Maine

My journey on the train has come to pass. I only took the train to Washington DC but elected to fly back for the return trip. I wish I could say I was eager to ride another eight plus hours, but I made a novice error on the way down that I paid for the remainder of my trip. Note to self, don't turn only your neck and look out the window the entire journey. Let's just say the stiffness in my neck, back, and shoulder have only now begun to recede. I wish I could say this is simply about getting older, but truly I was like a little kid focused on every tree, building, body of water, and scenic vista that crossed our path. My neck did not share the same level of interest, clearly.

On the return trip to Maine I found myself on a prop plane, a Cessna that sat seven passengers in total. I was the lucky one to ride directly behind the pilot. I made sure to not make any drastic movements, like kick the seat or lunge forward during our flight. Only 1500 feet high, I didn't want to tempt fate.

Having never flown on a Cessna before, this was a real treat. We flew along the Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine coastlines. For the first time I was able to get a different vantage point of home and while the engine/turbines/propellers were quite loud, this was a beautiful journey. I can see why people shell out the bucks to take fall foliage flights.

Now in Vacationland for the next three or so weeks, I'm thinking about a return trip to Lubec or Eastport. With tourist season underway, the easternmost points in the state are less populated by the throngs of New Yorkers, Jerseyites, and Connecticut types that have taken over the roads these past three years. I'll be sure to share some photos when I get a chance and update when I can.

In the meantime here are some recent snapshots from my latest lakeside retreat. There is something special about summertime in northern New England.