It's another six weeks before we head for Spain and I figure I had better work on my blogging skills a bit. It's been quite some time. Thought I would post some of my old (last year) podcasts, specifically the Road Trip Junkie Show.
(Road Trip Junkie Show #9)
The last Road Trip Junkie Radio Show was forever ago, back at the beginning of December in fact. This ninth show focused on two of my favorite portions of last years road trip. Maine and the Blue Ridge Parkway, in the Fall no less, is quite a vivid memory. If it weren't for those pesky winters, I do believe Maine could satisfy me for some time. Acadia National Park is spectacular, Bar Harbor and seaside towns dotting the coastline are unforgettable. Not to mention one my favorite cities of all time, Portland.
Bev and I entered Maine along Highway 2, one of the famous two lane highways across America. Back in May or was it June, I did most of this same highway across Northern Montana as well. Spent an exhausted night in Bangor before heading on into Bar Harbor or as the locals call it Ba Haba. It was the second week of October and Maine was well on It's way to shutting down for the season. Many shops and restaurants were already boarded up for the winter but it was a very cool time to be there. Very cool to watch this heavily touristed town drift into hibernation mode. Even the local psychic was doing reading by phone.
Would love to one day check out Bar Harbor in the high season. Before leaving Desert Island (home to Bar Harbor) we of course had to experience the pristine beauty of one of the most famous National Parks in the country...Acadia National Park.
Next trip to Maine must include an extended camping extravaganza in this National Park overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. We spent a full day popping in and out of small seaside towns and villages along the coast before rolling into Portland. Ah, I heart Portland!
After a good night sleep we woke early and headed into the waterfront of Portland. This area is lined with cobblestoned streets and plenty of boutique shops, restaurants, and other entertainments. Before the wandering could begin a tasty cup of coffee was in order. We hit up the locally owned (as most things in Portland are) Coffee by Design. Bev and I had just hunkered down on a sofa when a firefighter walked into the half full coffee shop. I have seem many a firefighter grabbing a 'cup of joe' but never in full uniform and with ax in hand. Two more followed as all of us patrons gawked. Finally one of the firemen jarred us back to reality by turning and saying "you do know you have to evacuate right!" With coffee in hand, of course, the entire shop headed into the streets. The guy behind the counter grabbed the tip jar while another grabbed the guitar. Three fire trucks arrived and that little section of town was shut down...for an electrical smoky smell that turned out to be nothing. Interesting start to the morning.
One of the must do things in Maine, well for me at least, is to go out sailing on a Windjammer. Most of the Windjammer outfits had closed for the season...surprise, surprise. Thankfully The Portland Schooner Company had not packed it in for the season yet. We ended up on the last day of sailing. Quite lucky gals really! No reservations needed as it was the off season. There were only a hand full of passengers which made for a wonderful experience. I even got to take the wheel. I must admit that my Captaining skills are quite phenomenal for a first timer. We did loss the wind about half way through but it was still one of the best things I have ever done. Me thinks an around the world trip on a Windjammer is in the future. Anyone have $100,000 for a boat.
Bev and I spent the rest of our time in Portland wandering about dinning and shopping. Portland had a very homey feel but really don't think I would survive the winters.
Before departing from Maine we found ourselves in Ogunquit. I always think of it as the spot that Molly Ringwald started her journey to Nebraska in Stephen King's 'The Stand'. You know the one with Captain Trips (the plague). Took a nice long walk of the beach...and what a beach. Wow, beautiful! The weather was apparently unusually warm because we were sharing the beach with everyone else in town.
Oh, forgot about one last stop we made. York! Another sleepy beachfront town along the coast south of Portland. I actually ended up doing the Travel Hub Radio Show for the beach at York while Bev wandered about for a couple hours. York is home the a very picturquest lighthouse.
Another great spot to settle for a bit.
More photos of Maine
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