Five days was just too short!

One of the best parts of our adult lives is the opportunity to grow in relationship with our siblings--as adults. I'm blessed with three terrific sisters and a wonderful brother. Richard, and his wife, Carol, recently came from Maryland to spend five days with us in Maine as part of their two week Maine vacation. They hope to retire here in the not-too-distant future (or sooner, we hope!). We thoroughly enjoyed our time together but it was MUCH too short.


We planned our week's activities through a series of e-mails and phone calls earlier in the summer. I'm a firm believer in "the anticipation" being every bit as an important part as the vacation experience itself. Richard and I talked about going fishing together; I encouraged Carol to bring some watercolor supplies (she's a very talented artist!). Al and I had made reservations several months ago for a special kayak outing --- we hoped Richard and Carol would be willing to join us! AND THEY WERE!


The kayak journey on Northeast Creek, the largest estuary on Mt. Desert Island, was offered by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust. We knew it would be a somewhat ambitious paddle for all of us --nearly 3 hours in all--but the promise of the tranquility was just too enticing. The Creek was just amazing --- much of it lined with wild cranberries (we'll be going back soon to harvest some) and otter slides.

The weather began a bit sunnier than predicted. We paddled back into the estuary about two miles --- but the dark clouds moved in, and on our way back out, the skies opened up! None of us could remember ever being so wet while clothed, but it sure made for some great laughs and some fast, fast paddling.



Another day, we (barely!) made it to the Blue Hill Outlook on Cadillac Mountain for sunset. And, just like clockwork, all the tourists started applauding just as the sun finished setting. It was a great time to catch some special pictures so that we wouldn't forget our week together. (Sorry the photo is kinda dark.)


Later in the week, our outing to Schoodic Point was idyllic --- the chance to spend a warm, sunny day in the splendor of this most SPECIAL part of Acadia National Park is always a special treat!

We took a drive to the top of the highest hill on the point, and then hiked up to catch some fabulous views of Petit Manan, the rocky island home of thousands of seabirds.

Yes, we had some fun remembering favorite childhood times---- Richard reminded me of how he'd make that old wooden bridge bend on the way to Nanny and Pop-pop's. As hard as he tried, this "bridge" on the hiking trail just wouldn't budge -- too strong!



Once out on the point itself, Carol painted . . . (see her there in the red cap?) . . .


while Richard napped on a warm rock.








Amazing how comfy one can look on a rock, eh??

Al and I sat quietly together to work on a couple of crossword puzzles (while we weren't sneaking pictures of Carol and Richard).




Then we drove to Corea, saw a few more osprey nests, beautiful seaside homes, and too many lobster buoys to count. We returned to Winter Harbor for a delicious lobster dinner.

After dinner we wandered into an art gallery and met a delightful artist. Carol was thrilled to know that there will be many opportunities to pursue her art here in Maine.

We were treated to another amazing sunset on the way home and caught just the tail-end of it with our cameras. Isn't it magical?


Those are just the highlights of our five quick days together. We're so glad that you came to see us, Carol and Richard. We can't wait for you to live nearby --- we'll have the kayaks ready!