Maine - Day 9

It rained today; if it was going to rain today was really the best day for it as we needed to travel so I'm grateful.  We've really had really good weather on this trip.     The day overall I would say was good, I think we are getting tired though, and are ready for our own beds and creature comforts.  That being said we did get to do some fun stuff today.

We woke up and ate breakfast at the main house of the "lodge" we were staying at.  It was served family style with a lazy susan and we had another couple from the lodge join us.   We had eggs, bacon, toast, and jam - I must say it was quite good.  The bacon was super crispy and I don't typically like buttered bread but this was excellent.   Linda and Jack carried most of the conversation with the couple.   They asked about Atlanta and we shared what it was like.   I was grateful to not have to carry most of the conversation as I really don't find those situations comfortable.

After breakfast we headed to a waterfall on the property; the innkeeper told us where it was and advised it may be a bit treacherous so Mama stayed in the car.   The hike wasn't hard but it was very uneven with roots and then when you got to the bottom to really see it you needed to scramble over some rocks.   I was taking pictures and realized the really good pictures were from a rock island in the middle of the water so I sat there a minute and contemplated.... wade into the water and get the picture or regret not doing it for 20 years so my shoes came off and into the water I went.   It was soooo cold, but also worth it.  I had so much fun; almost fell a couple of times, but seriously fun.   After my mid-water excursion we walked a bit further up for some pictures (I stayed barefoot) and then went back to the car.  Once at the car Jack helped me clean off my feet (such a good man) and got me some clean socks and dry shoes.   

We then headed to the Robbins Hill Scenic area; we got out and walked a tiny bit but the rain and fog hid the view.  I bet on a sunny day it would be beautiful.  We then drove to Skowhegan, then onto Waterville where we saw a beautiful walking bridge, and also briefly visited Fort Halifax State Historic Site.   While walking there it really started to rain and most of us got fairly damp before making it back to the car.

I then somehow put it in the GPS to go to a set cross street given by the Maine book, not realizing it was back in Skowhegan...  So we drove back on different roads; saw gorgeous country and wondered where Augusta was, lol.   Once back we went ahead and stopped at Miller's Table at Maine Grains for lunch.  It was a small farm-to-table restaurant; Mama and I shared a pizza and it was excellent. 

After lunch, Jack picked up driving and we headed to Augusta to see the capital building.  Most of us took a mini-cap nap along the way.    We didn't get out at the capital other than to snap a quick picture; it was of course closed due to it being the weekend and with the weather we just took a picture and moved on.    

After the capital building, we came to the hotel; it's really a full resort, and spent rested for a bit before going to dinner at 7.  We ate at a restaurant owned by the resort - Cyndi's Dockside.  The service was good; most food was fried but options here are fairly limited.  I had a grilled shrimp salad and it was good.

We are now in the hotel getting bags flight ready for tomorrow.  We have a few things planned in the mornign before flying out tomorrow afternoon - here is praying for smooth flights w/o delays.    

Maine - Day 8

 Today we started with an excellent breakfast at 2 Cats Cafe.  Jack chose it because of the name, but the reviews were good and well-deserved.   We got there right at 9 and they were packed, but we were seated outside fairly quickly - actually, the family was seated before I even managed to park the behemoth of a car illegally in the paint store parking lot.  I had to kindly ask a gentleman to back his car up so I could park otherwise I may still be looking for a parking place... 

The same waitress we had at the Italian place last night was there this morning and she was again fabulous.   I had French toast with fruit and it was good; a lot of food - everywhere here is a lot of food, but it was good.   Mama said she wasn't feeling 100% so she didn't love hers, but I think it was her and not the food.  After breakfast, we headed to our reservation at Cadillac Mountain and headed up.  It was super foggy so we didn't really get to see anything.   The fog had its own beauty and everyone was laughing about how they needed to move from one spot to another to make sure they saw all of the fog.     We went to the gift shop; took a few foggy pictures and started to drive down.   As we did the sun began to come out and we got some great pictures of the fog sitting on the mountain. 

We then headed to the Bass Harbor lighthouse in Acadia.   We had to wait in line for a parking place and got to see a deer with antlers while we waited.   Linda and Jack went ahead and hopped out to explore.   Once parked Mama and I walked to the right side and got a few pictures and then she took a nap in the car while we hiked down the more strenuous side with steep stairs and rocks.   The hike was worth it.  When you got to the bottom it reminded me of an adult jungle gym and it was fun to climb around.  When you hiked down to the very bottom the view up to the lighthouse was absolutely amazing.   Beautiful!    On the way back up Linda fell, but luckily didn't hurt anything.  She kinda got stuck and Jack and another gentleman helped her up and then we headed back to the parking lot.

Once in the car, we drove over to a pretty mossy trail for a picnic; it was basically a wooded lot with lots of pretty moss.  It was very peaceful.

We then headed to the hotel which was a 2.5-hour drive west.   Overall the drive was uneventful with lots of great scenery toward the end; we stopped at a bridge and took pictures; took several of the leaves turning along the road and just enjoyed it.   We then arrived at this "lodge".  Of all the places I booked, this was the one I was least confident in, but there aren't many choices around here.   She had called earlier to confirm our appointment and breakfast.   When I told her 9 a.m. she seemed to question it so when I got here she again said 9 - I finally said you obviously want us to have breakfast at a different time; she said well the others are having it at 7:30 to which I promptly said no.   It was a cordial conversation but at the same time weird.   Checkout is at 10 and she was concerned we had another person staying in the lodge w/o paying the 20 fee - I don't mind paying a 20 fee; I find it odd given we have to pay for breakfast separately but ah well.    I paid the 35 and we'll have breakfast at 9 am...   The cabin itself is cute and functional enough for a night.  The couch smells a bt so I'm avoiding it and the bedrooms are a bit tight so we have the luggage in the living room, but for the price and one night, it will do.   The countryside is pretty so that's a win.

Once settled in we visited a while and then drove up to a local restaurant - Patrick's Restaurant and Pub.   You can tell it is a local place and the atmosphere was just comfortable.  I felt no rush; just a nice kickback place to eat.   Jack and I shared a plate of wings and they were really good.  The waiter was serving all the tables solo, but I never felt like I wasn't looked after.  I give it 4-5 stars...  I'd come again :)

Now we are back at the cabin and everyone is settling in for the night.  Tomorrow we head back toward southern Maine and explore along the way.   

Jack said he liked the rocks at the lighthouse; it was pretty.   He loved driving through the countryside, seeing the leaves and the countryside

Maine - Day 7

 Acadia, Acadia & More Acadia

So we met in the breakfast area of the B&B at 8:30 and had a good meal; most of us had waffles while Jack had steak.  They put a runny egg on his steak so that promptly went to Mama...   The innkeeper came over and chatted for a bit; she was a concert pianist in CA and also taught piano.  She then proceeded to tell us about her daughter who was an up-and-coming architecture person.   Linda was chatting with her so we learned a lot; not sure I wanted to know that much before the 2nd cup of coffee of the day, but ah well - it's what you get in a B&B - people.   Give me a faceless nameless chain any day.     I really should enjoy people more, but I simply do not - my people sure; relationships that can turn into something deeper than idle chit-chat, yes.  But random strangers and the small talk, carrying on a conversation no one will remember tomorrow - yeah I pass.

After breakfast, we headed to the grocery store for some snacks as lunch was going to be late today and then headed into the park.   We hiked Jesup trail and Hemlock trail; both easy strolls through the forest; we drove the Loop road several times and stopped to take pictures, climb on rocks, and take more pictures.   We stopped in meadows, got fussed at by park rangers for having a tire on the road and not in the gravel, drove around and hunted for parking, and took a few more pictures.   All in all, it was just an enjoyable day.

The fog was extremely heavy; especially later in the day so visibility was reduced, but it brought its own special kind of pretty.  

For lunch, we ate at the Jordon Pond House.  We had the pot stickers which are basically French croissants and had a fairly good meal.  Jack ordered lemonade and it came with no sugar - which was basically lemon juice in ice.   Their coffee though was really good as were the meals themselves.  I had a chicken salad wrap and it was good.  Not award-winning by any means but good, especially for a park restaurant. 

Once we left the park we came back to the hotel and Jack and I walked down to Bar Harbor and ate at an Italian restaurant.  Neither of us were especially hungry so we ordered a few appetizers and split them for our meal; it was perfect.   

Now I'm in bed about to crash for another full day tomorrow.   Sleep well blog land :)

Jack's favorite thing about the day was: Jack enjoyed listening to the rocks hit the waves.  Jack thought the Jesup trail, which was a boardwalk going through the forest was nice.  

Maine - Day 6

 Today has been a long day, but overall good.   I'm tired and writing this from a quiet B&B in Bar Harbor Maine; today was a good bit of time in the car, but we explored along they way.

We started the day at 8 with breakfast at Mae's in Bath.   The french toast was excellent; I ordered oatmeal and it was flavorless ghoul... and the service while friendly was exceptionally slow.  Not a place I recommend.   We then headed up to Wiscasset; the pretty village in Maine...  Let's just say they bribed some tour guides; there was very little here and the butter mold company we intended to see was super sketchy so we didn't even stop.   After a very brief walk in this town, we headed over to Edgecomb State Park.  This is an old wooden fort that is unique; the area was pretty, really just a quick hop out take a picture hop back in the moment.   Mama chose to stay in the car, but you could easily see it from the car; her back is not feeling great today so ...

Then we moved on to Boothbay Harbor which was really cute.   We parked at the top of the hill and walked down through the town, stopping along the way before ending at the footbridge that goes over the waterway.  It was really a quaint town that I enjoyed.

While on the footbridge Mama went to pull something out of her purse and her lottery ticket flew into the water.... let's just hope it's not the winning one.   It's gone forever and she mourned it for quite a bit of time.  She kept hoping it would come close enough to the shore to get it but it didn't and I wasn't going in after it...  After our walk, Jack went and got the car so Mama wouldn't need to climb up the mountain and we headed off to Ocean Point near here that the candy shop lady told Linda about I'm so grateful we did. 

It was really pretty and it had a trail that went through people's front yards (with signs stressing it was open to the public; probably because the owners would love to not allow people on the public land given it is literally in their front yard).    It was so pretty with rocks and water - worth the drive and I'm so grateful she told us about it.  The trail ended at this rock yard that was just gorgeous and boulder you could walk on; there was a house behind it - I can't imagine this being my front yard; I mean the view was just breathtaking.

We then headed to Pemaquid Light House.  We spent about 30 minutes here meandering around.   I hiked down onto the rocks and got some good pictures.   I did convince Mama to at least get out for a little bit; though she would have stayed in the car the entire time had I let her.  

We then went to Damiriscotta for some lunch at King Elder's Pub.  I had a hamburger that was pretty good; everyone else seemed to enjoy their meals.   During lunch I got a call from work and was told I got the promotion I had applied for to Project Manager for Cloud Services; transition time to be figured out after I get back, but it comes with a hefty pay raise and was just really great news in general, so YAY!

After lunch we then headed out to Camden State Park and drove up to Mt. Battie; the views were really pretty and we took the opportunity to get some good photos.  After this, we booked it to our inn at Bay Harbor where we are staying for the next 2 nights.  It was about an hour and a half drive and Jack paid DJ for Mama and Linda on the ride.   About 20 minutes before we got here we swapped drivers; my eyes were on fire and I was so tired.   

Once here we got Mama settled in and then ran down to Lompoc Cafe for dinner.  I had the steak and it was sooooo good - I emptied my plate. 

Jack enjoyed: The path that went by the houses and the rocks.  He also loved looking over the bay with all of the ships at Mt. Battie.  Jack also said he loved the way the sea gulls all lined up at the lighthouse on the rocks...

Maine - Day 5

 Maine Day 5 - Brunswick/Bath

So we began our day with a wonderful breakfast at Hot Suppa; it's a southern cafe and they were excellent.  I had French toast, grits, and sausage.  The french toast was great; the grits amazing; the sausage - not so much.  Linda had a fall harvest bowl that she said was really unique and yummy.   Most importantly; the coffee was amazing.

We left breakfast and headed out of Portland.  Our first stop was to see the Eartha Globe; it's the largest rotating globe and it's in the front lobby of an office building owned by Garmin.   It takes 3 stories to see it all and it was pretty cool.    After this we did another novelty shop at LL Bean to see a very large boot and have our picture taken; I know corny, but cool.

We then headed on to Brunswick MA.   We parked and did a roughly 3-mile trek through neighborhoods, across a swinging bridge, and then back across a pedestrian bridge  It was a really nice walk with beautiful neighborhood scenes, river scenes, and waterfalls from the dam, and was just enjoyable.  There were a couple of hills aka mountains Mama didn't care for, but it was nice.   We then went and ate at Big Top Restaurant; it was full of circus pictures.   I got a BLT with onion rings and it was excellent.  The staff was okay, not super friendly but not rude... you order at the counter and they call you for your food.   I'd eat there again.

We then headed to Bath and wandered around the Maine Maritime Museum.   We only had about an hour before our cruise; so we mainly looked at the outside stuff.   Mama rested a bit and walked around and looked at the old boats.   I wasn't really into the museum part, but Jack seemed to enjoy it.  I regret we didn't get to look inside more.   

We then left the museum on a 3-hour cruise down the river where we saw numerous lighthouses, bald eagles, a couple of seals, beautiful mansions, and the beginning of a pretty sunset.   It was a nice boat ride and it had some nice people on it from Maine who let Mama borrow her coat - she had one, but when the temperature dropped; it dropped fast.    They were really friendly and had an eye for finding Eagles!   At the end of the tour we rode up to the Bath iron works where they build destroyers for the Navy; that was pretty neat to see.   They had one they were going to launch today but something delayed it until tomorrow; not sure what.     The tour guide of our cruise was really knowledgeable and friendly.

After the cruise, we checked into the hotel where we all have apartment-sized suites that are really nice.   This is not a king-size bed though... they say it is, but it is not.  I actually measured from my phone because I am not crazy; I sleep on a king every night.  It's 4 inches smaller; which I think is a Cal King...   We will be cuddling close tonight.   The front desk clerk was not impressed by my measuring abilities.

After we checked in Linda, Jack, and I went to dinner; Mama wanted to go to sleep.   We ate at Kennebec Tavern and I enjoyed the atmosphere.   Our waiter was also extremely good.   Linda loved her tuna; I liked my pasta and they have no idea how to make a chicken pot pie... but we can't always win.  I'd go back to the restaurant but would probably order differently. 

Overall it was a great day!  Tomorrow will be super busy but should be good.

Jack said he liked the boat ride and thought a lot of the tools in the lumber yard of the museum were cool.   Had a sawmill blade that was huge.   

Day 4

 Day 4 - Portland

We got up this morning and headed to Becky's Diner; where we sat outside on the upstairs deck and had a really good breakfast.  The coffee was a little strong for my taste, but the French toast was delish.

We then headed out on the Portland Fire Engine tour.  Parking was highway robbery - $24 for 2 hours, then $7 for every subsequent hour...  The tour itself was great though.  It was a good orientation of the city and it was cool to sit in a refurbished fire truck.   Apparently, Portland has almost burnt to the ground 3 different times!    Once the fire engine tour was complete we walked back to the car to regroup.  The custom's house was a brief walk from where we were so we decided to walk over it for a few pictures; Mama elected to rest in the car so Jack, Linda, and myself headed out.

The customs house is quite pretty and I wanted to go in but it had a doorbell you needed to ring to be let in.   I never would have rang it; Linda on the other hand had no problem ringing it and asking to come inside.   A very nice customs officer - Jeff, let us in even though he wasn't supposed to and gave us a brief tour.   He was very knowledgeable of his building and went out of his way to share tidbits; it was really great and the building itself was beautiful.   He also gave us a tip to go on top of the parking deck for some great photos...  So, we did.  We left there and went to the Customs house parking deck; ignoring the no photo signs and proceeded to take a ton of great pictures.   The security guard walked by us and I just knew he would say something, but he let us be.     We then headed back to Mama but went through this ally way Jeff also told us about that had a great murrell painted on it; Jeff was awesome :)

Once we got back to Mama I was going to extend the parking; given it was only $7 at this point, but... we were 4 minutes late and it wanted me to pay $24 more; can you say HELL NO!   So we got in the car and drove to the East Promenade area to take some pictures; we then drove to the West area to take pictures and generally drove all around Portland stopping at random places to take a photo.   I eventually took us down to the Flatbread restaurant where we parked in the parking deck (another great photo op) and went and had lunch on their patio.  I had a custom-ordered pizza and lemonade; both were delish.   The server was great, the atmosphere was nice and I generally just enjoyed it.

After lunch we walked up to the Henry Woodsworth house that Mama wanted to see; it was only .7 miles and I thought it would be fairly flat.  So the plan was to walk to it; come back to the car and then drive to the Portland Observatory.   Well, the walk up to the house was nice; lots of random sculptures and neat things to take pictures of.   At some point, a gentleman tried to talk to Linda about the fact they are legalizing mushrooms for recreational purposes soon.... Yeah, we are hoping right on that 🤣  But what ti was not was flat; it had some pretty good inclines so once we got there we figured we would walk onto the Observatory given we had done the hills already...

How little did we know; the walk to the Observatory was another .7 miles but about 1/2 in we realized a good chunk of it was largely up a massive hill.   My Mama bless her did it; every step.  I carried her O2 most of the afternoon as we didn't have her walker (Portland streets are not exactly walker-friendly) so that had some comedy in itself.    We always get hung around a tree or one of us stops w/o telling the other one because we forget we are connected.  It's funny - at about 1/2 through Jack took my camera bag to lessen some of the weight on me.+    But we made it and we took pictures of the building, and then walked back down.  The walk back to the car was .5 miles and all downhill so that was good.

We were almost to the car and as we passed a man Mama barked; yes barked like a dog.  I thought she was barking at the man and about died; when she was actually barking because of the 02 and trying to make a joke; to say the least it fell really flat, lol.

Once at the car we got settled and drove to see the little bug lighthouse; it's at a park and we got there right as the sun was setting; it was beautiful.   A nice way to end the day.

We then came back to the hotel; and agreed on a meeting time for in the morning as no one is really interested in dinner and called it a day.    Jack and I went back out to grab Mama a new purse; the one she brought with her was falling apart and grabbed a couple of sandwiches for dinner.

I'm sure there are things we didn't see or do in Portland, but I think we saw most of it...   Jack said we walked a little over 6 miles! 

Jack's favorite part of the day was:  Jack liked the customs' house; he liked the history and the details of it.  Little things like the air quality in the building was bad back in the day due to them smoking and lighting it with oil lamps.  He loved the detail on the door where they changed the time at some point to 4:30 by sanding it off.   He liked the little lighthouse and observatory.  He said the firetruck road was fun; even though the road was bumpy.   Portland roads are all asphalt over old school dutch brick.

Maine Day 3

Today was non-stop, but great.   I am fighting sleep to type this before I forget :)

We started with breakfast at the hotel restaurant; Raspberries.  It was really good - I had French toast and fruit.   We then headed out to Kennebunkport.  I stopped at one bridge to take some pictures of of it's beauty only for a guy to point out two eagles to is - talk about a win :)  Then on to St. Anne's Episcopal church; it is this really quaint rock church that is right off the water.  It was a great stop and the view was amazing - that is pretty much the standard statement for the entire day; the view was amazing.  Waves crashing against rocks to create dynamic and dramatic views; I love it.   After the church, we drove down a bit to Colony Beach and walked out on the jetty to get some good photos.    And then we drove to the other end of Parson's Way.  Parson's Way is a 2-mile stretch trail off Ocean Avenue that is just breathtaking.   We stopped in several places to take pictures including stopping to see President Bush's house.  Parking was full so I dropped them off and made a couple of loops, but I had gotten a picture from another angel so it was all good  I turned around in some woman's circular driveway and she was standing on her porch - oops :) LOL

We then headed to the downtown area of Kennebunkport, walked around, and had lunch at an expensive restaurant called The Boathouse.   We almost got talked into a food truck and ate on a ship, but I really wanted a waiter.  My food was good; not worth the cost, but it was good.  Mama tried her first lobster in a lobster roll; she ended up eating my fish :)   Everyone else seemed to enjoy their meal - and don't get me wrong I did too; just sitting alone was worth it's weight in gold.

We then headed to Fort Williams Park, but we did stop and see South Congregational Church (I drove by while everyone took pictures), the wedding cake house, and Spurwink church.   Once at Fort Williams we parked outside the gate and walked in; very nice day.  When we got down to the water I realized there was additional parking so I went back and moved the car closer.    We spent a good 2 hours here at the park - the rocks, waves and two lighthouses made it worth it.  

I helped Mama get up into an area behind the old fort and we took pictures that were just unbelievable with sailboats and the Portland Headlight behind us.   We then drove up the lighthouse and walked around; it was really my favorite part of the day!

After the park we headed to the hotel; checked in and then Linda, Jack, and I went to grab some dinner; Mama stayed behind.   After a bit of research and false starts (I failed to research Portland restaurants) we found this really great one off a cobblestone street.   I just loved the atmosphere as we ate outside and enjoyed the conversation.   So very happy we ate here.  Afterward, we stopped for some amazing gelato and drove back to the hotel, where I am very promptly about to crash.  See you tomorrow :)