Preserving

Overwhelmed by the water-rock-land views of Acadia National Park

Before leaving the Concord area, we visited the site of another piece of the Alcott family story. Bronson (Louisa's father) and another transcendentalist thinker began an experiment in communal living just a ways northwest of Concord. Bronson moved his family of little girls - Louisa was ten years old - out into the very hilly country to farm and live free of nearly everything. They named their experimental community Fruitlands.

Fruitlands as it looks today

After two years, the experiment failed, but the farmhouse and land remain preserved, thanks to an active foundation. It is beautiful there, and another intimate Alcott experience. I sat on the steps in the attic and looked out of little Louisa's window.

Easter Sunday found us in Ogunquit, Maine. We found our way to a little church who put on their homespun children's drama and their choir-of-twelve musical presentation. It reminded me so much of growing-up days. We ate our Easter breakfast parked by the sea, warm and cozy despite the rain and wind.

Nubble Light in York, Maine - the most photographed lighthouse in Maine

Heading north, stopped in Scarborough, Maine, where we found a campground who had opened for the season. We enjoyed time for laundry, rest, and quiet. We ate lobster dinner with our fingers from paper boats on plastic trays. It was so fun.

Spending an hour with gals from Seattle, Atlanta, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Malaysia

Thanks to the expanding reach of BSF International, I have been keeping up with my online bible study group. There were just a few of us this week, but we had a really good discussion.

We have learned that Scenic Coastal Highway 1 in Maine is a road to be avoided. There is very little scenic coast in view, and the highway is in horrible condition. Our bodies, souls, spirits, and little white turtle van all feel bruised after a couple hours on the road. We've come to the conclusion that, in this case, taking the interstate with sidetrips would have been the better option.

One of the more interesting Hwy 1 sites. Sadly Wild Blueberry Land wasn't open for the season.

Next? Acadia National Park. Laurie, a gal in our local post office, told me that she loved Acadia best because it had everything. She is so right. What a beautiful, precious space. We are so grateful to have seen it and spent time enjoying it. Our first day was misty, rainy, cloudy, and we felt like we had the park to ourselves. It was a breathtaking, unhurried, gentle introduction. We returned a second day to experience the park in the sunshine. Even though there were more people, it didn't feel crowded. The park sparkled and the views were inspiring. We're continuing north to Canada. Cell phones will be off, and we'll post when we can. Meanwhile, enjoy a visit to Acadia National Park in a few photos!