2015-06-22 Maine
Another beautiful drive through the states of New Hampshire
and Maine brought us to Gardiner, Maine and a visit with some of my family. We
elected to drive east across the states taking the regular highways instead of
the interstate so we could enjoy the gorgeous forests and farmlands. As always, the backwoods of these states look
much like the hills of Virginia
I say family because I had the honor of being adopted (or accepted) into
the Watkins family back in the early 60’s as a family member. Bob was my
shop supervisor in the squadron (VP-10). All four children, Robert, David, Susie and
Sandra (Sam), were like brothers and sisters. Bob and Alice were like parents. I looked up to Bob and took his advice about
my relationship with others and he assisted greatly in the success of my Naval
Career. He was my mentor and best friend and my Pop I dearly loved them.We cherished that relationship.
It is just so heartwarming being able to see them again. It
brought back so many memories of my life in the early 60’s, a period of time
where I finally started growing up (or maturing) and it reminded me of the
love we all had for each other. Love and feelings and friendships I will never forget.
And, this being my first visit in seven years, I’ll always remember and
cherish it. Have you ever felt that a place is Home?. Well, this is it. I really love Maine, but at my age, I can do without the cold and snowy winters. Sometimes South Alabama and North West Florida gets cold but it usually doesn't last long.
Bob and Alice passed away several years ago and David passed
just a few months ago. David was such a
vibrant person, in his prime, and a great loss to us all. Rest in peace, my brother.
My heart goes out to David’s wife,
Carolyn, and family whom he dearly loved.
Robert (now Bobby) and his lovely wife, Vickie, welcomed
us and had us park the motor home by their pool where we had hook-ups and were
so comfortable. We enjoyed our visits
and even Boomer enjoyed trying to make friends with their two cats. The cats didn’t want to be Boomer’s
friend. Ha.
We had cook outs, Sam
and her husband Steve joined us at one, with pleasant
visits by the pool, and a real treat at the “Fielder’s Choice” ice cream
shop. The owner is a baseball “freak”,
of course, but he has several shops in the area, making the best homemade hard
and soft ice cream that you’ve ever had.
Thank you, Bobby and Vickie, for your generous hospitality.
Brother Bobby
Sister in law Vickie
Hollywood Vickie
Having some Fielder's Choice
Fielder's Choice
My sister Sandra--Sam
Bro in law Steve
Bobby & Vickie's Home. The interior is gorgeous
and most of the work was completed by Bobby
Steve, Me and Sam
Sam and Bobby
Best Pizza in Town
While there, I was able to take Anita down to Bailey’s
Island to show her some of the most gorgeous coastline anywhere in the world.
The winding roads, hills and bridges were just breath taking and we
stopped at every opportunity to take in the picturesque coves and
scenery. Along the way and just outside of Cooks Lobster House, is
a very unique bridge made of crib stone, My Beautiful America stone. It
is the only bridge in the world made of this material. It is designed to allow the extreme high tides to pass through easily without back up or flooding, thus the basket type weave design allows that. It rises up to allow
boats to pass through and then curves to meet the opposite shore.
Waiting for the lobster roll
A giant. Real or false? Your guess
Where they bring them in
The Crib Stone Bridge
T
Full of Lobster
Cooks Lobster House
Boomer likes it
Church of the Nazarene on Giant Island
Roadside GiftShop
Lobster Traps
Lobster Traps Ready to go
Typical personal size lobster boat
Bailey's Island Beach
Early American cattle holding pen
Tribute to the fishermen depicted below
Singular home on an island.
Bailey Island gift shop
Low Tide
Orr Island P.O.
Estes Lobster House in Harpswell
Those who served in WWII from Harpswell Neck
Magnificent Horses we saw in a field. They cuddled up to Anita.
An artist who was sitting in a cove painting
In our meandering around, reacquainting myself
with the area, we passed by the statue of BFI (Big Fu&^%ing Indian)
outside of Freeport. I first saw it there in 1960, when I was transferred
to VP-10 in Brunswick. We continued on to
L.L. Bean in Freeport. They now
take up much of the town with all the administration, factory and retail
operations. I remember 1960 when they
were just a small outlet in Brunswick and Freeport where they manufactured only
a few items and imported the rest. But,
all their moccasins were made locally at that time.
Chief BFI 50 ft tall outside Freeport, Me
F can stand for Freeport or your imagination
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream
One evening we drove down to South Portland for a dinner
visit with a close friend, Robert Wilson. We forgot the camera , so no photos.
Robert was also in VP-10 while I was there. He has been a GOD SEND to all of us
who once served in that squadron. He maintains the roster for us.a difficult task but he does it precisely. Bob lost his wife, Helga, over a year ago but is in good health and looks great. We met at the Bug-A Boo Restaurant.and were able to share our knowledge of who is where and still with us as well as who isn't The 1960-1964 group is getting smaller every day It was really great seeing him again and we look forward to future meetings.
Original B&M Baked Bean Factory in Portland
Time again was short as we had to be in North Sydney, NS on
July 1st for our ferry ride
Who wooda thought. House in the middle of the road
Eagle in aerie in visitors center
Canadian Goose
