Vacation 2013: One Day at a Time

"Maine, the way life should be"...a slogan evidently coined by the tourism guys in Augusta.  Being a resident here makes one aware that the way life actually IS may reflect a different picture.  Many of us spend our summers in the hospitality industry making sure that those seeking the pleasures of Maine get to enjoy them.  While those fortunate visitors lounge on ocean and lake beaches, camp in pine forests, hike trails and shore, explore history, and shop, we who live here also have homes to maintain and clean.  We do the laundry, shop for groceries, service our vehicles, mow lawns, and grab a few winks of sleep overnight before putting on our smiles and welcome hats for another day of service.

Summer vacations are hard to come by for the working Maine resident.  So, we take them a day at a time.  We grab a stroll on the beach, if the tide is right when we find that available minute or we build in a detour along the path we are required to traverse during the day.  We plan a picnic if friends or relatives are in the area.  During a routine shopping trip, or around an appointment, a break at a local coffee shop becomes a welcome respite.  Celebrating a birthday or anniversary provides a dinner out or an evening at a local entertainment venue.

As an example Ken & I, disappointed that summer was passing us by without our involvement, decided to take a drive.  We had never been to Cape Porpoise, a part of Kennebunkport, so we followed Maine State Route 9 and finding that the town was somewhat lackluster we entered a street that seemed to be directed toward the coast.  Shortly, we came upon a bustling bayside restaurant that was part of a lobstering  operation.  Finding a parking spot along side a boat ramp that due to low tide was not going to be used we walked to the lobstering pier where we observed a catch being transferred from a boat to a waiting delivery truck.  Goat Island Light was visible at the mouth of the harbor providing a pretty view.  Continuing along Route 9 we hoped to find Goose Rocks Beach, but missed a turn and found a secluded beach where there were several parking spaces.  Grabbing the lunch bag that Ken had thoughtfully packed before we left home, we came across a large driftwood log that made a perfect bench for a picnic lunch on the beach.  We traveled north, through Saco into the Biddeford Pool area which we explored.  It wasn't long before we found ourselves at Old Orchard Beach and a few miles north of the pier discovered a lobster market where we stopped for a drink.  At the adjoining pier a lobster boat was being loaded for a trip out and from which kids were having a banner day catching crabs.  We retraced our route now traveling south toward home and eventually entered the Turnpike leaving it at Kennebunk where we stopped at Federal Jack's restaurant, in Kennebunkport, for a light meal. 

The day was pretty, the drive interesting, and we were together.  A very nice vacation...one day at a time!

Winter Fest 2013

My daughter, Brenda and her husband, Joe, host an annual WinterFest in Sutton, NH, on Presidents' Day weekend.  This year there was plenty of snow to satisfy all cravings for downhill speed using a multitude of conveyances; sleds, saucers, a toboggan, and a snow-scooter, along with an unnamed patch of fiberglass with handle attached that requires precise body position and balance.

As a kid, growing up on that same property, my winter conveyances included a Flexible Flyer sled that included a couple of steel rails bridged by wooden slats to support a body.  The steel rails were connected at the front by a metal framework to which was fitted a wooden crossbar that articulated enough to provide some steering.  

Fast forward 65 years and I find myself, after consuming several glasses of a very nice Pinot Noir, hurtling down the same hill on a Hammerhead sled.  Constructed primarily of fiberglass this sled includes a sling of fabric netting to cushion the body.  It features four runners that remind me of short skis the front two of which somehow react to pressure on an aluminum crossbar and steers the unit.  These days it takes me concentrated balance to negotiate the snowbank that serves as a starting block and significant complaining from an arthritic hip while climbing aboard.  A very patient Ken steadies the sled and once I am in position enthusiastically aids in launching my run (as if any additional help was needed) as the sled dove in a nearly vertical trajectory down the face of the bank and sped along the well groomed course to the end of the run.  Shear terror was replaced with exhilaration and the run proved much too short and quickly I was climbing aboard the "lift" (a massive John Deer towing a trailer outfitted with four rows of bench seating and space for snow toys) and headed back to the top of the hill.  No, I did not opt for a second run...next year!