Vacation-land, Lobsta-land - Call it what you will...

For those of you who have not (yet) had the chance to visit Maine in the summer - GO! How can one surpass the opportunity to visit a place with the motto: "Maine, the way life should be." Of course, its not as idyllic as that in reality, particularly if you listen to my recently retired uncle who will swear up and down the Maine coast and its a long one (the 3rd longest state coast in the US, check http://waterfrontpropertiesofmaine.com/doc3.html if you don't believe me) that Mainers pay the highest taxes in the 'ol U.S. of A.

I can't say for sure if that is true, but I can say its a pretty sweet place to have people to visit particularly in the summer and in the fall foliage. People all over the east coast and in north and northeastern Canada flock to Maine beaches like this one in Wells Maine, on Drake's Island.














Beautiful beaches also mean beautiful sunsets like this one with someone's rock art...





















Two other areas that I love to visit in Maine when I am visiting are Bailey Island and Boothbay Harbor. Bailey Island is accessible by only one road which requires driving over Orrs Island two. Both Islands are part of the town of Harpswell. The drive to Bailey Island is just as enjoyable as the destination itself, giving truth to the phrase "life is in the journey". Here is a pic of my grandmother (Mimi) and I on the balcony of Land's End Gift shop (yep you guessed it, at the very tip of the island, admittedly not a very innovative name).

















On our way back home from our day trip we stopped by a darling little place called the Salt Cod Cafe. I can't say anything about their lunch options but I can say they have mighty good coffee and great fresh home-baked apple pies AND (this is the best part) the BEST place to sit and relax on a deck anywhere on the island. From their deck down by the water you get a great view of the little harbor and Cribstone Bridge. This is the only bridge of its kind in the world, built in 1928 and made entirely of granite cribstones. Its also VERY narrow and I always get nervous driving over it.















Lastly, if you have a chance to get to Maine don't forget stopping for a day or two in Boothbay Harbor. This town is about half way up the Maine coast and a bit off the beaten path of the hordes of Canadian tourists that flock to Maine's Southern beach areas, no francais in Boothbay. This photo gives you a little hint of what you are in store for if you visit.


















The downtown is crammed with little shops and galleries. My great aunt - Aunt Ellen had a dress shop for years and years here. She and my uncle lived in Boothbay Harbor for many years and although it is sad to go there now that they have passed on I still do because it is so beautiful and to visit family friends John and Karen Vander. You can visit them too at Goldsmith Gallery in Boothbay Harbor - why not pick up some art or jewelry while on vacation ;-) Boat lovers should aim to visit in mid-late June for Windjammer Days, when a bunch of old boats cruise into the harbor.

Oh - and don't forget to have some Maine lobsta!