Maine

Half-way across the Piscataqua river bridge you’ll see the sign for the state line of Maine, including this word: Vacationland. Maine: it’s the only state in the nation that shares a border with only one other state. Maine: a place where people walk and hike all the time; where 65 degrees is summertime; where you feel the need to eat lobster even if you don’t normally do so. The shimmery colorful Cape light streaks up along the coast and gets filtered thru Maine’s towering forests like no other state in New England. A CD of the Paula Poundstone concert, “I *heart* Jokes”, is playing in the car – she hilariously captures the essence of Maine and its people. She says, “Maine… you’re sort of a world unto yourself, you know? You could secede at any moment. Frankly, the rest of the country wouldn’t know. You’re...up here...you could practically leap into Canada."

Anyone fortunate enough to have traveled all over Maine can adequately comment on its incredible terrain and beauty. I hope to someday take a breathtaking-scenery-extravaganza road-trip all over Maine. This recent trip was to Wells, which is merely in the big toe of Maine’s massive body. A pretty big toe, too!

It was an artist’s weekend…

...and I agreed to grill for the artists a few days. I think I will include this skill on a business card.

 

Provincetown

Some people say you can feel an increase in sense of freedom as you pass by the last signs for Truro. The small signs for “turtle crossing” always tell me I’m getting closer. And then the sand dunes – the kind that make everyone smile – big sandy hills with plenty of sea grass. The magic begins... And I hope it will always be that way…there at the end of the Cape.

Provincetown...how I love it so!...the smell of the ocean, fried dough, and steaming lobsters. The spectacular lighting – yellow, pink, and blue – depending on the time of day…it can take ones breath away. People walking, riding bikes, smiling, laughing, shopping, eating. Provincetown…socially and culturally, it’s as the world should be: open. The Portuguese bakery sells their special breads, sweet and shiny and delicious. The fudge shop is shifting into summer gear. The natives of Provincetown brace for in-season activity, beginning around Memorial Day and continuing thru Labor Day.

Shop Therapy still thrives in its psychedelic building, its reputation preceding itself, for some. Proof of this would be the high school students on a tour who’re daring each other to go inside the store after being commanded not to. “The bad kid” tearing up the stairs to the 2nd floor, past the “over 21 only”, to get a glimpse of the collection of sex toys hanging from the ceiling along with a plethora of other exhibits of freedom. I laugh to myself and walk past them, feeling the best I’ve ever felt in my life to be 45 years old. Everything swims in a wild sea of hand-dyed t-shirts, peace sign accessories, beads, silver, and leather.

This classic shot of The Lobster Pot has been captured in many paintings and photos. A great place with a copper-plated bar upstairs and back porch views of the harbor to be seen from both floors. Fantabulous fish fry’s, classic Portuguese kale soup, and a salty margarita, will set you right.