From The Road: The New England Tour Continued

Lexington, KY
August 9,2007

Whew, it is time to admit that I am a wimp. This past week has been both hot and wet (mostly humid, but there was a shower on Tuesday that caught me off guard - and with the "moon roof" open. whoops), and it has been hard to sleep. Anyone who knows me will tell you that without sleep, I am not good for much.

This morning however, I am writing in the comfort of an air-conditioned motel room, and after a cool sleep, a warm shower, and even a supply of clean clothes (I picked a motel which advertised a "guest laundry"). I am able to function once again. It seems a good time to report on a "typical day", although every day is unique, and so far, many of the days have been spent with family or friends, and aren't relevant to the story. Here, therefore, is a report of one day in the state of Maine - about which you will undoubtedly hear more later.

Awakening with the sun streaming through the screened windows of the upper bunk, I don my trusty muu muu, trek to the bath house, then fire up the Coleman stove, make coffee, and sit, reveling in the new day while meditating. Then it is time for a shower, real clothes, and breakfast, this morning oatmeal/wheat germ pancakes with home made blackberry sauce. The dishes done, and Peachy repacked, we head out for new adventures.

Today we drive an hour and a half, pause for gas and a stretch, and then drive on for another hour. (Those pancakes last well!) In a shaded corner of a supermarket parking lot, we pull in for a lunch break, and after buying Rye Crisp, cheese, biodegradable dish detergent (I have been washing the dishes with shampoo), and clothesline, I eat sitting in Peachy's side door. Lunch is tomatoes and plums bought yesterday at a roadside stand, Rye Crisp, cheese, and water.

Another two hours of driving, and we arrive at a great little campground, discovered in Woodall's Campground Directory given me by my brother, and worth its weight in gold. The place is not crowded, there is beautiful grass throughout, and each site is surrounded by a curving belt of wild flowers and bushes. Very cozy. Walking about I find nice bathrooms with country music piped in, and a sign by the bank of the nearby river, "Alligators live here, don't go near the edge". Another sign by the office advertises cooked lobsters for $10 each.

No lobster for dinner, but brown rice and braised greens from Peachy's garden, another tomato, more plums, and a cup of herb tea. After some reading, washing of dishes, another visit to the pine-paneled bath house, and arranging the upper bunk, it is time for lights out.

Noted in Passing: Bumper sticker, "Maine Black Fly Breeders Association: We breed 'em, You feed 'em" Sign in front of hardware store< "Your in-laws could show up any moment. We rent tents!"

Next up, More New England. Shalom!