Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Having a wonderful time! Wish you were here. Seriously.

Well, you can be here, though my photos . . . right?

Today was another beautiful one on the Maine coast. We visited Deer Island and the town of Stonington. I think Stonington just may be the lobster capitol of the world.

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George on the beach this morning. He’s in his element. Did you know he was actually born near here? George was born in July of 2007 in Ellsworth, Maine.

DSC_0241 copy 2 Our cottage. It’s really beautiful inside. Very simple with pine floors and old kilim rugs everywhere. Leather furniture in the living room, and a big king size bed with two twins upstairs in the single bedroom. The only thing that’s missing is a view of the sea.

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I’m reading The Lobster Chronicles on the little front deck.

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The weather continues to amaze me. I looked up from my reading spot this afternoon and saw this beautiful sky.

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Later in the afternoon, after a drive all around this island, we went to Stonington to get some lobsters for dinner. What an absolutely picturesque little town this is. In the background, the big island is Isle au Haut. It means High Island and the locals pronounce it Aisle –a –hoe.

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We went to 3 different lobster places before finding this one. All the others had packed them up for the day and sent them to market.

This is a co-op operation, as most of them are here in the village. One of the other lobster places gave me directions to this one. I had to traverse this very narrow gangplank that you see here to get to the floating dock where the lobsters are being distributed. The boy in the grey t-shirt had just pulled in with a crate of hardshells and he pushed them down the gangplank just ahead of me, yelling, “crate o’ hardshells comin’ down!”

I was just in time because they’d just run out.

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I asked for “two one-and- a- half pounders, please” and told them I wanted to get a picture, as well. They asked where I was from and told me to enjoy my lahbsta dinna. That’s how it sounded to me, with that thick Maine accent.

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After I ascended the plank and was on my way to pay, I turned and saw this lovely site in the Stonington Harbor.

Be still, my heart.

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Back home, my husband brings the lobster pot to a rolling boil and plunges both of them in and holds down the top in case they try to get out.

For a second, I was sad because we were killing them, and it was hard to listen to, but it only lasted a couple of seconds and then they were silent (thank God).

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My dinner tonight was absolutely, positively fantastic. Lobsters fresh out of the water, a garden salad, and crusty garlic bread.

I will tell you, though, that although this Maryland girl is quite adept at picking blue crabs, she is absolutely clueless when it comes to lobster. My husband told me it was difficult to watch but I figured it out (eventually).

Tomorrow, we go for a hike in Acadia National Park. Went on a small one today to an old quarry. I think my husband is trying to build me up for the Big One. Say prayers for me, k?

Until the next time I’m able to post, my friends . . .

61 comments:

Barb T. said...

I envy you soooo much. It looks beautiful! I can almost taste that lobstah (although my boyfriend is from Maine, he doesn't pronounce it that way; he's from Brunswick, not down east!) What hike in Acadia??
I really loved Sargent Mt. It was so beautiful, but then again, nothing in Acadia isn't beautiful! (bad dbl. neg.)
Have tons of fun!

Country Girl said...

Hey, Barb. Tried to respond via e-mail but you aren't set up for it. We hiked the Great Head Trail over by Sand Beach. Husband wants me to hike the Beehive but that's freaking SCARY!
So I get home after all this hiking yesterday and open the latest issue of Martha Stewart magazine (why I bought this, I have no idea) and what was she doing last week, according to her calendar? Hiking the Beehive!!! So now my husband is saying, well if Martha can do it . . .
This psychology will not work on me. I think.

~ C.G.

Deb said...

Kate, I think I'm in love with Maine. Something tells me I would love it there.
As for the lobster, this I cannot do without risk serious illness or death. Darn...I know.
so let's just say that one lobster still lives in the sea because of me!
You look like you are having a kick ass time!

Deb said...

Kate, I think I'm in love with Maine. Something tells me I would love it there.
As for the lobster, this I cannot do without risk serious illness or death. Darn...I know.
so let's just say that one lobster still lives in the sea because of me!
You look like you are having a kick ass time!

Suzette said...

Ah, Maine. My favorite vacation spot. You're introducing me to new territory, however. Thanks for that! Gotta get back up North!

Char said...

:) sounds seriously yummy though I haven't actually had to kill one yet. I bet the difference is like what I try to tell people about the difference between store bought shrimp and shrimp straight from the gulf.

have a great time.

Valerie said...

Wow - thanks for sharing this. Last night at dinner we were just talking about lobsters with my 12 year old. We talked about size and how most the meat is in the tail and the claws, and that 1 1/2 pounds is quite a bit of meat. He asked if they screamed when we talked about cooking them, so I was thrilled to read your post this morning and share it with him. Confirmation that mom does know a few things! Thanks so much for letting those of us who can't get away share in the experience. Enjoy your trip!

Driftwood and Pumpkin said...

Dinner sounds scrumptious! The island is beautiful and so is the cottage. I am so glad you are having a wonderful and relaxing time.

I will be thinking about you on the hike!

Unknown said...

L.O.V.E. your cabin...that is so cute.

Lobsters always make me smile...with melted butter and a fresh salad and BREAD...perfection.

Linda said...

So beautiful!

JC said...

Sounds like a fun trip. Love the sailboat ...

ELK said...

another fabulous visit to Maine via you Kate thanks for the amazing tour!

Russell said...

Okay... I'm jealous!! Heh!! Now that's what I call a beautiful place! Whoa!

When I saw the photograph of the boats dancing on the water, well, I just wanted to jump through the computer monitor!

I am sure George is having a wonderful time, too! I won't ramble but I sure enjoy these posts about your Maine vacation!

Take care.

abb said...

What a lovely place you're staying at! Maine is such a beautiful state, and the perfect place to rejuvenate your batteries. Stop by on your way home. Lauren & I both live between exits 17 & 16 on the left/south side.

And once you get the hang of pickin' lobstahs, they're not too bad.

Molly said...

oh my, I have always wanted to visit Maine, and it looks as though you have found a wonderful place. Was George named for a founding father since he was born in July?

Daryl said...

Do they really scream?

Tess Kincaid said...

Aaah. Now this is my kind of vacation. I am tooootally green with envy. Enjoy every minute!

Little Ms Blogger said...

Maine is a wonderful place and I don't think it has been truly discovered.

I'd love to live there, but don't know if I could handle the winters.

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

Lucky lady! Thanks for sharing. Views and lobster were delicious!

nalene said...

Beautiful!

Donalyn said...

Looks so beautiful - and the lobsters look pretty darned good too! Good Luck on the hike!

Mental P Mama said...

Paradise;) Kiss George for me.

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

Is it too late to come and get me???

imom said...

I know I already commented this before, but all I can do is repeat myself... I want to go to Maine so bad. I just love seeing your photos, it is so beautiful there.

I'm glad you are having a good time and I hope that hike doesn't beat you up too bad!

Lew said...

Looks like a fantastic vacation! You got some terrific photos, especially of Stonington Harbor.

Anonymous said...

It looks so enjoyable there, Kate. So glad you found a perfect place for you and your husband to stay and enjoy. My feet no longer allow me to hike, but I sure could enjoy some lobster and dig sitting on the porch!

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Swetha said...

Wow.. the cottage is really amazing!
you have taken me to a different place through your pictures.. thanks!

tj said...

...George looks so wild with the sea breezes blowin' thru his mane... ;o)

...Yeah, I'm with 'Daryl' up there - do the lobsters scream? I'm sorry but I could never in a million years plop a lobster in a boiling pot of water. I mean, can't they gas 'em first then boil 'em? lol... I love lobster but just don't expect me to do the killin' and by all means, don't plop a whole dead lobster on my plate either. That's like orderin' a steak and they serve ya a whole cooked dead cow - ACK! :o/ *giggle*

...I so wanna be where you are Kate. That looks absolutely beautiful there... Is the cost of living high up there? Those houses look adorable as well as your cabin. Thanks for sharing your vaca' with us! Beautiful photos as always! :o)

...Blessings...

Anonymous said...

Your vacation looks like it's amazing! Beautiful photos (as always) When you return home, make sure you run and see the movie "Julie & Julia", your lobster experience will have even more meaning! Enjoy!

Skogkjerring said...

Oh my first 12 years in Norway we lived on the coast and ate lobster like a farmer might eat his chickens...they were there right in front of our house, and stig would catch them and we'd have lobster a lot...I LOVE...no I ADORE lobster and that big bowl of butter you had on the table...and I hope a good chunk of lemon...oh, my mouth is salivating...thanks for reminding me what I've been missing since moving in land...need to get hold of Stig's family on the coast and see if we can get some lobster from them...mmmmmm

Caroline said...

Can I come over???????? Looks like an incredible place and those lobsters....

A New England Life said...

Ayah! Them lobstah's be mighty good!

Just think Kate, if you lived near me you could see a view like that almost everyday! New England is a beautiful thing in the summertime, but it's all to fleeting, that's the only drawback.

After the lousy weather we had in July I'm so glad you were able to arrive during a perfect week! I love tagging along : )

Enjoy!

mom x 2 said...

ohhhhh I was so excited about the amazing views and that quaint little cottage.... Then I got to the lobster pictures and everything just kind of drifted into the background! Looks yummy :)

Audrey at Barking Mad! said...

So glad you're having a beautiful time here in our beautiful state.

Enjoy the bounties of our land and I'll sit back and enjoy your chronicles of your time spent here.

Flea said...

Blue crabs and crawfish. But lobsters are just giant crawfish, right? I'm so glad you're having a great time. :)

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love to see Maine through your lens.

Sarah Anne said...

If you ever feel like adopting a child, you can pick me. I wouldn't mind going on vacation with you. I'd even eat the lobster.

;) Glad you're having a great time!

Carol E. said...

Wowowowow!!! I want to stay where you are. In fact, my friends and I are planning a trip to Maine in 2012. When you get home, can you send me the info on how to rent that cottage? And also info on where exactly you are. I'm in love!

Unknown said...

Love those lobstermen. Had the opportunity to watch Fourth of July fireworks from a lobster boat the first summer my husband and I were dating - two of his brothers lived in Portland. They are wonderful, hardworking people.

Now if you get to LLBean, my brother in law works in the gun department. Say hi to him from me.

Anonymous said...

Gosh. I wish I was there too...

Have a wonderful time.

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

What a lovely place to vacation. I hope I make it up there someday! Looks wonderful--have a great time! V.

P.S. Just what sounds did you hear coming from that boiling pot? Is that too gruesome to answer?lol

Sue said...

Hi Kate...Oh I am so jealous...I adore Maine...the rental your staying in looks fabulous....who cares if the internet isn't working...the lobster dinner...the walks in the woods...you really must think you have died and gone to heaven....If you drive through Camden on your way home...because I believe Acadia is above Camden....stop in at Cappy's Chowder House for fabulous clam chowder with these huge oyster crackers...it's the best...Enjoy your trip!! Sue.

Reddirt Woman said...

Maybe because I grew up in Oklahoma but I never developed a much of a liking for lobster. I don't know why considering you get to dip it in drawn butter and top it with a squeeze of lemon... it was always a bit sweet to me.

Now the clam chowda I would have slapped somebody down to get to. I loved the fresh clam chowda that I got when I was in Ogunquit. The best, absolutely the best I've ever put in my mouth.

I'm loving these posts and living vicariously through you all. That photo of George with the wind blowing his fur is wonderful.

Helen

Donna S. said...

Thank you for sharing. I think you are helping me make a decision on next years vacation.

Cloudia said...

Oh sweet New England!
Such a delicious post; I'm green with envy..and I live in Waikiki!!You are in the best place in the world! Oh, Dear George must be in HEAVEN!
Aloha lucky gal-

Comfort Spiral

troutay said...

To the east of Ellsworth, toward the coast, is a small town called Winter Harbor. A tad north from there is Millbridge and Corea by the Sea. I lived in both these places some years ago. You are so lucky to be there. I have talked for years about bringing my husband there.

So glad you are having a lovely time!
We used to get fresh lobster from our landlord, a fisherman, and fresh scallops too! That Maine accent can be very difficult to understand at times, no?

Ann Marie said...

something is totally wrong with me.. I don't like lobster. ;)
Maybe because it is not something my husband can bring right home. I have an adversion to seafood that has been out of the water very long. I can't imagine why.. .

Love the shots ladybug.

Jill of All Trades said...

Just beautiful pics. Glad you are having such a nice time. You know I have never wanted to live anywhere else in the world but the pics are tempting for me. Just beautiful.

Gwen said...

Wanted to say hello and "introduce" myself, if you will.

I came across your blog as I was searching for something and instantly knew I had to "follow" you. I'm a New England girl - transplanted to Maryland so your pictures from Maine (besides being absolutely lovely) really bring me to a "comfortable" place in my mind.

I'm also a photography lover and recently have been diving into that, so I look forward to not only reading your updates but seeing your lovely photos.

Lisa A. said...

All I can say is, I am SO jealous!!!!!

cottage farm villa said...

Kate, I think every reader of your blog is envious of all your wonderful trips you take!!! This is just breathtaking girl! What a peaceful, lovely place. Soak it in!!!!!!!!!! kisses for sweet George.

Asthmagirl said...

How fun Kate! I love the scenery there... and that sailing ship... Your camera must be going a mile a minute!
I can't wait to see more!

Kacey said...

That looks absolutely gorgeous! I've had no desire to ever visit Maine before seeing your posts this week. How absolutely breath taking!

Flat Creek Farm said...

I'm jealous - in a good way of course! What a perfect vacation. Enjoy! Bless George, he's such a fun travel buddy :) -tammy

Torsdag 1952 said...

Yes I was there "WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS".
Stunning place and area.

... and I'm goining north next week.

hartmut

Unknown said...

What a lovely place! The cottage is so cute! I would like to go there sometime! The pictures are so pretty! I love lobster!

Hilary said...

Oh drool.. Maine lobster. That place looks absolutely fantastic and the photos depict it so beautifully. Enjoy Acadia.. it's such a lovely area.

Anonymous said...

Oooh, not sure I could have listened to the lobsters, even for a few minutes! Gorgeous photographs and you are obviously having a fabulous time.

CJ xx

The Weaver of Grass said...

That meal - I am just about as green with envy as that lobster is red with boiling. Delicious.

noble pig said...

OMG! I want to be there with you too...wow..so envious but so happy you are enjoying yourself! Can't wait to see more.

Meg McCormick said...

Yeah, crabs and lobster require two totally different picking skillsets!

Looks like someplace I would absolutely love to hang out. I'm adding it to the short list.