Leaving St. Andrews we noticed we could see the Minister’s Island from our campsite. Out on the point is Van Horne’s bath house and on the hill is his home.

Ah, the good ole U.S.A. Border. We learned a few years ago you don’t take pictures at the gates. It was good to be back in the Home. We have traveled 10 different states and 4 provinces of Canada. More states to add as we make our way home.

Traveling across the country there are some fun roadside attractions. Those are tractors seats on the trailer. Farther down the road we pass a high rise birdhouse pole. Being cyclist, signs with the percent of the hill always gets our attention.

The road into Maine does not have a shortage of trees and the roads were wonderfully smooth. They use a lot of “H’s” in this part of the country.

Jim and I were in the trailer when a neighbor knocked on our door. “Come out”‘she said. “There is a rainbow.” Where we were located it was impossible to get the whole thing.  What was really amazing was the contrast in color. The sky behind us was blazing with orange and gold.

Just inside our campground was this wooden sculpture. Reading the plaque, Peter Toth was the artist. From Hungary, Peter has a collection of sculptures called.” Trails of the Whispering Giants.” There are 74. At least one in each of the 50 states. Also in Ontario, Manitoba and Hungary. The first was placed is in La Jolla, Ca. in 1972. All of his statues in the states pay tribute to the indigenous people of North America. The World is his plan for the future.

If your not careful you might not see the mailbox mounted on this elaborate post. We found out that this resturant was filled with photos of Jack Russell’s. We did not take time to go see them or dine there. Maybe next time.

We went into Bar Harbor, it was quite busy. We found out that the cruise ships were in. Our table was right at an open window. It was a great people watching spot. Especially watching Mr. Jimmy and his buddy Mistah Lobstah!

Arcadia National Forest offered majestic views and tree covered roads. Established in 1916 it was first called Sieur de Monts National Monument. 1919 brought a name change, Lafayette National Park who supported the American Revolution. Finally  in 1929 became Acadia in honor of a French Colony that included Maine.

The one photo there are huge granite rocks lining the road. These stones are known as “Rockefeller’s Teeth”. These roads started out as carriage trails. A network of 50 miles was fully developed by John D. Rockefeller. With 17 granite bridges, and 2 gate lodges. These are still being used today.

Morning Walks with the pups has advantages. This morning the clouds covered the bay with Nova Scotia popping out above them in the distance.

Because of the lack of rain it is being said that the colors of fall may be short. Much of it may go to brown. The optimist that Jim and I are lets us enjoy the patches that we find as we travel down the road. The river this bridge crosses is the Piscataqua.

Heading to Nashua to visit our good friend Brad Hill. Owner of Goodale’s bike shop which has been around since 1919. He started there in 1966 and in 1971 convincing his parents it was a good investment Brad owned a bike shop! In 2002 it has landed on Broad Street and he added two more stores since.

We stayed at the bike shop for quite a while. Following Brad out to his cottage on Franklin Pearce Lake. It gets really dark out here. The moon out his back door. The lake is out there somewhere.

Morning and the first sighting of the lake.

Boat ride! Top photo is Brad and Lucy’s cottage from the water. The big rock island is just out from their dock. The little building is part of the power plant. I could not resist the bright red color of this house and it’s surroundings. The bottom photo is the house and barn of the original owners of the land the lake is now on.

Ivy with boy friend Anthony.                Holly with boy friend Justin

Diggity training for Olympic sleeping.   Randy and Doogie recharging.

This is a huge pile of sawdust that was started back in 1929 when the woods were cleared for the lake. Now some has been added when tress have fallen.  But that’s a lot of sawdust!

Riding around the lake past the dam and this house. Here when they add on to their homes they actually jack the house up and build under it and lower the house back down.

On the boat we have friends Nancy and Tim, who live down the Lake. That is their house up top. Next you have Brad and Lucy. Then Holly and Justin and of course, Mr. Jimmy! Randy, Sam and Doogie, the Sea Dogs, like this boat riding.

The sign is appropriate it is a hill up and down to their cottage. After a marvelous meal we sit down by a huge fire that Anthony nurtured. Lucy and Brad Comfortable, Holly and Justin cozied up together. What a relaxing day this has been.

A few days ago we got word that Chris in Milwaukee has become very ill. Sunday morning after conversations with his daughter Amelia, we have decided to make a change of plans and we are headed back to Milwaukee. See you soon Chris…love you!