Maine is truly wonderful. Greg grew up going there each summer, basking in its natural glory and splendor. I've been most summers since junior high, but not to the picturesque coastal "vacationland" -- rather, we journeyed every July to the bucolic countryside of western Maine to rebuilt and repair homes for those in poverty. Maine has some of the poorest conditions in the lower 48. It's very attractive in the summertime, and the seacoast and shores of lakes are dotted with extravagant vacation homes. But travel inland, and you'll see many a lonely mobile home upon many acres of inherited property. The economy from September through May is dismal -- many restaurants and shops even close at the end of the warm season. The state that once had a thriving lumber economy now employs, like, five guys who operate heavy machinery to cut down the trees. There are a few potato farms going strong in Aroostook, though.
That's why it is important to continue to travel there, even only in the summer. Support the many wonderful artists, farmers, artisans, winemakers, cooks, and even vacation-rental-owners who do live there. We weren't able to make it this summer (no vacation at all) or in 2014 (we opted to attend Greg's brother's wedding, of course), but we do hope to go in 2017. I have missed the constant rhythm of the waves sliding in and out of the rocky shore, the fantastic hiking trails littered only with leaves and lichen, and the fabulous meals day after day of clams, blueberries, freshly baked breads, and lobstah. So looking forward to this summer!
Therefore, in the style of those great vacation photo slide shows "of old," here are some photographs (yes, light-drawings made with a real SLR camera and developed on photo paper!) of Good Times in Maine:
