Room Service BABY!
A lobster lover’s paradise awaits you along the coast of Maine. Tonight, Mare and I camp outside of Bar Harbor with a view of Frenchman Bay. We order a lobster dinner for two ($29.00) delivered to our site. Heaven. For the past week we have been living on lobster rolls, bisques, and omelets.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner… Not enough meals in the day
“Back in the day when you could walk out in the bay and rake in the lobsters, they would feed them daily to the inmates at the penitentiary,” John, a local friend explains. “Then, the state mandated that lobster be served only two times per week, because daily was cruel and unusual punishment.” Punish me baby!
Bush shack
This northern coastal drive unmasks mansions, like the George H. Bush’s family shack in Kennebunkport. Down the way, lighthouses stand sturdy on rocky coastal ledges.
Nuble Light, Cape Neddick
In-between, we find plenty of beaches for Jack and Mare to frolic.
Dog friendly Maine beaches
We mainly camp, lodging at a motel once in a while just to “clean-up,” and watch some football, but much prefer the colorful views and fresh air of campsites. By the way, the Pier Fries at Lisa’s Pizza in Scarborough are “wicked” delicious.
View from our campsite in Scarborough
Work-off some of those fries and lobster rolls with a hike up Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Atlantic Coast.
A divisive Congress shut down all Federal Parks, which actually works to our advantage…no vehicle traffic or fee booths are present to pollute Acadia National Park.
View from the top of Cadillac Mountain
Hikers and bicyclists enjoy the relative solitude and un-obscured views.
Bar Harbor from the top of Cadillac Mountain
While driving through the town of Lubec, we ask a random pedestrian for directions to The West Quoddy Head Light. Philip spends time talking with us, as do most of the friendly folks in Maine, and sends us in the right direction.
Quoddy Head Light
The lighthouse continues to provide a point of navigation for sailors from a strategic spot, on the easternmost point of the Atlantic coast. As we leave the lighthouse, who should appear but Philip. “Hey, if you guys aren’t on a tight schedule, you should backtrack to Cutler.” He pulls out a map. “When we sailed up from Florida, we found this area to be the most dramatic coastline in all of Maine.” We shall heed his advice, and check it out.
At the turn-off to the Cutler Coast Preserve, there is Philip… again, waiting in his truck to escort us to the trail head. This is really nice, but Mare and I are getting spooked, wondering if he is a serial killer trying to lure us into the woods.
Hiking the Cutler Coast Preserve
Could it be the too many years working as Probation Officers, or have we been watching too many TV episodes of Criminal Minds? “I’m taking the gun with me on this hike,” I say to Mare. We laugh, but if Philip does appear in the woods, I will immediately pick up a thick stick and a rock.
The trail twists through the forest of Cutler Coast Preserve, and leads to a section of coastline where Maine earns its rocky reputation. Numerous black precipices jet out into clear, cold waters that separate the US from Canada. Thank you for the tip, Philip.
As autumn colors the landscape, we head inland and northbound to the beginning of America’s First Mile…aptly named “Route 1.” Initially just a footpath for the thirteen Colonies, George Washington even traveled here.
The First Mile and the beginning of the road in northern Maine
We could stay in Maine forever, but the colors of New Hampshire and Vermont call. Thank you abundant universe! Ron Mitchell
I sooooooo enjoy your travels and commentaries! Absolutely beautiful!
Thanks, Maureen! We try to keep things fun.
Oh love Maine! Haven’t been there in the fall but did spend a couple autumns in other parts of New England, love those colors. This makes me want to go back again. The Maine coast reminded me somewhat of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, and these photos confirm that. Love joining you vicariously on your travels through your great blog.
Jill, we thought of you often, especially how you would some of these hikes, or in some cases, “re-hikes” for you.
Hey Guys, is Route #1 anything like “1st Bridge, 2nd Bridge and 3rd Bridge”? Beautiful photos, wonderful descriptions…. what a beautiful country we have here, eh?
Ma & Pa, yes, I’ll bet there is a “1st Bridge” around here somewhere! The US is amazing.
LOVE IT!! Fantastic photos, stories…
We were in your homeland, Skip.
Enjoying your scenery!
Thanks, Vicky. The photos by Marilynn really make this work!
You have opened my eyes to the beauty all around me. Love your blog Ron and beautiful photos Marilynn. Thank you for sharing your travels!!!
It was great meeting you and John. Thanks to John for letting me use his quote. Thank both of you for treating us to lobster omelet!
wow !! amazing location…loved the landscapes !!
I’m glad that you like it, Dhappya. Quite different than Mumbai!
Great pictures!!! I have a lot of good memories of Maine. My grandparents lived there all their lives. My dad’s cousin was a lobster fisherman and we got to go on the boat and catch our dinner one time. We also went to visit over the 4th of July and watched the lobster boat races. So many ME memories. I loved getting crab rolls from the Country View! LOVE LOVE LOVE the pictures. Safe travels!
Wow, Tammy, I didn’t realize that you had so many ties here. Maine is truly a magical place that reminds me of Alaska in some ways. Mare’s photos blow my mind sometimes.
What a lovely images i saw with this page… I think this is a beautiful place spending with my love ones for a especial occasion. true natures, romantic, and look peaceful. Thanks for the idea.
You will certainly enjoy the coast of Maine, whoever you are! Ron
That looks truly sublime! Makes me want to go there 🙂
The fall season is spectacular. Plus, not mentioned in the post, the homegrown potatoes are in season and unreal tasty. We would love to see Maine in the winter someday. Maine is definitely worth a visit if you ever get the opportunity, Ninagallo!