Four nights really doesn’t give Maine its due, but I did try to make the most of it while I was there.
Why were the last two days I was in Canada the most beautiful weather of my stay in that country? I had a fair amount of time to ponder this question waiting in line to go through US Customs and Immigration at the US/Canadian border. I also wondered what in my fridge was going to not pass muster with the uniformed official who seemed to be closely inspecting every vehicle as they rolled into his station. Turns out it was the eggs. Oh, well.
I drove down Route 201 and it might just be one of the most beautiful back roads in America. Kennebec River on one side, pine forests on the other, for miles and miles and miles. Not much traffic, either. There were lots of car-sized pullouts for taking photos, but none of them were actually pickup + trailer-sized so I only got this one shot, of a lake off on the left side at some point in the drive.
I showed up at Evergreens Campground in Solon, which is about a half-mile away from where both Google Maps and Garmin thought it was. Just about the time I started thinking I’d overshot and would have to figure out a U-turn, the campground sign showed up. Whew. I had site 16 and it was lovely, riverside view and the sound of water rushing by 24/7. Just two minor dislikes: the noisy trucks on the road across the river (a lot of jake brake action going on, but it did quiet down at night) and the campground does not permit any air conditioners. Mine runs on a 15 amp circuit, but still not allowed. Lucky for me it was a shady site, with a solid breeze, and the temps were in the mid-70s both days so I didn’t need the A/C. And yes, those *are* two bug-fighting devices on the table and I needed everything in my arsenal to convince the biters to back off!
The transit from Solon to Freeport wasn’t as nice, being as it was on 295 to 95, both highways with a fair bit of truck traffic. But it was worth it in the end. Just look at the view from the other side of the campground!
I scored one of the waterfront sites (#12) and so I had a lovely view of the water and a wonderful breeze most of the time. Which was good because this is a no-hookups spot, meaning no A/C or juice for the battery. But the abundant sunshine on my solar panels and that breeze made for a pleasant stay.
I met up with an Alto friend, and then met two more Alto-owning couples during my two night-stay. Four Altos in one campground, that was kinda cool. Good lobster easily obtainable, a very touristy stop at LL Bean (nothing purchased, to be honest), and much time relaxing, reading, and enjoying views like this.
One of my last purchases in Canada was a set of solar-powered lights (Canadian Tire is just too tempting!). I charged them up and then hung them off my awning. I like how they look and I don’t have to have electric power to enjoy them, so win/win. Sometimes it’s the silly little things that make me smile.
When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.
Rumi
its Risa.. I just love reading about your adventures, your life, your wonderful sweet thoughts/quotes at the end of your posts. I want your life. Hope to see you at the reunion. I think you should write a book!
Glad you got to go through that part of the state. Jackman is one of my favorite Maine towns.
What a fabulous campsite, Annie! Love the lights and your photos.
I love Maine, though I’ve never camped there. You make me want to try. You had great sites!
Sometimes eggs are ok, sometimes not. It can change very quickly.
Great photos, especially the Christmas lights at the end!
Eggs, huh? Can’t have any Canadian feral chickens running around the US. I hope your travels go well, AC.
I miss the coast of Maine! Beautiful photos. I love your lights – hopefully you can turn them off from inside so you don’t have to brave bugs to do it. 🙂
I love Maine! Last year we stayed at Camden Hills State Park and it was glorious. https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=14 You can head up to the lookout at Mount Battie overlooking Penobscot Bay. It was one of those places that look like a movie set.