast, and coffee. While eating at the counter I started talking to a black lady who was sitting next to me. She asked me where I was going and when I told her she mentioned that she was a volunteer at the Wyeth museum in Rockland. I said that I was a long time fan of the artistic family and we talked about the artists. She went out to her car, returned, and gave me two free passes to the Farnsworth, which is where the exhibit is. My lucky day to meet such a nice person! The day was looking good.
I then drove all around the downtown area, parked, and walked around checking out the many shops and the sights. I took a number of photos of the downtown scene.
I decided it was time to head out, so I jumped in the car and headed north. The weather was good. The haze was clearing. I stopped at a tourist center right outside of Portland, picked up a map, and planned my route. It was fairly simple, just follow Coastal 1 till I came to Lincolnville.
It was a very pretty drive. I wove through Brunswick and Bath, which had some serious rivers flowing through them. Unlike Texas rivers, these rivers had lots of water filling their banks. Maine has an abundance of water apparently. I took my time and tried to take in the view while driving as best I could. Luckily nobody seems to be in much of a hurry in Maine.
I passed through Wiscasset, which claims to be the prettiest village in Maine. They may be correct, as it was a classic New England town in all it's quaint glory. This was followed by Newcastle and Damanscotta, which rivaled Wiscasset. The bays and harbors in the distance were spectacular.
Eventually I hit Rockland, rapidly followed by Rockport and Camden. Camden is the classic tourist town. The houses and shops are all very beautiful and full of people. The streets teem with tourists. The traffic reminded me of Taos, as it snaked through town at a snail's pace. After a few more miles I reached Lincolnville. After a brief crisis I finally located the house and my lovely Sue.
I immediately got a tour of Conrad's 1802 built French House. It was home to the French family long ago and is sometimes referred to as the Hill House. It sits on a hill overlooking the Penobscot bay, which at that time was obscured by fog. Twelve year old Elenora French lived there before she met her untimely demise. She was at the top of Mount Megunticook, which is the highest peak in the area. Her bonnet blew off, she ran after it, and plunged off a cliff. I have been told it was the inspiration for the novel, "The Haunting of Hill House".
Sue showed my my room, which looked out upon the mist hidden Penobscot Bay.
Conrad and Sue took me for a drive through the area. Fog was still prevalent, so vision was limited and sea was hardly to be seen. The land is heavily wooded. You can barely see more than a few yards into the wilderness beyond. Conrad drove like a man in a hurry for some reason and I had to look quick as he flew down the narrow hilly roads. Sue told me he always drives this way and she just got used to it. She said his kids will rarely get in the car with him!
We ate at the Whales Tooth Pub, a picturesque establishment located right on the bay. They all spent a lot of time there last year singing and carrying on with the large groups of people that Conrad would entertain. It was fairly subdued this year. I had a lobster roll and it was very tasty. I am going to like all this seafood.
Returned to the allegedly haunted French House and settled in. Went to bed about 9:30, as I was very tired. I was not visited by any ghosts.
07/28/07, Friday
Woke up about eight. I felt very rested.
We drove into Rockland. We picked up some to-go food at a downtown deli. I ordered a crab roll.
The crab roll soon became one of my favorite Maine staples. It is a bun that is a cross between a hot dog bun and a hoagy roll. The bun is toasted to perfection and then filled with fresh crab with a bit of mayonnaise mixed in. Sometimes there may be lettuce and perhaps a slice of tomato. You can find them everywhere, from the fancy restaurants to the hole in the wall establishments that are everywhere in Maine. They cost from $8.50 to $12.50. I ate them every chance I could.
With bagged snacks in hand we headed to the Indigo. The Indigo is Conrad's sail boat, which is moored in Rockland Harbor.
Rockland Harbor is a working man's harbor, as opposed to Camden and Rockport, which caters more to the yachting set. The harbor is filled with lobster boats, fishing ships, and many sailing vessels. It has a fish processing plant that can give the air a very distinct odor at times according to Conrad. It smelled like the ocean that day.
We got in a little dingy and putted out to the buoy moored Indigo. We climbed on board, Conrad fired up the engine, and we were off to Owls Head. We had light houses on both sides as the harbor spilled into Penobscot Bay.The Atlantic Ocean was right to the east.
Conrad let out the jib, turned off the engine, and we were under sail. The weather was foggy, visibility very hazy. The sun was trying to burn through, but was not being very successful. It was a enjoyable journey. We ate our sandwiches and watched for seals. We were rewarded on several occasions. When we passed the points and were facing straight towards the Atlantic the breeze quickened and the temperature dropped about ten degrees. We then turned around, as they had to get back to meet with a doctor from Hospice.
I took a number of pictures, but at some point the controls got turned and over-exposure was introduced to the process. Many of the pictures turned out of poor quality.
They finally met with the doctor and Conrad got kind of low. After the doctor left Sue gathered us up and put us on another road trip, this time to Belfast. She wanted to get Conrad's mind off of Claire's troubles.
It seemed to work, as he began talking like a tour guide, as he lead us down the back way to Belfast. The road hugged the coastline and revealed many jewels.
We saw where the Ducktrap River met the sea. The sea was pushing up the river, as the forces of the tide overwhelmed the forces of river. Children played in the cold waters where waves rose when the opposing sides of pressure collided. In six hours the tide would recede leaving almost nothing but damp rocks. The name of the river refers to actions that the Indians of the area once used to feed themselves at the expense of the ducks.
We visited Iva Hudson, a tragic widow of two years. She lives on a beautiful hill overlooking the bay. A number of islands lay within the view. The house had a fabulous porch that shaded an area the size of many houses I have seen in Maine. Conrad said she was very wealth, yet she drove an old Chevy station wagon of many years and 600,000 miles on the odometer. Her son however, drove a Mercedes Benz and a BMW. Conrad and Claire knew the couple for many years when they would rent a house from them of the summer sojourns to Penobscot. The poor woman could not stop grieving for her lost mate. A carved stone memorial lay at the foot of the stairs that led to the porch. It felt like you were stepping on a grave.
We then drove to the quintessential Maine family tourist enclave. It was like a Maine Disneyland. Children and families tightly gather in for the Maine adventure. Sue and Conrad both remarked that it would be the last place to ever spend a vacation.
We at last arrived to Belfast.
Camden is where all the tourist and the the rich go. Everything is brightly painted and tourists fill the streets. Shops abound and people trade their money for a lot of stuff they don't really need. The economy is very brisk.
Belfast is where the working people live. You can tell the difference in an instant. Industrial red brick in the downtown area, much like Portland. It has a much shabbier feel. Older paint and rust are more common. Maine... kinda funky.
The old houses were very impressive though. A lot of them were built by retired sea captains at a time when labor and wood was cheap. Large for the times, with gables, towers, and much ornamentation. Each floor on many were wrapped with porches. Three and four colors to the paints that define the many borders of the houses.
The town is wrapped around a harbor, but the boats that shelter there are mostly working boats. Lobster and fishing vessels abound, as well as the many maintenance boats need to service the coast.
Conrad was looking for tickets for the local production of "An Evening with Mark Twain". He was not successful. We headed back to Beach Rd. to get ready for dinner.
We were to eat at Darby's, an establishment on the main street of Belfast. Sue and Conrad would attend the play and I would head back after dinner in my rent car. I was not in the mood for local production of a one person play.
We arrived at Darby's right before a tremendous thunderstorm hit the area. Rain fell in a torrent of lightning and thunder. Sheets of water poured from the roof like a waterfall and vision became obscured... similar to the fog of the earlier day.
I ordered the fried clams, but my wishes were foiled. Clams were not available due to red tide, so I went with the leg of lamb - medium rare. It arrived well done. It was fair, but not what I had envisioned.
A simi-tragedy played out at a table across the room, where a lone, middle age woman dined by herself. She stared forlornly out the window. Tears fell from her eyes and she sniffed and withheld a greater grief known only to herself. She ate each course slowly, as the rain poured from the roof directly in front of her window. The last glass of wine silently sipped, a dessert picked at, and the final cup of coffee. At last she finished the meal and reluctantly faded down the staircase. We speculated on her tale. A lost lover, a missing spouse, a tragedy tied to this cafe?
We finished our dinner right as the rain subsided. Sue and Conrad walked to the theater and I to my car. As soon as I got to the car the rain resumed and I began my journey to Beach Road. I drove back in an increasingly heavy rain. Luckily the sun set late in this northernmost part of our land and the fading light helped guide me through the sporadic deluge.
Conrad and Sue arrived about an hour and a half later. Sue had not been able to hang with the lackluster performance and they left after the first act ended. Glad I missed it.
7/29/06, Saturday
Got up and had some coffee, checked the news, and the mail.
I got up, had some coffee, checked the news, and read my e-mail.
We took off for a little day journey. We first drove up to Mount Battie to check out the view. The weather has cleared off somewhat, so the the view is improving. It was a nice vista looking down on Camden Harbor.
We then drove into Camden. We stopped at a food stand on the dock and I picked up a lobster roll ($12.95) and then went to the Camden Deli where Sue picked up a cheese sandwich. We ate at the deli overlooking the falls that drop into the bay.
We then drove south heading for Port Clyde, as I wanted to see the Atlantic pound the shore. We turned off of Highway 1 and went south on 131, which follows the Gorges River. We came the Port Clyde and found a rare parking spot. Even though the town is a small fishing village it is also the take off point for the ferry that goes to Monheghan Island. The tourist that take the ride have to park their cars on the few streets that are there.
We got out, looked around, and walked into a kayak shop on the docks. I saw a rack of Birdwell Beach Britches. The price was good and I had been wanting some. The owner came up and started talking with me. Was I a surfer? I had on my "Longboards Rules" hat. "Yeah", I answer. He starts talking about surfing in Hawaii, Jimi Hendrix (I had a Hendrix shirt on), etc... I try on the baggies and buy them. Sue buys multiple pairs of shoes. We walk out leaving well over $200! The dude is very happy. He offers to share his lunch, take us kayaking, and want's to go long boarding with me. His name is Cody and he even tells me how to get to his secret surf spot!
We take some more pictures of the village and headed out.
We then drove to the lighthouse at the very end of the point. It is called Marshall Point. I wanted to see the Atlantic crash into the rocks of the coast. We soon found it. We toured a museum located to the lighthouse keeper's old cottage and walked about the grounds. The cobalt-blue ocean stretched out before us. Islands and sailboats dotted the horizon and small swells broke upon the rocky shore. The white paint of the lighthouse contrasted beautifully against the deep colors of the the sea and the clear sky.
We drove back up the coast and checked out the menus of several restaurants along the way that Sue wanted me to try.
We fired up and got a good buzz going.
We stopped at Maine Sports and Sue bought all kinds of clothing she claimed fit her so well. I couldn't find a thing to purchase.
Came back to the house and we set off on our own, as Conrad was cooking for the troops.
We went to Eufumoros (sic), a trendy spot Sue liked and Conrad opted out of. We had a very good meal upstairs. The setting was like being in someone's living room. I had clam chowder, Sue a salad, followed by haddock and mashed potatoes, and I had an order of mussels. We were both very happy with the experience. We walked a bit around the docks checking out some very expensive boats as darkness fell on the harbor. We then had dessert at Orr's. I had a Canadian and coke, while Sue had a gingerbread and ice cream. Gingerbread seems to be the official dessert of Maine and Sue has dedicated herself to trying all she can find.
07/30/07, Sunday
I woke up at almost 10. The night had been cool and relaxing. I should have got up earlier, but it felt too good laying there. I am on vacation after all!
Sue and I went off and ate at the Somoset. It is a classy resort that has been around since the turn of the last century. We ate the Sunday Brunch. $20 and first rate. I really enjoyed it. Prime rib, eggs benedict, and all the trimmings. Yummy stuff, etc... Sue got a taste of all her favorite desserts. The view was worth a million bucks. High rolling so far from home. The view of the bay was first rate.
We met Conrad at the docks in Rockland. We jumped on the Indido and then I had to jump off, as I was out of batteries for the camera, speed-walked to the drug store, and purchased an eight pack.
We motored off. No wind to speak of, but it was a glorious day, clear and clean. We cruised up Penobscot Bay under low wind power, and turned back after a pleasant Sunday cruise.
We docked and drove back towards home. We stopped at the French Cemetery and checked out the gravestones. Conrad told us stories of the people beneath the weathered stones. Elenora French was there; a blackened, ancient memorial to a youth long lost. Her parents lay with her, although they outlived her by many years.
We returned to the house and regrouped. Sue and I picked up dinner at the Lobster Pound take-out joint. We requested food for Conrad (fried clams), Claire (grilled scallops), and Molly (hot dog), as well as ordered for ourselves. I had fried clams and Sue got a haddock/ Maine shrimp baked dish. We had decided to eat our repast on the beach and watch the children swim and play upon the rocky beach. Sue delivered the extra food to Beach House, came back, and we watched the light dance across the flickering waters as we enjoyed our supper.
We drove back to Duck Trap and photographed the lower tide. We then drove through the country passed Conrad's rent house, down the camp road, and got stoned. Sue commented that the road was very "Blair Witch". Heavy woods covered the road like a tunnel. Sue said it reminded her of the jungles of Panama and her youth.
Came back to the house. We watched slideshow of pictures we had taken in the last few days. We were all digging the images... Conrad, Sue, and myself...
Lou called, Conrad talked, and we disengaged from the conversation. We walked outside and grooved on the fading light over the coast.
Sue retired to her tiny centered room and I came to mine and wrote my impressions of the day.
07/31/07 Monday
We had decided to do a drive and maybe spend the night somewhere. We got a late start on our journey however, and didn't get on the road until almost eleven.
We headed north on Coastal Highway 1. Passed through Belfast, Searspoint, where we had lunch at the Angler, and then crossed the Penobscot River at Bucksport. It was a spectacular view. We then came down the east side of Penobscot Bay and drove through a very rural area until we came to Castine. Castine was the scene of the America's first great naval defeat in the the Revolutionary War, when three British ships defeated thirty-plus Colonial ships. We walked around Castine briefly before heading out.
Our destination was Deer Isle and the town of Stonington at the southmost point of the peninsula. We drove to Brooksville and made a loop and ended back where we had started. The area was very rural. Sue decided that we had seen enough of the the country and she was lamenting the lack of bathrooms, so we turned back.
We headed back to the house, as Conrad was off sailing with Dudley and friends. We were able to have a little time by ourselves and lazed away the afternoon.
At supper time I picked up a soft shell lobster to-go from Mclaughlin's Lobster Pound take out. Sue and Conrad cooked at home. Conrad fixed us crab rolls.
Conrad had managed to fall into the bay getting on the dingy. His cell phone gave up the ghost as a result, so we searched the net for a replacement with no luck.
8/1/06, Tuesday
Sue and I got up and went to Duck Trap to photograph the area at low tide, as we had already shot it at high and middle tide. The day has started fairly foggy. The photos were very different than the earlier shoot. People waded in the mist looking for treasures revealed by the shifting waters. The light was muted and the colors were almost monochromatic.
Conrad got news that the phone he wanted was in Ellsworth. We decided to do a day trip in that direction.
We headed north on 1. Passed through Belfast and drove into Searspoint. Searspoint is a place where a high number of nineteenth century sea captains hailed from. We decided to go to the Maritime Museum. We spent about an hour and a half there. It was a very interesting collection of boats, houses, paintings, and all things marine. We learned of a woman who birthed eight children while at sea. Seven of them were boys, whom all became sea captains.
We drove north through Bucksport again, crossed the suspension bridge over the Penobscot into Orland, and sailed into Ellsworth. We finally found the Cingular cell phone center and Conrad was informed that they could not sell him a phone, as he was not in their area code. Conrad was furious and felt that violated the American Constitution, but it did not get him a cell phone.
We decided to drive to Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, home to the Acadia National Park. We headed into the town and found it crowded with tourist. An over-infestation of shops and seafood outlets overwhelmed our senses. Conrad said he would never come back again. We did get see the huge ferry that runs to Nova Scotia at over fifty miles an hour. It sped off into the misty sea.
We decided to explore the island starting with Seal Harbor. We went to Northeast Harbor and circled the Somes Sound. That was a beautiful drive among the very rich and scenic vistas. We circled around to Southwest Harbor and then headed south to Bass Harbor. After reaching the farthest point on the island we headed home.
We stopped at Hanover's (Maine's HEB) in Belfast and picked up some pork chops for dinner. Conrad cooked a fantastic meal and the day was over.
8/2/07, Wednesday
Woke to an overcast day. A storm is heading our way.
We drove to Rockland to check out the Farnsworth Museum and all the Wythe art. Rockland was having the Lobster Fest, so the town was extra crowded with people and parking was a problem.
On the way in Conrad called with a mission... go to Walmart and pick up a hair dryer, so we dutifuly pulled in and Sue proceeded to shop for herself. She did find the requisite McGuffin (the hair drier). I managed to buy myself a pirate handkerchief and a AA battery chargers, as I was burning through a lot powering my camera.
We got hot dogs at Wassee. They were pretty damn good. I had a bacon dog. Sue had a chile and cheese.
We drove out to Owl Head lighthouse. Another fantastic Maine view and scene. Spectacular vista overlooking Penobscot Bay emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. The fog and mist was still lingering over the water, but you could see to the distance with some clarity.
The Homeland Security signs that I have seen at other lighthouse stood prominently here also. It lends the scene a bizarre backdrop.
The USS Wasp floated in the bay as we looked back towards Rockland. The air craft carrier was anchored in the bay to participate in the Lobster Fest. Bright white clad sailors walked in small groups throughout the town. It all recalls a former time before my birth. War returns through a crack in time. Flags fly proudly.
Head back into a traffic jammed village overrun with tourist seeking lobster nirvana at the Fest. We found a place to park at the Farnsworth and went in.
We saw the Andrew Wythe exhibit first. The initial watercolor I saw was my favorite of the whole show. Coastal rocks and very blue water... I can't remember the title, although I do recall it was painted in 1938.
We saw N.C. Wythe paintings and illustrations, although I could have seen more. A bit sparse considering his total output. I thought the museum as a whole was a little too minimal.
We saw a Winslow Homer collection, again lacking what I had hoped for, but pretty cool anyway. I saw a few studies for some of the rescue paintings and a couple of oil paintings.
We then saw Jamie Wythe, the grandson, whom I was not familiar with. I did enjoy his work. I will have to investigate further.
We tried to explore the shop along the tourist district, but it was very humid and hot. Sue found a dress shop and did her thing for a while, as I dripped perspiration waiting for her. Sue developed a headache soon after and we were forced to flee.
I stopped at Bippie's and bought a crab roll and a haddock sandwich. After the usual Maine wait it was delivered and I drove an increasingly suffering Sue back to Beach Rd.
I ate my two sandwiches and retreated to my room. I laid down, closed my eyes, woke up about an hour and a half later well rested.
We hung around a bit. Conrad cooked for Molly and Claire.
We then jumped in the van and drove to Peter Ott's in Camden Harbor. I had filet of sole stuffed with lobster, crab, shrimp, and scallops. Very good. Sue and Conrad split a fish dish. Gingerbread, with sauce and ice cream completed the meal.
Came home and watched a documentary on Edward Murrow.
Settled back, wrote this, with sleep coming my way.
8/3/06, Thursday (My Birthday)
Awoke to a much cooler, yet overcast day.
Conrad cooked me a blueberry bisket breakfast with bacon and sausage.
Sue and I drove to Belfast and shopped at the Reny's and a music store next door. I bought the new Dixie Chicks and the new Mark Knopfler with Emily Lou Harris CD.
We then went to Hanovers for the birthday dinner. Sue bought salmon, corn, taters, ice cream, and much more stuff.
We drove back to Lincolnville and stopped at the Lobster Pound about two in the afternoon. I had a crab roll and some clam chowder. The chowder was not the greatest, as the soup was a bit watery for my taste. The crab roll was first rate.
Came back to Beach Rd. Hung out, talked with Molly and Conrad about their favorite places they have seen.
Conrad and I drove over to Mikes, who sells fresh lobster out of his garage. Met his wife and a bought two one and a half pounders for my birthday dinner.
Cooked all the stuff up and I gorged on lobster. I got all I could eat and it was good!
Sue gave me my presents. A Nisson cup, lobster stuff, and a wonderful old print of the devil, composed of beautiful naked women in disguise. A Mysterious Stranger indeed.
Conrad and Sue took off to Dudley's 80th birthday. I stayed back and packed for my return to civilization.
The air is clear and the view of the harbor is fantastic. I burned one on the balcony and soaked up the moment.
8/4/06, Friday
Sue and I got up about eight or so and headed south for Portland. It was raining when we left and it kept up most of the way down.
Stopped at the "Udder Place" for some coffee and some really bad chocolate.
We arrived in Portland and set out for a lighthouse tours. We went to two in Portland and then drove to Cape Elizabeth and was another.
We went to the Two Lights State Park and really enjoyed the view of the Atlantic from the rocky beach.
We drove back into Portland and found our hotel, a Holiday Inn. We ate a lackluster dinner at the hotel and went to bed about nine.
8/5/06, Saturday
We got up about eight well rested. Our breakfast came late as we had not circled the time we wanted it delivered, although Sue had checked the time in a little box. Breakfast finally arrived, but it was fairly lame as well.
Conrad showed up about nine thirty. I loaded up the rent car and took off for the airport. Turned in the car, checked my bags, and headed through security. I had a moment of confusion when I could not find the proper boarding pass that I had just stuck in my pocket, but it finally revealed itself.
Got on the plane and the first good looking woman I had seen in all of Maine sat next to me. She then curled up and went to sleep. The sky was fairly clear and I was able to get some decent pictures leaving Maine and arriving in New York.
After a very short wait in New York I boarded the plane and we took off. A woman sat next to me and we started up a conversation. She was a psychologist who specialized in geriatric medicine with a practice in Austin and the valley. She was writing a book and hoped to have a television show produced soon, sort of a Dr. Phil kind of thing. Her name was Mara Karpel. She had grown up in NYC and pointed out her neighborhood from the plane as we left the runway.
Arrived in Austin an hour early, so I called Hitto. Her and Jim picked me up and drove me home. Nobody home but the cats. Sophie was very glad to see me and vocalized her happiness.
I rode the Triumph to Jo's, but none of my compadres were around. Went home and cooked a steak.
And so ended my journey to Maine.
For a slide show of images from my journey go to:
Maine Trip Slideshow
