Last day in Maine

Spent the day touring. Acadia National Park is a beautiful hiking park with a gorgeous setting. We first drove up to Cadillac Mountain. Cadillac Mountain is the only mountaintop in the park accessible by car and it is also the highest peak. During much of the year, it is also the first place on US soil touched by rays of sunrise. To me, that is exciting and I can only wish to be there so early in the morning, but unfortunately, the park does not open that early. It is at 1528 feet and the highest peak on the Atlantic between Canada and Brazil.

We also stopped at Mount Desert Oceanarium and learned more about lobsters and sea creatures than I ever knew existed. These people have a wealth of knowledge that they share and there was a lot of lobster, sea urchin and sea cucumber touching going on. I would definitely recommend this place, especially good for school children to learn about sea life.

I also promised that I would take a picture of the next plate of oysters on the half shell, but, darn, we got so excited about it that I didn't think of the picture until they were gone, so, here is what is left.

Okay, now this is it! We had to have lobster one last time. This was a little longer drive to a lobster shack right on the bay. They certainly aren't fancy, but they offer the best and freshest lobsters around.

This was by far, the best lobster we have had this week. If you are keeping count, this was our third night in a row for steamed lobster. In talking to the workers there, we find out they steam in those metal boxes outside the shack with water pulled right out of the sea. This flavors the lobster giving it the perfect saltiness. We would definitely recommend Thurston's Lobster Pound south of Bar Harbor, Maine, in Tremont.

Memorial Day and more Maine

It's Memorial Day. I was reminded a short time ago, that during the Vietnam war, no yellow ribbons or parades or attitudes of appreciative were found. Our soldiers, seamen and airmen were not rewarded with yellow ribbons, a simple gesture but with such meaning for those who serve. Let us take time today to remember all the men and women who have served so bravely during all our wars and during our peacetime.

Yesterday morning we had a full table for breakfast in Kennebunkport at the Waldo Emerson House. Waldo, by the way, was the uncle or Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Ralph would visit in the home on occasion. It was a perfect place to sit and write and be creative. In fact, the whole coast of Maine seems to bring a creative spirit to me and I could just look towards the sea and write and dream.

We made a stop in Freeport at L.L.Bean and I am sure this boot is familiar to many. Makes the Trout look very small. Oh yes, we had to buy a small piece of luggage for some extras we have picked up along the way. Luggage was 50% off outlet prices. And, I did resist buying that quart of maple syrup in Vermont, so the luggage will not be that full!!

We are staying at Smuggler's Cove in Booth Bay, Maine. This place is very nice and has such a great view. We took a boat out into the bay yesterday to do some seal watching. We found quite a few and of course, a lighthouse or two.

And then, last night, we had to go for dinner and decided to eat LOBSTER! Two lobsters and steamed mussels. Going price yesterday on a steamed lobster was $14.95 in case anyone is interested. We have seen signs for $5.95 a pound if you want to prepare it yourself. They were very good with melted butter. We ate outside because we were a total mess by the time we were done. Not a meal for the faint of heart.