We took a 2-night vacation from our Massachusetts vacation to travel to Maine. There were several reasons for this: (1) see if I could find my brother again, (2) visit Acadia National Park for the second time in my life and (3) show Marlene what coastal Maine looks like.
We successfully found my brother. Communication with him has been very difficult (i.e. impossible) for over 5 years. He doesn’t answer his phone, doesn’t respond to emails or text messages. And yet, as when I tracked him down 3 years ago, he seems to be in good spirits and not a hermit. He lives in a nice house (as a renter) and engages in many outdoor activities. As was the case 3 years ago, he was surprised to see me when I knocked on his door, but he was congenial and we had a nice hour together. I introduced him to Marlene and she liked him. I guess I should schedule another visit to Maine for 2028.
We also visited Acadia National Park. My impression, after my first visit 50 years ago, was that this park had some nice vistas and would be a nice place to do some hiking. But I didn’t do any hiking then and didn’t do any hiking this time, either. This was mostly a driving tour with stops in the interesting towns that border the park – Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor. I think the towns are every bit as interesting as the park. Marlene – who loves shopping – agrees. But we bought very little. This is not a place for bargain shopping (example: a one-scoop ice cream cone was nearly $10).
Our home for the two nights was the White Birches Motel in Ellsworth ME. This is a (relatively, for the area) inexpensive motel that had good reviews. I have to concur. A large room with a minifridge, microwave and electric cooktop, with a clean shower and 24-hour coffee (which was quite good). I rate it 8 out oof 10.
The trip began with breakfast at The Real McCoy in Wilmington MA where we met Kim, an old neighbor and friend. If you are even in need of breakfast north of Boston, try this place. Good food (and HUGE servings), great service and reasonable prices.
We made the entire trip, both to Maine and back, without paying tolls. This added some travel time, but had the benefit of giving us more views of rural Maine. It was a lot of driving – over 700 miles – but interesting. We stopped for a while in Ogunquit ME on the trip north and traversed the Kancamangus Pass on the trip south. Our return destination was the bucolic cabin of Jett’s brother and sister-in-law in New Salem MA.
