Maine plus....

Maine was excellent place to visit but alas, there is no evidence of Big Foot in Maine as the costs are too high and my research has shown that Big Foot is quite frugal. That being said, it was a beautiful area and I had a very good time. I was able to enjoy tropical weather along with lobster and that was not something most people who visit Maine in September get to say. 

My first visit was to the Lobster Lady for their renowned lobster roll. Since it was before the hurricane and after Labor Day, it was not very busy. The lobster roll was excellent and really one of the best ones I have ever had. Thankfully it was also one of the most expensive.   

Not busy at all, The threat of a hurricane apparently scared off tourists. Not my first hurricane on this adventure so I was not deterred. 

The campground was right on the coast so we took a walk down to the beach everyday. I really lucked out as there were also a lot of cancellations at the campground due to the threat of a hurricane. This was clearly a mistake as RVs are well built and can handle hurricane force winds as that is what happens when we drive down the road. Mobile homes on the other hand are not really mobile and they taunt the winds which is why they are always at risk. Plus we were on non wet side of the hurricane winds so every knows dry winds aren't as bad as wet winds (think fart vs shart).

View of a tropical storm nee hurricane. Technically the winds were coming from a different direction and the pictures in that direction are smeared with rain.

As it turns out, I didn't die in the storm. Most of the worst of went north of us and it was just a quiet but shaking day in the trailer. I was able to convince the dogs to actually go outside to do their business despite the rain and wind. 

The next day I headed into Ellsworth after going to take a hike. I needed to wash the truck at the same time so it was a two-fer visit. Fogtown Brewing Company was really nice and had outdoor drinking and an outdoor pizza oven. I didn't have any pizza but I may have sampled a beer. If you are concerned about the risk of drinking and driving, it was $9.00 for a single beer which means that there was no way that I would have more than one. I acknowledge that it was better than most quarter tappers from my college days but it was no better than the $5 or $6 craft beers that I can get elsewhere in this country. This is yet another sign that Big Foot would not be here - beer costs too much.

Pretty tap room and cool place to visit. Not really worth the money but hey - you do you.

Since I was in the area, I also decided to check out Acadia National Park. It was as beautiful as advertised and pictures cannot do it justice. I took a few pictures but imagine something more incredible than these photos and it won't even be close. I would say this was definitely better than work.

The ocean lapping the shore. The road is right near here so it was a quick walk to enjoy the view. 

Panoramic view from the top of Cadillac summit.

To celebrate visiting the park, I decided to stop at one of the roadside lobster stands. I successfully picked a hole in the wall place and had a delightful lobster. It was also tragically overpriced but at least I did my part to support an over played out tourist thing - eating lobster in Maine.

The lobster tasted good but I would not rank it as the best lobster ever. It was the last of the lobster on the visit so it is note worthy on that account. And yes there is a beer in that red solo cup from a local brewery. I don't recall the name but it was a dark ale of some sort (red or brown). 

I continued the adventures and I was able to convince the dogs to eventually go down to the beach.. Ozzy was prepared to attack everything and rule his kingdom but alas, it was not to be.

On the beach. I took pictures of both dogs but only Ozzy was kind enough to pose.

I found a good hiking spot which went through the wetlands and woods to the oceanfront. It was an awesome walk and I was able to find a great piece of land to settle on. The neighbors were quiet and the view would be relaxing. I am not sure it is for sale but really it had a lot going for it. I will have to investigate this further.

Nice place to put my yurt. Getting to it might get a little wet.

As we finished up our Maine visit, we reflected on what we discovered. A wonderful state that Big Foot would never hang out in for long but may visit for short periods. The sunsets were fantastic from the campground and I cannot begin to describe the colors as it was stunning. I even saw a double rainbow but of course I didn't take a picture as I didn't want to make y'all jealous of my life.

Sunset. Can't say anything beyond that.

After we enjoyed Maine, we headed south on our tour of the east coast. Next stop on the adventure was Massachusetts. We stayed at a lovely Harvest Host - the American Heritage Museum. This was actually a surprise as I had extremely low expectations and only visited it out of a sense of obligation to the host. The museum has artifacts from various wars from the revolutionary war on. The WW1 exhibit was incredible as they had a trench as part of it so you could get the experience of how crappy that war actually was. In addition they had a lot of tanks including a fully restored German Panther from WW2. These pieces of equipment are huge and I could not imagine climbing into one much less facing one in combat.

German Panther. This was recovered from a river in Poland and completely restored including the coating to prevent magnetic mines.

This is a German Sonderkraftfahrzeug. That apparently means special motor vehicle. The foot wells are shoulder height so better have good knees to get up there. This particular vehicle was seen in the movie The Dirty Dozen driven by Lee Marvin.  

As much fun as Massachusetts was, it was time to move onto Rhode Island. It was a quick visit as it is a tiny state but it still counted. I had another Harvest Host stay, this time at a Harley dealership. Neither I nor Big Foot ride motorcycles, but it was still an enjoyable visit. There was tons of green space and the place cleared out at 5pm so it was a quiet night. I did pick up a jacket for my bottled beer in case it was warm as I didn't have one. I also priced a new Harley in case I wanted a different platform for my adventures. At $36k, it is highly unlikely I will be buying a new bike in Rhode Island but it is an intriguing idea.

Interestingly, my nephew, J, used to go to a summer camp not far from here. Of course nothing is far from anything in RI as it really is a small state. No, seriously, it is tiny - like Lucy. 

As I wrapped up RI and headed to Connecticut to visit my my brother and his wife (J&K). I also completed staying in my 33rd state as part of this adventure. It is obviously an unsustainable rate as that is a lot of movement plus there are only 48 easily RV-able states and of the two left only 1 is RV-able  with my RV. I have now slept in 47 states and on this east coast trip I will stay in two more that I have never slept in. That would leave Alaska as the last frontier. I have not decided how or when that adventure will happen, but it will happen.

Until next time,

Thor

braxwood.com

Headed to Maine

As we last communicated I indicated I was headed to Maine. I have arrived and I'm looking forward to searching for Bigfoot in this area as there are many breweries and small eateries. 

My first stop on the trip from Kentucky was just outside of Cincinnati. I had a Harvest Host site (recall that this is a service where one stays for free and in return you support the business). This was actually a church and I had the parking lot all to myself but it was a touch warm that night. As such the dogs and I headed to a potential Big Foot location. Coincidently B&L were in town to watch a professional pickleball tournament. I didn't think were such things but I guess people will believe in anything. Anyhow, Big Foot was not at Third Eye Brewing but the beer and tacos were delicious and the dogs were able to hang out with us and get treats from the brewery. 

Cool logo and great beer. No Big Foot.

Before I leave Ohio behind, I should mention that the Cincinnati area looks like an awesome place. Plenty of breweries and things to do. I hate to say nice things about Ohio despite having lived there, but I am impressed. I will have to return for a longer stay.

Next stop was Pennsylvania. We hit a KOA for a night so we could cool down with Air Conditioning as the hunting hounds were a touch hot. We then stayed at another Harvest Host, but this time a winery - Seven Mountains Wine Cellars. I was able to get a flight of dry reds which were seriously good as was the Amish cheeses they had. Dinner was therefore eaten on the patio as the rains started but at least I was dry. 

Actually much more expensive than a campground when you factor in the 4 bottles of wine I bought.

As there was no sign of Big Foot yet, it was time to head to New York. I tried out a local brewery - Beer Tree. They had mostly IPAs of one type of another and while I was not in the mood for yet another IPA, I had one and it was tasty. Of course it was since there are few bad craft beers, but there are some that are average and some that amazing. This was fine. There was seating at the bar, but too many people for my taste as that has a tendency to scare off Big Foot. 

YAI. Yet another IPA.

So as to increase my odds of catching the elusive prey, I tried a new cidery that was in the area - New Leaf Cider.. I tried several ciders and was really impressed so I bought some for later in case the need arose (like in case of a hurricane). I did try their graf which is a blend of beer and cider. Unfortunately the beer chosen was incorrect for the cider, the season, and the name they gave to it. They did offer to swap it out but I have learned my lesson from a certain brewery and their smoked wheat beer (gratzer) that one needs to drink a full glass before one makes up their mind. Turns out I was right, it wasn't good. Alas.

Great ciders and seating at the bar. Can't complain.

After New York and not finding Big Foot at a winery, cidery, or brewery it was time to try Vermont. Thankfully just like the last time we were in Vermont (with Amy, B and C), it rained almost nonstop. I was able to enjoy a delicious streak at Black Rock Steakhouse which was cooked perfectly. I generally do not eat steak nor do I have someone else cook it for me but this was a nice treat.  The next day I checked out the local coffee shop and had a lovely latte made with oat milk. While I am not lactose intolerant, milk (and ice cream) are avoided as I do not enjoy stomach cramps. Thankfully cheese is still good as I also shopped at the local food co-op which had a lot of local products including some nice Vermont cheeses. I thought I found Big Foot but it turns out to have just been a local resident who has avoided regular grooming. I should have known better as the Big Foot I am seeking bathes regularly.

Next stop was New Hampshire. As you get the sense, this has been a whirlwind tour. Partially that is due to my desire to get to Maine quickly, my lack of interest in hanging out in certain areas, and my shock at the cost of the campgrounds in New England. To be really fair, I need to spend a season in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine so I can try searching for Big Foot in more places and possibly experience a sunny day.

New Hampshire was as beautiful as I recalled and I think we drove on the same roads the last time we were there. I didn't go to any breweries but I did buy a selection of local beers (brown ales and a rye ale) just in case I had a need for a stockpile of beverages. I did check out Vintage Baking Company and enjoyed a croissant and coffee on the deck in the rain.  

I also bought a loaf of bread and some scones. Oddly no Big Foot as a bakery is an ideal place to find one. 

I finally made it to Maine and it is lovely here. I am right by the water and have a lovely view with plenty of places to walk the dogs. There aren't many people here as apparently the forecasted hurricane has dissuaded people from camping. That just makes it better as that means it will be peaceful this weekend other than the rain and winds.  It looks like the worst of it will go north of here so it should be all fine.

Finally the sun!

Ozzy ready to go to the beach

Lucy not quite as ready and really suggesting we should turn back. I will leave it to your imagination on what we did.

Until next time when we wrap up our Maine exploration...

Thor

braxwood.com

Summer wrap of Kentucky

I’m back. After my extensive training at the remote Department of Defense facility in Kentucky, I am prepared for additional adventures in hunting the elusive Big Foot and other cryptozoological entities. It wasn’t all just work though as I also had several visitors over the summer, and we explored the area together. And yes, we did hit the bourbon trail for those curious about such things, and I was able to buy a nice bottle of gin.

I should first mention some of the details of this training. I have been convinced for quite some time that I am super close to catching Big Foot as my methodology is soundly based upon extensive research. I know Big Foot is hanging out in its desire habitats of breweries, distilleries, wineries, coffee shops, small cafes, etc. My failure to locate the creature means that I must continue searching and more importantly, pay closer attention. To train this skill, I was given a technical assignment to locate tiny objects mixed in various materials. To make it additionally challenging, I also had to locate larger objects in the same mixed materials in order to ensure that a thorough search was performed. This require the use of a special device which tested hand-eye coordination all while being in the natural glow of the heat and humidity of Kentucky. I would also be required to identify who was staying in the area using sophisticated tracking tools. I would also engage in covert missions to determine the nature of the visitors.

Allow me to rephrase that if that was too technical. My undercover assignment was as a camp host/gate attendant. While searching through a camp site, I would locate and pick up small cigarette butts along with occasional water bottle caps, twist ties, and wrappers from Capri Sun juice pouches. In addition, I would need to search the fire pits and pick up the larger items which usually consisted of beer cans, melted plastic bottles, and of course more cigarette butts. I would hang tags using clothes pins onto a post and these would have the dates of the stay on them written in marker. Finally, I would answer questions and engage in polite conversation with the various guests.

One may wonder how this will help locate Big Foot, and it is rather obvious. I have now honed my search techniques to a fine level. In addition, my hand eye coordination has improved thanks to the use of the special grappling device (sometimes referred to as “trash pickers”), and I have sharpened my interpersonal communication skills so I can gather further information when trying to locate Big Foot. Truly I am a finely tuned hunting machine.

All in all, it was a fun summer and so much better than work. I met many wonderful people including fellow volunteers B&C, S, and even J (but not really J). The biggest complaint isn’t the excessive heat and humidity (and it was excessive), but rather the lack of decent laundry facilities less than an hour’s drive away. There is a real need for better laundry options in rural (and I am sure also in cities in economically challenged areas) but what is offered instead is overpriced and filthy machines if there are any working at all. Sad.

Now the adventures from the summer and smattering of photos. Again, as with prior photo dumps, I will note the image with a caption and generally avoid the longer stories around it. But you are thinking, “Thor, we love your stories, tell us more”, but alas not today. Perchance when I see you I can share more.  Despite several trips back to Wisconsin, I was not able to see as many people as I would have liked to as I busy relocating my remaining personal items to a climate controlled storage unit. Man plans, God laughs.

 

One morning at the campground while taking the hunting hounds on a training mission. You may call it a walk to go potty. Potato, potato.

Heron or crane? Who cares, still pretty. A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.

Another foggy morning. Humidity 98%, thankfully it was in the mid 70s since it was before 7 am.

Another gratuitous image of the water. Couldn't be helped, as it was pretty.

Last image of my site on the morning of my last day.

 

Flywheel Brewery in Elizabethtown (E-town). Good beer and friendly people. Critically it had all three types of seating (bar, tables, couches). I was here with P,M, B&L and I might have visited on my own once or twice.

Clever flag for the independent brewers of Kentucky.

This was a T-Shirt that I thought of buying. I chose not to as I didn't want anyone looking at me long enough to read it, but I agree with the message. 

Ah, the Bourbon Trail. Actually there was no trail, but rather a series of distillers over an area. Thankfully we didn't have on our hiking shoes on as that would have been disappointing. Having closed toed shoes would have come in handy with M and P when touring the barrel plant. A quick trip to several stores later and we were set. Side note, if you are looking for used and horribly worn out shoes, a certain Goodwill is selling them for $10,.

Bourbon flight at one of the places. They blended after a while and I wasn't driving. M drove and if you have ever driven with M you know the value of having had a couple as it takes the edge off.

The aforementioned M and P. We are lounging on the roof top of a cool facility. Museum quality exhibit on the history of bourbon in Kentucky. Smart way to connect with your customers and educate. If only I could remember the name. Too much bourbon.

Yet another distillery. Pretty building that M is walking in front of. P is ahead and just on the edge of the frame. I am taking the photo.

Picture of me "working" inside the booth. A tough life. 

View from trail at Mammoth Cave. Pretty area. I have other photos from the trail with B&L's dog Ernie but I have chosen to not include them. Why? Because I had to walk that huge dog in the heat and it was a bundle of energy until it pooped out. It then drank all of my cooled water and I was forced to drink from my emergency water I carry in the truck. He was so tired out that he crashed back at the trailer on my bed in the air conditioning. All of that was too cute to share so you just had to be there.

All in all, I had visits from B&L (and Ernie), M and P, and my brother and sister in law, J&M. I was able to get back north and see C along with D&S, and S&M. I did get back for Father's Day for those of you tracking that so I am not a complete loser.

I am onto my next adventure. I am headed towards Maine and working my way with at least one day stay in every state between here and there. Then we will be working our way down the east coast until we hit Virginia and then head west. What happens next is unknown at this point as that is how I am planning on rolling for a while. Nothing definitive at this time other than a total eclipse in April. 

As always,

Thor