There's no place like.....

Home again. All in one piece - even our luggage travelled with us and arrived at the right place and the right time. That doesn't happen too often to the Christies.

Not knowing what the traffic would be like to Boston, we gave ourselves plenty of time to drive to the airport and drop off our 'jeep'. At last we had learned how to navigate these US roads and maps, didn't get lost once, encountered no road works or jams, got straight through the security checks and got to the gate 5 hours (yes, count them) 5 hours early.

Here are Dad and Ruth at around hour 2, so still quite cheery.

But the time passed and the flight was on time (rubbish films) and into Manchester we flew at 7am local time. A bit chilly compared to Maine. Drove home to find all well. Could hardly open the door for all the mail (mostly junk) then set about trying to keep awake as long as possible to get back into UK time.

So here we are, home again. It was a great holiday, and it was all thanks to Sarah. Why else would we have been in Maine and discovered what a lovely state it is! Thanks Teeny!

And goodbye from the blog!

Maine Mall, Rain Mall

The cloudy sky this morning didn't look too ominous. We drove the short journey back to Portland and arrived too early to check in to our hotel, so went over to the Maine Mall.

Remember the last time we went there? Yes, Sarah was with us and it was absolutely chucking it down. We hadn't been in there long when an almighty crash of thunder told us it was doing it again. Nothing for it, then, but to continue round the shops till the rain eased.....

Ruth now has new Rocket Dog sneakers (£10) and Mum has sensible winter shoes (£10) and Dad has a couple of trendy polo shirts (£7). Ha! They don't call us the Big Spenders for nothing. Actually they don't call us that - that's those other Christies. We did splurge on mini Cinnabons (between us) and Ruth and Mum had manicures so are extremely well groomed by usual standards.

Off to the hotel then and we're now faced with the prospect of repacking everything to get it on the plane tomorrow. Boo Hoo. The thunder and lighting are roaring round us still and we're hoping everyone at Tripp Lake is under shelter!

The next blog entry will probably be from back home and will round off this journal of nonsense. Of course, we're secretly hoping Sarah will have caught the Blog Bug and will do one when on her travels! If not, then postcards please to the usual address!

Boogie Boogie Bummery Whoop! (We're sure that's the camp cheer, as told to us by Sarah - yes??)

Shop Shop Shop; Shop Shop Shop

As the holiday draws to the close there is the inevitable panic that we have not bought enough stuff or spent enough money so Saturday took us to Freeport - outlet heaven.

Actually it turned out to be a nice little town with a Main Street that looked like any other except that all of the shops were outlet stores. There is a huge LL Bean which is open 24 hrs 365 days incase you need to buy a kayak on Hogmanay! Actually it is not an outlet store which is ironic as it is the main attraction. Anyway Dad did well and is now kitted out for the Autumn and Winter with shirts and shoes.
Elsewhere we went to NineWestAbercrmbieand FitchJCrewGapBathworksSamsonitetcctctc until we could shop no more.
The we went to WALMART!!! Just when you thought we could not possibly buy any more we went shopping for an extra case and something to open jars with stiff lids.

Evening meal was at Nifty McGrittys or somewhere like that. We avoided Pedro O'Hara's the Mexican/Irish restaurant (seriously)

Harboring Good Intentions

Friday saw us waving goodbye to Bar Harbor on a beautiful sunny morning and driving to Boothbay Harbor about 12o miles away.
We were sad to leave Bar Harbor as it is a lovely place to have a restful holiday and we are sure that we have only scratched the surface of its potential.
Anyway we took the coast road along Maine and saw some authentic Maine towns and villages today which was fun.
Boothbay Harbor is like a small version of Bar Harbor. Lobster is for sale everywhere and there are more whale watch cruises. We have managed to resist both this evening but we did succumb to the notorious Blueberry pie! Oh well -no breakfast tomorrow.

Whales? Where? 2

The day dawned so bright and sunny we could see the sea. And our hotel is beside the sea. Good.

And to prove that we had learned, and were no longer the stupidest people in Maine, we checked with the whale people, and yes, they said, the whale boat would sail that afternoon. Hurrah for those whales.

So with the sunny day to fill, we set off to drive round the Acadia National Park. And well worth it, we all agreed - very beautiful coastline, rugged cliffs, the occasional sandy beach, and a spectacular view from the summit of Cadillac Mountain. (No, not named after the car - for once, it's the other way round. Hurrah for early French explorer Monsieur Cadillac). It's the highest point on the Atlantic coast north of Rio de Janeiro. Hard to believe at only 1500 feet, but true!

And then to the highlight of the day - whale watching! Again on with the socks, t-shirts and sweatshirts, only today it's 85 degrees and we fear we may pass out through broiling as we stand in the queue to board. And off we go, fearlessly 25 miles out into the blue, blue ocean. Actually the blue, blue and very swelly, heaving and freezing ocean. First Christie to lose the sea legs is Ruth, swiftly followed by Dad and they spend the next three long cold hours with the sickbags. Mum keeps lookout for the wonderful whales for surely they will make the sacrifice all worth while. Until the lady announcer tells us 'well, sometimes this happens folks - no whales out here today.....' They raise their heads from the bags in disbelief. What? All we've seen is a couple of mouldy seals and a gannet.

The whale people offer another ticket for another trip in compensation. If Ruth and Dad could have talked at that point they'd have told them to get lost. And so we disembarked, very cold and covered in a salty crust. And what was that eerie noise we could hear? Whales chuckling?

Never, ever, dis those whales....

Whales? Where?

The day dawned so misty we couldn't see the sea. And our hotel is beside the sea. Not good.

Undeterred and optimistic we tackled coffee and pastries for breakfast (leaping indoors when the torrential rain started). Not quite swimming weather so we wandered around Bar Harbor's shops on the hunt for Mum's traditional holiday souvenir - the fridge magnet. If it's Maine then it must be moose, lobsters and blueberries, sometimes all on the one magnet. Settled on a tasteful little buoy finally.

As we'd booked the 4.30 whale watching trip, we prepared by buying our tasty picnic and then by piling on all our clothes. Dress warm, we'd been told - it gets cold out there on the ocean. By now it was very warm and humid, but we pulled on the long socks, layers of t-shirts and sweatshirts anyway and waddled off to the pier.

'No sailing today' said the cheery lad at the ticket office. 'It's t-o-o-o-o-o MISTY' as if we were the stupidest people in Maine. And we might just be. Wondered what was that eerie noise we could hear as we waddled away - whales chuckling! Aha you whales, don't get too cosy. We're trying again tomorrow!

Soothed our disappointment with Margaritas, Pina Coladas and nachos, so the day wasn't lost after all. Phew.

Bar Harbor where the whales hang out

We have arrived at Bar Harbor and are staying at the swish Bar Harbor Resort right down on the waterfront.

An overcast and drizzly start in Auburn this morning did not look good and we began to think that we should give up on Maine and head south for a few days of sunshine before we go home. However we decided to persevere and it has been a good decision because we arrived in Bar Harbor in bright sunshine.

We had lunch on the way at Dysart's Truck stop - yet another interesting eating place we have found on this holiday. This truck stop has been around since the 1950's and is still a very traditional restaurant. It was packed with truckers putting away large portions of carbs. We settled for a couple of salads and a BLT but they were still big plates.

Ice Cream in Bar harbor completed another balanced meal!

Tomorrow we have booked places on a whale watch cruise. Watch this space to find out if the whales have cooperated.

Any Portland in a Storm

We had a great day with Sarah on Monday but it was a wet one!

We visited the lighthouses in South Portland which were interesting and pretty. The coastline reminded us of St Andrews and the smell of the sea was also familiar.

We had a good lunch in Old Portland while the storm crashed outside with dramatic thunder and lightening and warnings were broadcast on the weather channel. We decided to abandon the tourism trail and retreated to the Mall where it was dry and warm.

Someone then had the bright idea that we should go to a movie. No-one is now admitting to that idea but several hundred miles and some hours later we found the cinema. Maps and Maine do not seem to go together. The locals are keen to be helpful but by and large they don't know their way around. We received lots of advice on how to find the cinema but they were all wrong. They were probably not far wrong but a miss is as good as several miles when playing on the interstate.

Anyway we eventually got to Cinemagic and bought tickets for Ocean 13. We missed the start and had to sit in the front row. It was a good film but by the end all four of us had crinked necks bystaring up Brad Pitt's nostrils for 90 minutes.

We thought we would finish the evening with some coffee and desert so a few minutes later we were in Dunkin Donuts enjoying the fine cuisine you can find there. Standards seem to have slipped a bit since Boston.

We delivered Sarah home safely to Tripp Lake by 11pm. We think she had a good day but at least it reminded her of her kooky family and made life in a log cabin with 7 eleven year olds seem not so bad!

We really enjoyed seeing her and hearing her tales of camp. Now we are heading up the coast in search of whales.

Finally four - a trip to Tripp

We waved goodbye to rainy but pretty Bethel and with very heavy stomachs (indeed), we set off to find Tripp Lake and Sarah!

Despite previous comedy map moments on our journey this week, this morning we were making speedy progress so we made our first Walmart visit to slow ourselves down. Stunning. Amazing and crazy deals could have been seized in a pair of shoes discounted to 50c or a three piece luggage set for $29... We cut short our in-depth and probing investigation of everyone's favourite superstore because indigestion from our impressive Bethel breakfast had struck a certain member of the family. On the positive side - we can legitimately include another Walmart visit in our travel plans as there is definitely much more still to see...

After not managing to find very much at the first attempt over the last few days, no one was more surprised than we were, to arrive at Tripp Lake camp an hour and a half early. However, we grabbed this unexpected window of time and scanned the map with our adventurous and spirited zeal and... eureka, spotted a nearby place of interest to visit. A hah! Yup, we were off to a bottled water centre. Obviously we got lost on the way and ended up at 'that' Shaker village - a pretty cruel trick. But finally we ended up at the plant. It did not seem remotely interesting, so we thought perhaps we were in the wrong place. And we were. Once at the source of Poland Springs Mineral Water, we were excited to see two large stone buildings but unfortunately, the visitor centre was actually closed. Straining to read the exhibits in the dark through the windows, we learnt that the buildings were based on Spanish architecture and Poland's water was originally collected in a ladle and offered to guests at the resort, back in the 1830s.

Ok, enough time passed and we returned to camp and it was so exciting!! We spotted Sarah, tiny campers in tow, and had to repress our urge to jump and wave enthusiastically from a significant distance. I say that, maybe we didn't repress it. Camp Sarah has long golden hair and golden skin and golden freckles and knows the words to camp cheers. Camp Sarah seems happy and healthy and Travelling Family is absolutely delighted to see her again.

We got a great tour of this beautiful camp and I think a little bit inside each of us, wished we could be at camp too. It was a little bit like being with a celebrity as little campers eagerly waved and ran over to Sarah and big counsellors came up to say hi all the time. It is noted with pride that Sarah's cabin won the camp plaque for most tidy and well-kept bunk. What excellent teamwork.

Of course we had to say goodbye but plans are afoot for lots of fun together tomorrow. Hurrah for family.

Tae a Moose

Saturday found us taking a gentle drive on one of America's scenic by-ways around Lake Rangeley and the curiously named Lake Mooselookmeguntic (seriously!) It is a very beautiful part of Maine and the special feature is how several lakes are joined together to form an important waterway which the American Indians used thousands of years ago. It is now the land of Huntin', Shootin' and Fishin' and also canoein' in the summer and Skiin' in the winter. There are also lots of moose in the area but they were all hiding from us.
We had a nice picnic at one of the rest areas where some optimists were panning for gold.
We arrived about 4pm at the small town of Bethel which is a very pretty quintessential New England town. We stayed in a Bed and Breakfast at the Chapman Inn which was built 1865 which is mighty old in Bethel. The breakfast is "world famous" and I can certainly recommend the french toast!!
Today we are heading to Tripp Lake to see Sarah at work which is very exciting.

As seen from the backseat

It was with excitement that we set off on Friday, a day of adventures on the open road ahead of us. Yet few could have predicted how the day would turn out...

Following a rough guide round the region, taken from the official tourist website, we hoped for a peek at small town America, arty, folksy, 'neat'. However, our tour was immediately challenged when it became apparent that our map bore little or no resemblance to the world around us. Indeed, our journey was further compromised by Maine's penchant for naming their roads more than once and we found ourselves driving along the 2 north, 4 west, 100 south and the bet you have no idea where you are on the map, all at once.

Still, undeterred by our 'relaxed' progress, we thought it would be interesting to take an unplanned detour to a Shaker village. Clearly lost on an unnamed/multiple named road, we stopped to ask for directions at a gas station. A picturesque shakerless 35 minutes later we found ourselves back at the gas station. That irked a little. However, perseverance won out and we found the Shaker village. Its tall elegant buildings, tucked into the hills by Sabbathday Lake, were fascinating to look around. The village is now the only one left in the world where wooden Shaker boxes, built by Shakers onsite, can be bought. Our little detour took a while but it was really worth finding.

Back in the car our bad map/road correspondance luck continued. Comments made by mum and dad about the next part of the journey include 'utterly horrible' and 'first we lost our way, then we lost our will to live'. Hmm. We had wanted to go to Lewiston, which is one of America's top 100 art towns according to our printout. The main highway that used to run through the middle of Boston (now under reconstruction) was known as The Artery. I suppose I would describe the roads we were driving on - and let's continue the body metaphor - as an arm hair: tiny, many of them, not on our map. It took a long time to find Lewiston, and when we drove through it, I'm afraid the art was not apparent. And I'm afraid we were too tired to look. So on we continued to Farmington.

Distrust of the printout tour was rising in the car so it was with pleasure that Farmington did indeed have a quaint centre, as described. We wandered around the University of Maine at Farmington's buildings, quiet for the holiday, and happened upon a library. We entered, hoping to ask for information about motels, and found a real gem. Inside this small, oddly shaped building, was a miniature grand library, with arm chairs, wooden panelling, portraits and sky lights, sort of in the style of Grandpa's house. Such a charming discovery cheered us and on we continued to Wilson Lake and the Whispering Pines motel. The large calm lake was beautiful in the evening light and the air refreshing. We ate in the local pub, aptly named the Boiler Room for it really was the hub of the town. Packed with people and with live music and big portions, it was fun. Obviously, there was still room for the strange in this town and it was neatly presented in a series of large, multi-coloured and patterned painted ducks that could be spotted around the place...

Ahh, what a day. Our introduction to Maine 'off the beaten tourist track' was exciting and full of friendly people and unexpected finds. With our understanding of Maine's roads a little improved, I think we can hope for even more adventuring tomorrow...

And so to Portland

Collected our rental 'jeep' and Mum navigated Dad and Ruth successfully out of Boston and along the interstate to Portland, Maine. Lovely sunshine today (where was it last evening, eh?).

Mum has lost her driving licence somewhere back home - ooops - so Dad will have to be this holiday's designated driver. Ruth's a little concerned to be in the hands of a driver who can't see very well and a navigator who is getting her left and right mixed up!!

Spent the afternoon in Portland wandering around the old town. Lots of lovely little shops to browse.

Dad and Ruth felt energetic so went off for a swim in the hotel pool. Mum didn't.... Looking for a nice italian restaurant for dinner this evening, and planning how to spend the next couple of days till we drop in on Tripp Lake Camp.

Oooooooooh

Just back from very exciting fireworks - half an hour's worth. Very thrilling - thankfully - as we had sat out in four hours of rain waiting for them!

Leaving Boston tomorrow morning and heading for Portland, Maine.

July 4

Celebrating July 4 in Boston - we'll go to the fireworks tonight, but meantime check out our Ruth, inadvertently patriotic, beside the Swan Pond. (You know how to pronounce that, Sarah). We must remember we're the bad guys in today's story.....

Clang Clang Clang went the Trolley

We have had a good day seeing the sights of Boston.

We took a Trolley Tour and managed to complete the circuit of 18 stops. We got off to visit the State House where some of the events in the lead up to the War of Independence took place. It was very interesting and of course has great resonance as we approach the 4th of July.

We had a nice supper last night and I have posted a picture of Ruth's "light snack" ! We also had a great breakfast at Au Bon Pain which is next to our hotel. So food, shopping and tours have been the main elements of the holiday so far.

We are looking forward to the celebrations tomorrow and hope to see the fireworks tomorrow night down by the river.

Hello Boston

Left Manchester in pouring rain this morning and amidst very tight security. But flight left on time and even crossed the Atlantic early. Too bad the passport guys were caught off-guard and weren't there to meet us and we had a very long wait!

However Boston greeted us with warm sunshine - hurrah - our hotel is very lovely and comfortable. Maybe it's jetlag or just the excitement of being in a new place at a funny time but we scooted out straightaway and found the shops!

Right now it's 9.45pm local time, doo-lally Christie time, we've had any number of lunches today and are now staying awake as long as we can to get into Eastern time.

Here's a pic to prove we really are here - and very close to Maine....!

Martin and Louisa

The wedding was a great success despite the weather. We arrived in good time and as is traditional at the Kemp weddings we were lead to the wrong seats and had to move to the front later on!! We sat behind Dougal who enjoyed taking Ruth's order of service and throwing it to her again and again and again and again....
The service went well although the Minister forgot that Louisa's brother was to do a reading and he did it himself instead!
The rain had held off all day but it began to pour about 3pm which was just when everyone was arriving at the church. After the service it was raining so hard that the wedding procession could not leave the church and no photos were taken outside.
We left our car and went on the coach into Edinburgh to the hotel. We had a lovely meal and had good company at our tables. (Ruth was at a table with Gilly and some old school friends of Martin) Mum and Dad were as usual at the bufties table.
The band set up and played the rest of the night.There was much "Dad dancing" on view. Still, Mum and Dad managed to show off their foxtrot on one occasion. There was only one Gay Gordon's and no other Scottish dances all night which was a pity.
The speeches were all very good and there were two "Best Men" - Graeme and Martin's best friend.
We left at 12.30 am while the dancing was still going on. Everyone was tired but happy and Martin and Louisa had had a great day. Next week they are going off to Africa for their honeymoon.
Now we have to pack and set off for Manchester.