Maine.... We're Here...

Finally made it to Maine late Friday (6/13). Left Vermont and travelled east across the northern tip of New Hampshire, then across Maine to Rockport. Although the drive wasn't so far distance-wise, road-wise it was an eternity. We only thought the roads were bad way back in New Jersey - even New Hampshire's roads are really rough and Vermont's no-pavement sections were rough - but so far Maine roads are the definite winner. We travelled mostly at 35 mph because of the roughness and ruts in the road. We absolutely thought WhooHoo was going to shake apart. We are very happy to finally be here.

It's still off-season here so the campground is fairly empty and very quiet. Saturday (6/14) drove to Rockland Harbor for a look-see. Rockland is a quaint town with traffic lights and a bustling main street. Visited a few galleries and the Maine Lighthouse Museum. The museum is fascinating with information on many of the lighthouses in Maine and their lively history protecting the coast. Maine has 63 lighthouses along its coast although some are no longer in use and are managed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Happened upon the Project Puffin Visitor Center by accident where we learned about puffins and the endangered Piping Plover, which we first learned about in Ocracoke, NC. There are lots of artists in the area and the galleries proudly promote resident artists with very few outsiders' work included.

Haven't made it to the Farnsworth-Wyeth Gallery yet, but apparently the Wyeth family owned several islands on the Maine coast. There are many coastal tours, but most become available next week. We definitely plan to visit Freeport, Maine and the LL Bean flagship store (about an hour from us).

Rockland has a very nice harbor walk with beautiful views of the harbor and far-off views of Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. We found a delicious lunch at the Rockland Cafe of hand pressed fish cake sandwich and an open-faced crab melt sandwich. We're saving up for a fresh lobster dinner one evening.

There is definitely a slight language barrier, mostly noticeable when we speak. Even the slightest Southern drawl is very pronounced in New England. There is a noticeable distinction in dialect and tone - even in laughter and we have to listen closely to understand everything being said.

We're staying in the mid-coast area which seems to be a perfect location for exploring the Maine coast. It's all good so far.

--Indulging wanderlust and a life without limits--

K&J