T R I P   J O U R N A L

---

DAY OF REST - Monday, October 11, 2004

---

Spend the entire day and evening hanging out with my friend Bill.

---

DAY OF REST - Tuesday, October 12, 2004

---

Spend the entire day and evening hanging out with my friend Bill.

---

NEW ENGLAND CHARM - Wednesday, October 13, 2004

---

Bill is out of town in Boston for work, so today I've been left alone to explore. I drive around a bit looking for any and all photogenic subjects that do well to characterize my imaginings of New England. It doesn't take long before I hit paydirt and encounter a unique river setting. The Ossipee River does its best to reflect the colors of the season, so much so, I shoot two amazing photos that look like French Impressionist paintings.

Crossing the Ossipee River I see a historical covered bridge. Build in 1879, the Porter-Parsonsfield Historic Bridge effectively serves up 152 feet of river-crossing nostalgia. Fully restored in 1999, the bridge is now only open to foot traffic. I manage to capture the bridge's architecture in detail as well as its general stature in three nice panoramic shots, taken from afar.

After my covered bridge tour I make my way back to Bill's place. On the way I encounter the world's longest road tattoo, followed by a large, interesting tree that causes me to form an odd theory as to how it gained its red coloration.

Description & Pics

---

DAY OF REST - Thursday, October 14, 2004

---

Another one of many days of relaxation (hey, I'm on vacation, ya know). However, I do manage to shoot some pictures in and around Bill's place. Ever play the "Where's Waldo?" game? You know, the one where you search for the cartoon character named Waldo who's hiding in a colorful and busy setting? Well, today you'll play that game with Bill. From a number of photos you are tasked to find him. Hint: He appears in three of the photos.

Near the end of the day we are paid a visit by Lukie, the neighbor's dog. Lukie is a golden retriever who has a penchant for dog biscuits. I record his barking then hand him a biscuit. And, of course, he continues to bark and continues to do so after many rounds of me serving him biscuits. Hmmm, I think I'm the trained one here, not him!

Description & Pics

---

FAREWELL MY FRIEND - Friday, October 15, 2004

---

Today will be my last day hanging with Bill. We go on a mini-hike near his property then enjoy some nice panoramas of Mount Chocorua and Washington Mountain from his neighbor's deck. Time goes by quickly and I soon find myself sad and saying goodbye to my good friend. I then hit the road to the coast, for this evening I'm headed to Portland, ME, to pickup my friend, Monica, who'll be spending three days with me as I tour the coast. We'll be lodging in Kennebunk, ME for the duration.

After checking into the cabin, I wait around a bit then head out to the airport. It is good to see Monica, it's been a few years since I last saw her. We drive back to Kennebunk, settle in for the evening, then catch-up on things.

Description & Pics

---

A DAY AT THE COAST - Saturday, October 16, 2004

---

No big agenda today, just hanging out with Monica at the beach on the Southern Maine Coast. From our cabin in Kennebunk, ME, we make our way east to the coast. Upon arrival, we walk around a bit and check out the local sites, and all the while, thoroughly enjoying the coastal sun and surf. Following Monica's lead at one point, we both end up soaked from the pounding surf.

After grabbing lunch in Kennebunkport, ME we head a little ways up the coast, and in the process, drive by the summer home of George and Barbara Bush. Eventually we wind up in Portland, ME where we grab some dinner. The evening grows late and we head back to the cabin in Kennebunk where we retire for the evening.

Description & Pics

---

HIKING PLEASANT MOUNTAIN - Sunday, October 17, 2004

---

We wake to a dreary morning, it looks like it may very well rain today. Not letting that get in the way of our day, Monica and I make plans to do a bit of hiking. Located not terribly far away, we decide to hike Pleasant Mountain. Fortunately, the rain is held at bay, and the hike proves both easy and fun. Filled full of heightened vistas and all the bright colors of fall, Pleasant Mountain is a good all around venue for hiking adventure. Surprisingly, we experience sightings of Cliff Clavin (from the TV series Cheers) during our mountain trek.

Description & Pics