I am so lucky that, many moons ago, David’s kids went to camp in Maine.
On the night
before or after visiting day, or both, he’d stop at a lobster pound and devour
an enormous lobster that he would tell me about later – the fun, gluttony and
luscious nature of it made my mouth water – and that, coupled with his
description of the beauty of Maine sealed the deal: one day, he and I would
experience it together.
Some 15
years ago, we began our Maine summer tradition, starting at Bar Harbor, where
we thoroughly enjoyed Acadia National Park and the surrounding areas, as well
as the charming Ogunquit, with its scenic Marginal Way and Perkins Cove. These locations left us
wanting to explore more coastal towns and since Matthew, David’s son, had taken
a camp trip to Boothbay Harbor and liked it so much, we decided to go there
next.
It was love
at first sight for me, both exciting and immediately comforting, like an old
pair of jeans, or a familiar smell that made me relax at once. Since then, the
more I go to Boothbay Harbor, the more I want to go, and the more at home I
feel.
For the past
decade, our Maine jaunts have been divided between Boothbay Harbor and Camden, a
picturesque town on the water, but once the innkeeper we knew and loved sold
her B&B and two of our favorite eateries closed (including a fantastic
lobster pound), we haven’t had the same desire to return.
After we
were vaccinated this past winter, we felt encouraged to go somewhere we
had sorely missed. We made our reservation for Boothbay Harbor only and I, for
one, could not wait.
We were met
in Portland after landing last week by a monsoon (thanks Elsa) and chilly
temperatures (60s), but we did not care. We drove directly to our number one lobster
spot called Boothbay Lobster Wharf, a working lobster dock where you can dine
and watch local fishermen unload their catch. It takes some 25 minutes from
ordering the whole steamed lobster to diving into it so, as I waited, I looked
over the tie-dyed sweatshirts, picked one out and put it on immediately, not
only to warm up but to help me remember that moment forever.
Once the
lobsters were ready, I was so happy to savor each bite, made even sweeter as I
marveled over the grit involved in keeping the lobster industry alive. It has
taken massive efforts in every direction to maintain the livelihoods of lobster
fishermen due to the challenges of climate variability and change, crippling
tariffs, and other factors impacting every aspect of the business, and this was
all before COVID created severe upheaval and closures.
When we
arrived at our B&B, everything looked status quo – especially with check-in
time corresponding with low-tide and muddy flats as compared with the beautiful
site of water during high tide. The proprietor welcomed us back with a nice big
smile and then shared with us that the shortage of help has handicapped
businesses throughout the town.
Later that
evening, when the rain let up a bit, I took a walk on the Boothbay Foot Bridge,
the singular best place in all of Boothbay Harbor. This is a 1,000-foot wooden
structure that connects one side of the harbor to the other, built originally
in 1901 by Luther Maddocks for $1,500, with many renovations and repairs since.
The views to and from this bridge are stunning, day and night, and feeling that
harbor breeze as if we are walking on the water itself is just heavenly.
As I look back at all the years we’ve spent in Maine, what comes to mind is not what we’ve done there, but how we feel there.
Judy, Mitchell's youngest cousin raised her son in Booth Bay Harbor. Her husband repaired boat engines, and her son grew up running around on the piers and docks. I have never been there but it sounds like a wonderful place!
ReplyDeleteThere's something about it that is really special. I think you'd really like it.
DeleteHi Cousin
ReplyDeleteDeb and I love BB. We have gone several times and may actually be going back in August- partially depending on how bad the Delta variant is.
Glad you had a great time. We do love Maine!
If you go back, enjoy!
DeleteSounds like a wonderful, relaxing vacation. Sure makes me want to go there someday.
ReplyDeleteI think you and Dave might like it if you are looking for a relaxing kind of getaway.
Deleteyes....Maine is a beautiful place and Mainers are great folks!
ReplyDeleteNothing like a lobster bake on the shores of the Damariscotta River!! Thanks for triggering my memories!!
Awww I know you love to travel so you must have tons of amazing memories! Hope you guys are having fun now!
DeleteYou just made me miss Maine more. Now I hslave to get there. Thx🤔
ReplyDeleteMy closest friend at the time went to college in Maine and I used to visit.
Bucket list here I come❤️
I bet it's beautiful in the fall; maybe you and Karen can plan a trip there soon.
Delete