We were up for some more walking so we hit Boothbay Harbor. It is a nice fishing town. Lots of boats on the water, and several cruises from here to little islands and whale watching. We skipped all that and shopped. When I say we shopped, I mean I strolled the baby around while the rest of them spent my money. And every once in a while I got a cell signal good enough to make a call. One time I found a rocking chair in front of a store. I sat down and listened to one old man tell another about his place in Florida and how most people think the whole state is flat. But he lives 75 feet above sea level and yadda, yadda, yadda. So the other old guy leaves and I strike up a conversation with the old timer. He gives me the same story and I amused because I really have nothing else to do. Then he goes all crazy on me. Normally I don't talk to people. This is why. He tells me that he wants to open his own business when he gets back. Cool, I say. Whatcha gonna do? Sell t-shirts? Fix computers? He tells me he can heal people by putting his hands on them. OK. Time to stroll the baby around. We had a nice lunch and did some sightseeing. Later after we got home, I took some of the kids fishing. They loved it. We caught one fish. Better than no fish, which is what I usually manage.
Day 7 - Daramiscotta
Daramiscotta is the closest town/village to our house. This is where we go to the grocery store. There is even a McDonalds, although we never went there. So today we shopped in this little burg. See, the grandmother bought sweatshirts for some of the kids in touristy Boothbay. Some of the kids chose to be picky and did not get a sweatshirt. But this would only push the grandmother to make it her goal that all kids everywhere get a sweatshirt before the trip is over. However, this town is not so touristy and has less options. No sweatshirts today. I did manage to get some oysters there. I was told that the Glidden Point or Daramiscotta oysters are ranked as some of the best in the world. With my fine palette, I decided they tasted like oysters. But I have now had Glidden Point oysters. My seven year old also tried one. She spit it out.
Day 8 - Nothing
We relaxed after a couple of tiring walking days. We played a little poker outside on the deck and went fishing. Never left the island. Ate some lobster and bed early.
Day 9 - Rockland
Now if you thought I was trying to kill the old lady in the boat, you will really think it after today. We went to Rockland, the lobster capital of the world. We shopped in a bunch of stores (still no shirts), ate lunch and visited the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. We didn't really have a plan for today, just headed up Rt 1. So when we found out that we were real close to a lighthouse, we decided to go check it out. Upon arrival, we see a sign. Not recommended for young children and elderly. Sweet. I have both. The lighthouse is at the end of 3/4 mile of big stone blocks placed in the water. They are huge and are separated with big cracks or crevices or pits. You see where this is going don't you? On the way out there my little man falls in one and cuts his leg all up, so I end up making a good bit of the walk carrying him. Then on the way back, the old lady falls and cuts up her arm and busts her toe. Fortunately, I did not have to carry her back. I don't think she will want to vacation with us any more. On the way home, we stopped at the 'best ice cream shop in Maine. You wouldn't expect me to take my kids to the SECOND best ice cream shop, would you?
Day 10 - Statue of Liberty
We got up early and headed out of Maine. Keep in mind, we left at 7:30 am. About a half hour into our trip, the grandmother informs us that she wants to stop somewhere in Maine and get the sweatshirts. I plan on having the state in my rear view mirror by 9:30. No stores will be open that early. I nod my head and put the pedal down.
We drive. Eat lunch. Drive. Drive. Drive. Then we get to New York City and sit in traffic for an hour. Drive. Visit the Statue of Liberty. No time for the ferry on this trip. We checked her out from Jersey and were back on the road. Still no shirts. We finally get to our hotel, just south of Camden. Camden I recall was mentioned in this article in USA Today as the most dangerous city in America. Sweet.
Day 11 - Philly
After a night's sleep right next to the most dangerous city in America, we head to Philly, the city of Brotherly Love. We met some friends there and they showed us around a bit. We saw the Liberty Bell. You can see my son is so thrilled. We ate lunch, cheesesteaks of course. We saw Betsy Ross house, Ben Franklin stuff and most importantly, THE REST OF THE KIDS GOT SWEATSHIRTS. YES. Then the drive home and it is over.
