Thurs., Oct. 7, 2021 thru Sat., Oct. 9, 2021
We left our beloved Bar Harbor this morning and headed 183 miles south. As Gary said on the ride, this is the start of our Southern/Western trek. We had an enjoyable drive down. We pulled into the check-in area at the campground. Cheryl & Joe were right behind us. These check-in parking areas at campgrounds are typically not that large. This was no exception. The campground parking attendant signaled for Cheryl to pull along side of us. Not so easy to do when you’re towing (in their case) 35 ft. behind them. She was focused on the truck and the rocks on the right side of the truck and didn’t realize that their rig wasn’t straight. We heard a crunch. Oops. Their slide topper and our awning “kissed.” Gary was able to pull further up straight and dislodge them. At first glance the damage didn’t look too bad for either of us. Cheryl was upset with herself. Gary was his usual calm self. I figured I could be most helpful by getting us checked in and out of the parking area. We all checked in, got to our sites, and surveyed the damage. Our awning had been pushed up about 6 to 8 inches. Gary and Johnny hauled out their respective ladders and were able to push/bang it back into position. Then all 3 boys inspected Cheryl & Joe’s slide topper, which had to be removed for now, but the boys thought it was fixable and a project for another day. We all had some adult beverages and Cheryl forgave herself… sort of. It took a little time. Poor thing.
However it did reinforce a lesson to us. Typically we try not to caravan with friends because it becomes a bit of an issue with too many of us arriving at the same time. So, we’re back to all leaving when we’re ready in the morning and trying not to follow one another.
Friday Gary & I visited Old Orchard Beach and their historic 100-year old pier. At this time of the year, the pier was mostly closed for the season, which surprised me considering it was Columbus Weekend. We had French fries at The “Original Pier” French Fry Stand that’s been serving them since 1932. They serve hot dogs and fries and that’s it! Apparently they’ve been serving them quite successfully for almost 80 years! After our snack, we drove to the Cascade Falls parking lot and did a short hike to see a waterfall. Pretty spot but in need of some attention as the bridge that would have allowed us to get closer to the waterfall was in disrepair.
Afterwards we headed to Hannaford’s to pick up groceries and Gary noticed the sign in the window for walk-in flu shots. Perfect! We’ve been wanting to get them. I stood in line for awhile at the pharmacy, filled out paperwork, and we were able to get them that day, then finished our grocery shopping. In the evening we played Uno Flip with Stacie & Johnny, and, as always, had fun. Cheryl & Joe had plans with family in the area.
Saturday morning the boys were able to get Cheryl & Joe’s slide topper fixed. They are a smart bunch. In the afternoon we visited the charming town of Cornish, Maine with Stacie, Johnny, Cheryl, Joe, Pearl & Marti. Absolutely delightful little town! How such a small town can have such a thriving downtown is beyond me. Cute shops and galleries and several restaurants. Joe & I chatted up one of the gallery owners for awhile. He’s retired and paints everyday, and is thoroughly enjoying his slice of heaven. Ellen, a friend of Stacie & Johnny’s, met us for a “linner” at Bay Haven Lobster Pound. We all had a delicious meal and thoroughly enjoyed our day together!
Tomorrow we move on to an overnight at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.
Two times as a child when I visited the pier fire broke out both times. A very scary time as a child running off the pier with my mother and my aunt practically dragging my sister and myself.
I have been back a few times as an adult and thankfully no fires. I was beginning to think I was a bad omen.
Wow, that would be scary, Lisa. I can’t imagine the nightmares after that as a child. Thank you for sharing your experience. I love hearing other peoples memories of places that we’ve visited. xoxo