fly away, fly away, fly away home

July 15, Tuesday
We left our very good friends, Stan and JoAnne, yesterday so we would be closer to Boston for our flight home. Their hospitality was perfect, and our week with them was certainly the highlight of our trip. We did and saw so many new things- we still talk about it today.
Thanks, Stan and JoAnne!!! We owe you...........

Judy and Paul went on to Sturbridge, then returned home to start the work on their addition and yard.

Carol and I flew though Atlanta and had a chance to see Aaron during our lay over. He and Michelle were going to join us for dinner outside the security area, but a run away dog eliminated that possibility.
So, there we were in the outside van lanes and along came Aaron in his huge eight wheeled dump truck! We exchanged hugs, kisses and greetings. But, with the police looking, we could only visit for a few minutes. Still, it was great to see him. Of course, I forgot to take a picture!!
We look forward to seeing them in Hawaii next June, where they will be getting married!! We can't wait.......................

After 6 weeks, it was nice to get home.

on to Acadia NP proper

July 13, Sunday

Today we went over to the main part of Acadia NP. Acadia NP is the second most visited national park behind Yellowstone- who knew??

It was the summer home for the wealthy until a fire took most of the cottages (??)- mansions!! The carriage roads and bridges were rebuilt by the Rockerfellers' and donated to the park service.

Our first stop was the dominating Cadillac Mt.- and we were in the clouds and WIND!!


Next we stopped at a "blow hole" and a rare sandy beach. They were sights to be seen.


We stopped for lunch at Jordan Pond. Do they ever have great "pop-overs"- is that my stomach!!

We were on our way to a BBQ where Mick and Sandy were staying. It's called "the Ledge" and it's where the Landis Clan used to go to in the 60's & 70's.
It was a fun gathering with tons of talk and memories.






The house is right on the rocks- I doubt if you could build there now a days.

Ker-plink, ker-plank, ker-plunk

July 12, Saturday
This morning we all went out and collected huckleberries (small blueberries) for the delicious blue berry pancakes that Joanne made for breakfast. It was a real treat!!

Next we went to Winter Harbor and bought some memories and a small coastal print. This was followed by lunch in a nice cafe in town and another trip around Acadia NP at Schoodic Peninsula. And for you sardine lovers- this is the place!!

I packed up my wood for our trip back west- I have some local and "wet" white oak, white birch, black birch and hemlock; all from places and friends that are special to me. This will help me know what to make with each piece.
Tonight we'll be taking Stan and Joanne out to dinner at the Fishermens Inn- our resident chef Emily's suggestion. They are known for their lobster pie entrees, steaks and blue berry pie desserts.

Lobsters on the beach!!

July 11, Friday- evening
Tonight we went down to the beach with all the stuff needed for our lobster bake cookout.
It is a Landis tradition to start the meal with grilled hot dogs cooked on the lobster pot fire. They served the greatest hot dogs from Dietz & Watson they called "fatty and shorty"- they were wonderful!! Stan gathered up seawater to boil in the pot and started it to boil.

We were joined by Stan's brother Dave, his wife Leslie (they have a house next door) and their friends Mick and Sandy. When the water was boiling, we added the "soft shelled" lobsters (we couldn't hear them crying out as they submerged into the water) and seaweed. They cooked for 20 minutes and then we all got our steaming lobster, our "newbie" lobster hats, directions on how to eat them and some great salads.
We ate on the rocks, cracked the lobsters against the rocks and enjoyed them as is or with melted butter. What a treat!!!
As the sun went down, we were treated to a sunset with spectacular views of the changing, colorful coastline and the lobster trap buoys seemed to "pop" when the sun struck them. The sea eventually turned a few colors of blue, then pink- beautiful and unlike anything we have seen before!! We then cleaned up and retreated from the beach (and mosquitoes) to the house where we enjoyed deserts. Carol and I made banana cream pie and pecan pie (with pecans from Aaron's tree in GA) and some good hot coffee and intriguing tales and conversation from our friends. We finished the evening with some more pinochle- Carol and Stan vs. Paul and I. The games so far are 4 for the good guys and 3 for the others.......... I think Stan is really enjoying our "Calif. rules"- which includes passing three cards and a few other rule changes. Stan's family are pinochle players from way back.

Lobster pound boogy.....

July 11, Friday
This morning we stopped at some great local craft and antique shops. The Maine spirit is certainly alive around here........

Next we were off to purchase lobsters (lobstahs) at the lobster co-op. The local fishermen were unloading their lobsters and crabs and loading up with bait and fuel for tomorrow. You can see lobster boats and lobster trap buoys in every bay. We got some great looking lobsters and put them on ice for tonight's lobster pot on the beach!!! Here is JoAnne and Stan picking our lobsters and putting them on ice-

thanks you guys, it was quite an experience for all of us.
It was less foggy today and we are enjoying beautiful views from the deck and shore of the "Hotel Landis". For Dave, Stan's brother next door, still no word from the boat transport guy.........