For the past six months, Maine has been an ethereal, theoretical destination for our Long Long Honeymoon. If we had a dollar for every time we exclaimed, “This spring, we’re taking our Airstream up to Maine!” our fuel expenses would be covered. So now that we finally made it, has Maine lived up to our expectations? No…
Our visit to Maine has exceeded those expectations. While this is not our first visit to “Vacationland,” it has been our best. Being here in our Airstream has allowed us to stop and smell the wildflowers… munch the blueberry pancakes… and taste the boiled lobster. We’ve had the luxury of time. We’ve been able to linger.
At times, we’ve been gleeful tourists. We took a ride aboard Maine’s only four-mast schooner, the Margaret Todd. We enjoyed tea & popovers at Acadia National Park’s famous Jordan Pond House. We even crawled out of bed at 4AM to catch “the nation’s first sunrise” on Cadillac Mountain. (We’re not morning people, so this was a genuine act of self-sacrifice.)
At other times, we’ve acted like locals. We bellied up to the bar of The Thirsty Whale on a Sunday night, and drained a couple of pints with the regular crew.
Maine countered a recent trend in our RV camping. One of our guilty pleasures on this Long Long Honeymoon has been taking our rig into unexpected environments. We’ve camped in some strange urban zone like the Vegas Strip and New York City (via New Jersey). But Maine reminds us what it’s all about. Life simply doesn’t get much better than exploring a stunning national park in one of America’s most unique and memorable environments.
I’m sure some Mainers out there will cringe at this description, but Maine is sort of the Montana of the East Coast (err, without all the mountains). I mean this as a high complement. It’s a predominantly rural state that’s memorable for certain distinctive geographical features (in this case, its coastline) that has developed a unique culture all of its own.
At this point, our Long Long Honeymoon has taken us to Key West, Seattle, San Diego, and Maine — so we’ve covered the four corners of the United States. As of this writing, we’ve visited 37 States with our RV — and there are more to come on this trip! Stay tuned…
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For the latest travels with Sean & Kristy, check out LongLongHoneymoon.com — where 100 RV travel videos await you!
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LeRoy Rodgers
I seem to be able to fine several Wal-Mart type place for over night parking. If you are not able to stay in Wal-Mart you can bet some one on the city council or his relative owns a campground.
It greatly upsets me to pull into a campground were I plan to stay for a few days to a month or so. Then find out I can’t get into my sight because some overnight camper can’t get up to leave.
Sean Michael
Gary, we’ve run into that situation at a few Wal-Marts around the country. I really don’t understand those municipalities that prevent overnight parking. Such policies create a public safety hazard by forcing tired RVers to continue driving when they should instead stop and rest. If anything, the law should encourage safe overnight parking options to keep fatigued drivers off the road.
I understand the desire of private campground operators to attract as much business as possible. The best way to do so is to provide pleasant, hassle free camping experiences at a reasonable cost.
gary munro
regarding free camp sites in canada, eh. might be a good idea to check on regulations, particularly in the province of nova scotia- street, mall, and overnite civic centre parking is a no-no, including wal mart lots. seems local rv site operators have learned the power of protest. had bad experiences in wal mart lots in portland oregon. turned away by management at 4 sites, after 10 pm. seems all places are not ccreated eqqually, eh?
gary munro
can’t ever say enough about camping in Canada, eh! might want to check about free camping in shopping centre, community centre lots in nova scotia. business’are willing, bylaw enforcement are not.seems that rv parks have discovered the power of protest. have had similar experiences in portland ore. walmart lots, recently. seems that not all areas are created, equally, eh?
Sean Michael
Ha! Orv, I don’t mind the smell of diesel fumes either. We’ve got tons of RV stuff on our website (LongLongHoneymoon.com). This spring we’re taking a little different approach and showing a little more of what happens outside the RV.
But your point is well taken, and yes … I can definitely confirm that my videos are much better when viewed after consuming beer. So go ahead and grab another one. 😀
Orv Hazelton
Beautiful scenery, oh, how’d I love to visit Main. However. . . watching this video makes me realize why their honeymoon seemed so long. I’m afraid I like RV stuff. . . my honeymoon was sooo long ago that I’ve forgotten. I’ve still got the wife, though. . . that is, somehow. Oh well. . . I’m glad others enjoyed it. As for me, I prefer the smell of diesel fumes. Maybe I need another beer. oRV
Sean Michael
Thanks everyone for your comments. I’m glad our Maine video is finding a receptive audience. Several of these shots took some effort to obtain — the cloudy sunrise shot at the beginning was taken atop Cadillac Mtn. Those 5-second timelapse shots actually take several minutes to shoot, and it was freezing up there! Ha ha
Carson, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Rick, I’ll do my best. Really I’m just trying to document the journey as we go. We spent a lot of time in the Bar Harbor area so I had several opportunities to harvest material.
Alpenliter, the lobster in Maine cannot be beat! The state is replete with roadside “lobster pounds” where you can dine on the best lobster in the world (at the best price in the world) in a no frills atmosphere. In addition to boiled lobster, there’s no shortage of lobster rolls (sandwich) or stews. Steamed and fried clams are also very popular.
Rodney, the blueberry pancakes are from Jordan’s in Bar Harbor. Jordan’s is one of those cozy local diner places that has become an institution. We enjoyed it so much we returned several times. (And by the way, I recommend the blueberry syrup to go along with the pancakes — go for blueberry overload!)
The lobster was from Nunan’s Lobster Hut in Kennebunkport. It is a highly regarded lobster pound, probably the most popular in that area. We each got the 2 lobster special!
Rodney Litchfield
I enjoyed your video about Maine as I do most of your videos. I live on the ME, NH border and was trying to recognize some of the places in the video. I think I recognized the Sarah Long Memorial Bridge which crosses the piscataqua river between Kittery ME, and POrtsmouth NH. What are the restaurants you showed?
Alpenliter
I didn’t think I could talk my wife into venturing east of the Mississippi, but one look at those Maine lobsters did the trick. Thanks Sean!
rrrick08
Hi Sean & Kristy, We enjoyed your Maine video and are looking forward to reminiscing with your future videos of this trip. Last summer we camped in Acadia and the Bar Harbor area on our way up to Newfoundland. We found the Bay of Fundy and it’s 30′ tides fascinating and are anxious to see how a professional videographer captures the beauty and sights of this US & Canadian area. There is so much to see, good luck on condensing your video material. Thanks again.
Carson
Beautiful, thanks for sharing such a warm, inspiring, video…..
Sean Michael
Thanks Lynne! I think our travel schedule will take us back through upstate New York. We’re planning to venture into Canada for a while, and then visit Niagara Falls. Perhaps we’ll be able to venture into the Adirondacks also. Stay tuned! 😀
Lynne Ennis
Maine IS beautiful …. we’ve spent many a wonderful vacation there. But you should consider stopping in the Adirondacks of New York State on your way back through! It’s rustic camping at it’s best! Many, many, many lakes, and beautiful vistas. Check it out! You’ll love it!
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