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A Maine Camp Experience
August 28, 2010
For the eight years we've lived in Maine we've heard about "camps". These are, most often, small and rather rustic vacation cottages that dot the shores of Maine's many beautiful ponds and lakes.
Where we grew up there were few nice fresh water lakes and no one I knew had a cottage. In Maine though it's common for someone who is part of an extended family to have a connection to a camp. Seeing that we have no extended family here we've never had those kind of connections.
Even so, we managed to snag a weekend at a honest-to-goodness camp last weekend, thanks to the generous offer of some friends.
The digs would be considered modest by most standards. The decor, furniture and appliances were all circa 1971 and we were without hot water. But compared to most of our weekend outings (under tents and three sided shelters) the solid roof, wood burning stove, propane stovetop, running water and electricity were downright luxurious.
Though Celine did say she would prefer WiFi to flush toilets. And I agree.
It was a wonderfully relaxing weekend away, tucked snug in between two difficult weeks. Those are often the hardest trips to make (it seems hard to get away when so much is happening at home) but the most important also.
Whereas we usually hike each weekend this time we rested. We wrote, paddled, read, ate, hammocked (is that a word?) slept and played games.
I was a perfect break in an otherwise tumultuous month.
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Francesca on Aug. 29, 2010, 5:35 a.m.
Certainly a better concept than European camp sites (I've been only once, and never wish to repeat the experience) where you probably get wifi nowadays, and tons of noisy people all around you. We're a crowded continent. Hope things are easier this week, Renee.
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Kelly on Aug. 30, 2010, 6:11 p.m.
This post made me smile. Hammocked is most definitely a word now. :)
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kyndale on Aug. 30, 2010, 11:54 p.m.
I'm jealous.
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Earth Mama on Aug. 31, 2010, 7:46 p.m.
That looks like a very beautiful place for a break. It has seemed to be a tumultuous month! I enjoyed reading about your in and outs of change in shift and I have to say I really feel it now. Like, no matter where we each are individually in our lives, I feel there in soemthing helping and urging us get to where we want to be. Of course though, it's the hardest to do so. For me as I shift and make changes a lot of issues arrise that cause deep thought on my part, but I knwo these are just my lessons of myself. So often I think how ignorance is truly bliss, but BUT...I don't think I am called to walk that path. You either. Im on to figuring out some nitty gritty. Hopefully that makes sense.
Wishing you well, :)Lisa
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nicola@which name? on Aug. 31, 2010, 10:07 p.m.
Oh, what a lovely looking weekend. That camp sounds a bit like the lake cabin we go to. Hoping your week is easing up and is a little less tense. Hugs, NIcola
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jenn on Sept. 7, 2010, 2:25 a.m.
Awesome...looks like so much fun...and so peaceful and relaxing at the same time!! Fun can be peaceful and relaxing, can't it?! :0)
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Naomi on Aug. 28, 2010, 11:43 p.m.
What cozy looking pictures! What lake is that on? I'm so glad your family had a chance to experience that. My extended family had a camp on Tripp Lake. Unfortunately because the official owners of it are growing older it was sold to a younger couple in the family - but on the on "the other side". It was left open to us, but we felt awkward taking advantage of that offer. At least we have our camp in Hebron, but after spending the first 22 years of my life making yearly trips there, often for a week at time, it sure is sorely missed. Actually, Nemo, who has only spent three years there, was heart broken when he discovered this summer that the camp we were talking about this year was not "the one with the water". Now, we are setting out to make new memories for our children to hold dear!