... and back South again.

We packed our trusty minivan and steamed north through the heat wave towards Philly. Our first night's accommodations:

North Creek Campground in the Jefferson National Forest. A great view to awaken to.


The next night's campground just off Rittenhaus Square in Philly. Was 115 degree heat index that afternoon. No breeze.



All was redeemed by a drive through bucolic Valley Forge to Wharton Esherick' s house. Dreamy and inspiring.

We made it on to Blue Hill with a little detour through Woodstock and a stop in New Hampshire for lobster macaroni and cheese. Cruised out on the water to see a Maine mermaid.

Feasted on a few of the local water bugs. Just add a little boiling water and seaweed and ...


Enjoy! Man they were delicious.


Hiked Blue Hill again and revelled in the view and the temperature. You know you are in a good summertime vacation spot when the high temp for your location is lower than what you have your thermostat set on back home in the deep sweltering humid south.


Visited our favorite bookstore. Ran across a few fellow Athenians. The Cap Man & Terry.
Who all joined us at various times to cruise in the Armada.


Fortunately Terry overcame his gloom and doom to drive from Stonington to visit. Stonington is a happening place. We saw Jason Moran at the Stonington Opera House and visited the Deer Isle Hostel. And of course one can also catch the mail boat to Isle Au Haut to camp.


As we did for a little solitude and beach combing.


A good beach seat.


A little collection.


And a quintessential Maine coastal view. Required!
A week or so later, after depleting the local lobster population, reading as many books as possible by Paddy Leigh Fermor and having a poutine in Portland it was time to head home.


Getting gourmet in the Connecticut countryside near the Housatonic.


Cruising over scenic, sometimes, Mt Mitchell via the Blue Ridge Parkway after passing this beautiful spot on the New River.


And not too may hours later we were home. It was lush and cool here. But as we descended in elevation and rolled into the piedmont we came into a crispy southern fried drought. It was discouraging. But hope springs eternal with a gardener and a little watering, a little mulching, a little pruning and it will all get better. And you can always plan for next year.