Turkeys and Fungus, Bridges and Boats

September 9-16, 2018
Orland - Scarborough, Maine; Middletown, Rhode Island


Balsam Cove Campground in Orland is a 30 mile drive on Sunday, getting us there in time to see my Steelers' play another losing game :-(  Fortunately Bill's Cowboys win later in the day. 

Nice to have a level spot with FHUs at a reasonable cost. Park WiFi works well, and it's wonderfully quiet. 

Fort Point Lighthouse is privately owned, but the grounds that border the state park of the same name are accessible. It's a pretty spot to enjoy a partially cloudy Monday.

This wonderful bouquet grows along the path to the park.

What a surprise to find these behind the tree!

They match our Jeep :-)

Not as colorful, but just as interesting.

1890 Bell House. The bell is welded in place, but the house is one of only a few original still standing along the Maine coast.

Keeping even his whiskers still, Tessa never notices him above her.

The Fresnel lens is still active.

We head out Tuesday planning to see Fort Knox and the Penobscot River Bridge Observation Tower not far from us. On the way we drive through the pretty country, find some back roads to explore, enjoy the peace of being by ourselves. It's so nice that we scrap the more "organized" plan, and spend the afternoon doing more of the same. 

"Off-road" in Maine.

A small creek burbles across the forest floor.

Part of the wildlife refuge - a healthy meadow.

This vacant beauty must have so many stories.

Penobscot Bridge

One tower holds the observation point - at 420 feet tall, it is the highest occupied structure in Maine, and the highest bridge observatory in the world!

 

A rafter of turkeys.

They really are so weird looking!

Bucksport, Maine

Wednesday is a rare-for-us single night stop at Wassamki Springs RV Park in Scarborough, Maine. It's a cute park with a combination of open and shaded sites, and lots of rules. 

Rhode Island is our 35th state, and we're staying near the very popular town of Newport. Like Maine, this state has very pricey options. Meadowlark Trailer and RV Park is an older park of mostly seasonal campers squeezed together on very un-level sites. The fronts of the trailers are all on tall stacks of blocks that I wouldn't trust, but all look like they've been that way for years. Our $43/night spot in the back is electric only. For what we're doing while here, it's fine. 

After a quick set up on Thursday, we drive into Newport for a late lunch. Scratch Kitchen has one of those menus that's entertaining to read - so many creative concoctions! My sausage and grits chowder is amazing.

When I was in high school I babysat the "Shorter Kids" just up the road in our little village. I lost track of them and we reconnected on Facebook a few years ago. Wayne lives in Massachusetts, Becky in Vancouver, BC. Wayne manages the Beverly Yacht Club in the very affluent little town of Marion, Massachusetts, and we make plans to meet him there on Friday. 

One of the oldest yacht clubs in the country.

Such a beautiful place.

Beginning it's life as a family home, the clubhouse retains a very homey feel.

Sippican Harbor

After a tour of the clubhouse we all hop on the shuttle boat which takes us out to Wayne's boat in the little marina. Soon we're beyond the boats and out on the open water. Yes, I'd love to pilot the boat, thanks Wayne! 

It's a perfect day to be out on the water with our own personal guide. When we get to Bird Island, I relinquish the wheel so I can take pics of the pretty little lighthouse. We relax for awhile, learn more about the area, and eventually head back for lunch.

Built in 1819, the lighthouse on Bird Island is 25' tall, lighting the entrance to Sippican Harbor. The September 21, 1938, hurricane destroyed everything on the island but the light. It was not relit until 1997, and remains active with a solar powered flashing light. 

Named for its population of roseate terns (a few seen on the right), the island is home to the largest breeding colony of the species in North America.

Learning what's where.

Lil' windy on the water......

I could get used to this.

Wayne looking so much like his dad.

Wonderful to see this "kid" again!

Saturday we're off for another visit! This time in Connecticutt to see a high school friend who we visited here two years ago. Cindi was in Bill's class, and we all have fun memories. She and her husband Charlie meet us "half-way" in Plainfield with their new pup Mickie. It's fun getting caught up with them, and I can't believe I forgot to get a pic!!

We take the long way home, making a couple stops to see more of Rhode Island. When we get back to Newport I remember the boat show is this weekend. Parking is $50 everywhere! We check out some of the older neighborhoods with their beautiful homes - these aren't the crazy huge mansions. 

Autumn colors are subtle here - I've seen more color in photos of Colorado and Utah than we're seeing here so far.

So although we stayed in Rhode Island, we actually saw less of the state than we did when we visited last time on a day trip. Having the opportunity to see wonderful friends on "this side" of the country was the best!

Sunday we'll move through four states to reach our incredible destination :-))))