Ward Reservation

Today we decided to explore a New Trustees of Reservation property. Our search brought us to the Charles W. Ward Reaervation in Andover, MA. It was a scenic 4 mile walk through woodlands and along a bog. It began with a view of Boston from an open field containing a compass rose (and a petrified tree trunk!) called the Solstice Stones. On Boston Hill we saw the regrowth of the forest after a past fire. We noticed several instances of parallel stone walls which we believe were used to move/direct sheep from one place to another. This reminded us of Andover's more agrarian history, which can be spotted here and there in this otherwise suburban area. Along the way, we had to do the mosquito hand-flapping dance, but it wasn't terrible. With 729 acres there would certainly be more to explore on another visit. https://thetrustees.org/place/charles-w-ward-reservation/

(From our 30 list)

Route 1 Begins!

June 19-20, 2024

After visiting Key West last year and finding First Flight Brewing near the end of Route 1 (southernmost brewery), we made plans to visit the beginning of Route 1 and the northernmost brewery. We wound through Aroostook County with mountains and farmland. Finally we entered the little town of Fort Kent right on the St. John river which marks the boundary to Canada. First Mile brewing was easy to find! John brought a First Flight pint glass and we had a Valley Haze in it!  The bartender was very enthusiastic about our end to end trek! It was a fun getaway with nods to some past June visits to the north and seat of the pants travel with no reservations!

The Wilds of Maine

You know that famous Maine expression, "You can't get there from here?" Well, it's very true! My mom and I learned it this weekend when trying to go 6 miles from Limington to Limerick. Route 11S was closed and we were twice directed down small dirt roads that began smaller, rockier, and more washed out. "Um....I don't think so," was our consensus. Good thing you can take the long way around in Maine.

Sokokis Lake was full of nature's gifts. The choral cacophony of spring peepers, osprey, an eagle, turtles, and a lovely lady slipper. Oh yes, and mosquitos and May flies. Still worth it!

Miami Beach

February 21-23, 2023

From a little over 24 hours in Key West to a little over 24 hours in Miami Beach. As soon as we arrived, we walked on the boardwalk, dipped our toes in the ocean, and swam in the pool! The next full day though, we really expanded our enjoyment! In the morning, we walked down the boardwalk and found a breakfast place overlooking the ocean. What a way to start the day! Then we grabbed couple of bikes and rode down to South Beach and then back in the other direction. It was fantastic! Lots of gorgeous views, interesting architecture (Art Deco), and people and places to take in.  After a couple of cool drinks to refresh, we were off to the beach. Although the water did not seems as warm as in the Keys, we agreed that it was probably warmer than our summer temps back home.  We had another dip in the pool and then out for dinner. We sat outside at a pizza joint and gaped and laughed at the crazy traffic and daring (foolhardy?) pedestrians! Heading back home...to snow! It was fun while it lasted.

Route 1 Begins

...or ends depending on your perspective! With the ubiquitous route 1 so much part of our New England life, it was a kick to see the end of it. We stopped in at the old Pam Am building which now houses First Flight Microbrewery. There was a pint glass displayed from First Mile brewery in Fort Kent, ME! It inspired us to road trip to the "beginning" of route 1 sometime this year!

Key West Roosters

They are everywhere! And like any other rooster, they do crow at dawn, and at 10 am and noon...all day for that matter! We arrived in Miami on Feb. 19 for a quick midwinter getaway. We grabbed our rental car and headed down to Key West. What a ride! These chain of islands sure feel inconsequential with ocean all around them. Our first night we dined at the "southern-most cafe" which was right on the beach. What a way to kick off vacation! On Monday, we walked all around with stops on the ever busy Duval St., the beach, and restaurants in between (in search of the best conch fritter--think clamcakes). We gathered with the masses to watch the Sunset at Mallory Square. That was a fun and beautiful collective experience.  We noticed so many intergenerational families vacationing together. We were outliers with most tourists either younger or older than us.

New England Adventures: Biddeford, ME

We decided to make a mini-trip out of our run up to UMaine.  We spent the night in Biddeford. On Friday, we hit the Banded Brewing Company. They had some great vegetarian options and a wide variety of interesting beers (maibock, English style stock ale, IPA with turpenes). The flight option allowed us to sample a few. The next morning we discovered Maine's oldest diner was in Biddeford!  We headed over to the Palace Diner which opened on 1927! It is one of the only two remaining Pollard Company cars (built in Lowell, MA). It has 15 seats--counter only. The breakfast was a definite step up from regular diner fare, especially the potatoes.  Having never stopped off at Biddeford in past years, we were amazed to learn of its mill history!  The Industrial Revolution's influence was apparent by the astounding number of mill buildings! We rambled along the Riverwalk taking in all the sights. Clearly, Biddeford is going through a lot of revitalization. Our final stop was to see the One Blue Sky mural featuring a boy talking on the phone. There is a partner mural in Iraq which has a girl on the other end of the call. (https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/one-blue-sky-mural) We popped down to Biddeford Pool and traveled along the coast to Portland. The southern Maine coast is pretty, but I still prefer the mid-coast and regions east for the stunning beauty.

This is the second week in a row we have been adventuring. Last week we had a staycation in Boston where we always find new and interesting things to do.  We had many outings to great hangouts and restaurants (Bartaco, Trillium, The Bell in Hand, Spin, Trade). These two weeks have been a great way to welcome spring and get out exploring!