MAINE - JULY 2009

Maine was absolutely beautiful and so quaint. We really had a nice time. We got so relaxed that we had no reference for time half of the trip except for when we were at a bus stop! We would get up in the morning walk down to the ranger station, check what the weather was going to do that day and then ask for the time. We def. were on VACATION!  We flew in to Bangor where MamaB was happily waiting to pick us up. We then drove to Blue Hill, the town where MamaB spent many of childhood summers playing. MamaB was able to show us around the area which was so fun to learn of the history and childhood memories she had!! The town of Blue Hill was great! They had American flags on every light pole and it truly had the small town feel and love. We tried to stop in at a neat pottery place, but they were closed so we took off toward Acadia National Park. Driving in we were able to get a feel for the area. We went on in to check in at the Blackwoods where we would be camping for the next 10 days. We ended up getting an awesome campsite. We backed in to good ol’ campsite 62 and set up camp. We spent the extended 4th of July weekend with MamaB and were able to squeeze a ton of stuff in. We got fresh Maine lobster dinner with fresh Maine blueberry cobbler for dessert. We went putt-putt (TWICE!), we got an awesome full moon, we went to the top of Cadillac Mountain, we took drives around the national park, we hiked some and took in some sights around Acadia, we went to the fourth of July festivities (blueberry pancake breakfast and parade and fireworks) in Bar Harbor, we went wine tasting, and we were even able to spend time hanging out if you can imagine that!!! I was even able to scare everyone by FLYING A PLANE! Well kind of  I got a big surprise from Brian with an aerial flight of Acadia national park!! Jim, MamaB’s friend lives up there and performs flights on Saturday’s so he was able to take us up and he even let me help fly! It was so much fun. We got a beautiful day and were able to see everything, including Martha Stewart’s house and the man who writes CSI’s house! It was so amazing. After the long weekend, Brian and I spent the rest of the trip without a clock/watch and without a vehicle! Ha-ha. It worked out great though! We were able to use public transportation (Free!) and our feeters to get around. We went to the brewery, did some hikes, hung out at Sand Beach, took in the views, caught a movie and pizza at the cinema café, hung out on the green (large open grassy area overlooking the waters) in Bar Harbor, and took in as much of Acadia as we could. We rented bikes one day and rode all over on the Carriage Roads. The carriage roads inspired and created by John Rockefeller, Jr. are VERY well kept up “gravel” roads that are only accessible to horses, horse drawn carriages, bikes, and feet. Rockefeller Jr. hated the combustion engine and didn’t want any motor vehicle to be allowed on the roads. So when the roads were given to the state, this wish has been maintained which makes for an amazing time for bikers and families. It is a safe way for kids to have fun with parents and not fear getting “in the middle of the road.” Rockefeller Jr. had a love for the outdoors and with his help and others a lot of Acadia National Park was formed. At first the area was only accessible to the wealthy who came in by big cruisers. This was because there was no road system to get up through and out to the island Acadia is on. The park is still meticulously maintained and beautiful. Back to the carriage roads, we were able to bike more than 18 miles including up Day Mountain and back down!  It was so beautiful. The funny part of the trip was the only place I really got service on my cell phone outside of the town of Bar Harbor, was on top of Day Mountain! So I decided to call Mom Ray and chat on top of the mountain! Overall we really had an amazing, peaceful, relaxing trip. I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture