Terri and Peter's RV Adventures

This weird thing happened this morning (at 5 am): it was light out! Oh yeah, we are far north and east and when it’s not cloudy or raining, the sun rises early this time of year. I’ll take it. It was a great emotional break from the days of clouds, drizzle and rain. While it was still in the 40’s it didn’t seem to matter as long as the sun was up and the skies were blue.

My old midwesterner outlook on weather kicked in: take care of outdoor things while you can because it ain’t gonna last. Sure ‘nuf, the forecast calls for us to catch some part of a nor’easter Thursday night, Friday and Saturday. So today, we cleaned out the trailer, the back of the truck, shook out and dried everything that needed shaking and drying and repaired odds and ends.

Lily and I took off mid-day to hike the Acadia Mountain Loop. Peter opted to hang out at home and do his own thing. Lily’s and my first stop was to Echo Lake where, once again, undaunted by the chilly water and current, took several dives into the lake to fetch balls. I sensed that even she had had enough and was ready to move on.

This was my first hike with, gasp, hiking poles. I brought them along on the trip just in case and at first felt humiliated that I had to use them, thinking they were for old ladies and it was the beginning of the end for me. But after almost killing myself tripping over them, a leash, and a poop bag, I settled down and realized that they actually helped me with balance and getting up and down large climbs of stairs or rocks. In fact, I now believe that they are essential to my being able to do hikes like the one I did today which wasn’t very far (3 miles RT) but the elevation gain was about 850′ and my knees are just not happy right now.

Anyway, I am focusing on being grateful that I can get around and fortunately, all the hard work of the climb and focusing on the next step to get up or down safely, were met with a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean, the harbor and various lakes and islands. I ate my sandwich, gave some to Lily who was an awesome hiking companion, off leash, racing ahead but not too far and then quickly coming back to my side without my even calling her name. We were a great team.

For dinner, we grilled salmon outside, again, taking advantage of what is predicted to be our last nice day. Somehow, Atlantic salmon caught off this coast seems healthier and a better choice than when I buy it in California. It was delicious nonetheless.

The “seasonal” campers are starting to arrive just in advance of Memorial Day weekend. There are welcomes all around as the “neighbors” reconnect from last year. It’s quite sweet. We met one couple who left Philadelphia, sold their house, traveled the country and decided Bar Harbor was where they wanted to settle. In the meantime, they’re spending the summer in their fifth wheel home until they find a house. It’s so interesting how people live their lives, make decisions and determine what feels like “home.” I know that was a theme for me during our last cross country trip. I’m still curious about why people are attracted to certain places.

As I wrap this up, I want to acknowledge some news we received that has just laid me flat and with a heavy heart. The husband of a family we raised kids with just died overnight. Suddenly. He was maybe 60 and in good shape and good health. I don’t know the details but it’s beyond sad. He was a mensch in the truest sense of the word: accepting of all, nonjudgmental, caring, generous, and kind. My heart goes out to his family and friends and wishing him godspeed wherever his soul is going next.