Letter 29 Maine III

Harrington Travels East 2009
Letter 28: Maine III
Maine is a large state with a small population. The economy is very thin (not varied) and is driven by timber, fishing and tourism. The economy has hurt all three. This summer is wonderful now, but was very wet until later in the season. Tourism is way down. Live Lobster was selling for an unusually low price of $5/# last year and is worse this year. This year just over $4/#. Off the boat prices are between $2 and $2.25/#. Slack demand for lumber is due to the slowdown in our economy. Maine people are hurting.

Monday, September 7 we moved to the very southern tip of Maine so we could see the southern coast of Maine and the coast of New Hampshire. This was labor day and we knew the holiday traffic would be going south to Boston (less than 100 miles away) and New York, so we decided to avoid the freeway Hwy 95 and take the old road of Hwy 1 which we have followed since entering Maine. That was a smart move except in one of the really popular tourist towns and then in Kittery. That town has all the outlet malls available. They are on both sides of the four lane highway with many signal lights. It took us 45 minutes to go two miles. The economy may be hurting but there sure was a lot of shopping being done this day! Early Monday afternoon, we crossed I 95 and noticed three south bound lanes with stop and go traffic as far as we could see. Labor day weekend is nearly over.

Our chosen campground was Indian River on the Piscataqua River in Eliot, ME. Most Passport American campgrounds have 2-4 day restrictions, but this one has a 7 day limit. This was a good target to spend some time before going to Diana’s in Sumner, ME. It is an old campground one half mile off the highway through the forest. There is a little beach and pier with a raft to swim to out in river.

Tuesday, September 8, thanks to information from new friends from New Hampshire, we had been saving our shopping to spend our money in New Hampshire where there is no sales tax. So we headed to Newington, NH and shopped at BizMart, Staples, Dollar Tree, Wal-Mart and Sears. We were pooped when we arrived back at the trailer.

Wednesday September 9 we headed back north along route 1 looking to see the sights. This time the traffic at the outlet stores was very light—we breezed thru.

We turned off onto Hwy 9 to Kennebunk Beach and watched children playing in a tidal pool. We looked back on the Episcopal Church and forward toward Kennebunkport

We were welcomed to Kennebunkport which is a busy little town full of tourist traps, one with a funky flower at the door. We were going to see the Bush’s so we followed Ocean Drive where we came upon George Herbert Walker Bush’s home on Walker point. There was a short parking place so we stopped and watched for them to come out and invite us in. We were proud to see he flies the Texas Flag on the mast in front of the three story home. We decided they chose their location well. Secluded, yet visible.

Thursday, September 10 we started the day by going to Oqunquit and taking the Marginal Beach walk. This had been highly recommended by a Teen Court volunteer Lucretia Milam. She has made several recommendations in Maine and they have all been good. Her other recommendation for this area was the Harbor Candy shop. We gained 10 pounds just walking through the door. Thanks Lucretia.

We had heard that Pat Hanson Brown was going to be at Diana’s so we drove all the way up to her home to have a mini 1959 DHS reunion. We enjoy seeing both of them, seeing old pictures and having lots of laughs. To the Class of ‘59 we’re sorry you missed the reunion! And even more the wild blueberry pie!

Friday, September 11 we drove south to Hampton Beach and wished for the beautiful blue skies and water we had the day before. The coast of New Hampshire is also beautiful and for the most part it is accessible to the public. There are nine state beaches and parks along their 40 mile coast line. At Hampton Beach the coast line was protected by a concrete seawall, which made it hard to see from the car. On the north end of NH’s coast was the Seacoast Science Center and we enjoyed seeing Tofu the whale and all the hands on displays. Fred really enjoyed hunting for the sea life in the aquariums.

The 200 year old Wentworth by the Sea Hotel at New Castle was certainly impressive as well as the All-American Display gardens at Prescott Park. We thought Angie would like the Sonata Petunia and everyone would enjoy the test and other
flower garden.
On the way home we stopped at the New Hampshire Liquor store as their prices are great and there is no sales tax.

Saturday, September 13 we washed, bought groceries, and cleaned house! And in the middle we found out Jack Helmstead, whom we visited with at the Desert of Maine, was diagnosed with throat cancer. He was having a hard time swallowing while we were with them and had lost a lot of weight. He flew to Denver to his doctor where they found the Cancer. Our prayers are with them. Renee was flying back to get their 40’ Motor Home.

Sunday, September 13 we attended the Eliot United Methodist Church and enjoyed their service. After church two little ladies told us about their talent show where six of the ladies, dressed up as “old” ladies with hats, long skirts and walkers. They came in singing “When the Saint’s Go Marching In”, then “Side by Side” and departed with “Bye Bye Birdie.” I bet they brought the house down. Olivia wishes to remember this for future skits.

Leaving the church we drove to Freeport to visit with Renee. Bless her heart, she is distraught, as we would be with that kind of news. Keep them in your prayers.


We love to hear if you have been to any of these spots or wish to see. For comments on our rambling contact us at:
Olivia@bobheck.com or Fred Harrington@yahoo.com