Some months ago we made plans to come up to Maine in the fall, and this is the weekend we picked. As I write this I am sitting in a hotel room in Ogunquit, Maine. This hotel is supposed to have free wireless, and it is free, on the rare occasions when one can get a signal. I suspect that they can get away with such poor service because, judging by what I’ve seen so far, I’m one of the youngest people staying here, and I’m definitely entering my geezer years. Most of the folks here are probably blissfully unaware of the internet and it’s many uses.
So, I don’t know when this will be posted. Maybe tomorrow (I’m writing on Friday Night). This means no Friday night music, since I can’t explore at youtube, and I couldn’t post if I had anything.
This also means that I’m pretty ignorant of what’s going on out there, except I do know that the right is exultant because Chicago is not getting the Olympics. American mystery: why is it okay for Republicans to trash talk people in the Reason Belt, but it’s a mortal sin for us folks to point out the deficiencies of the folks down there in the Stupid Belt?
Anyway, let me tell you about my day, which was actually very nice. We left Connecticut at around 9:00 AM and arrived at Portsmouth, NH about noon, after which we took our time, eating and drinking up the coast.
First stop, the Portsmouth Brewery (and pub) which is readily identifiable from its distinctive sign:
We had the Black Cat Stout, shown here next to a glass of water for comparison purposes:
How could I not like this place? If I lived in Portsmouth, this would definitely be the place of choice for a Drinking Liberally Chapter. Check out the wall:
Yes, that’s Barack there on the left. It was well nigh impossible to get a glare free shot. Not only is the place politically correct, but someone there is into bicycles, an avocation of mine. Where else can you buy fresh brewed beer and American made bicycle socks?
Next on to a chocolate shop for some chocolate covered anything, where we also bought, believe it or not, 10 dark chocolate donkeys, to be sold at an upcoming local Democratic fundraiser.
While we were waiting for the donkeys to be manufactured we visited the former home of one William Whipple, one of the more obscure signers of the Declaration of Independence. It’s one of the few remaining wooden structures in the center of Portsmouth, wood construction having been banned by an intrusive government after two devastating fires. This house survived both fires, along with the horse chestnut tree planted by Whipple from a chestnut he brought home from Philadelphia. I am now the proud owner of a chestnut from this venerable old tree, and I’m contemplating planting it somewhere in my yard. The house has a magnificent view of the water, but it was designed to have the grander views facing back, toward the garden, because when it was built the water was just a place to work and, in any event, the view was blocked by a warehouse belonging to Whipple and his successors. Here’s the house, with the massive, beautiful chestnut tree on the right.
Once we picked up our donkeys we headed north for Ogunquit, stopping only at the Pie in the Sky Bakery to get-what else-pie (and a cookie).
Here’s the view from the balcony off our room.
It was extra low tide when we got there. We took a walk on a huge sandbar, and lo and behold, a message did appear on the sand:
This was not my doing. Yes, I am relentlessly political, but it wasn’t me. I’m not accusing anyone, but my spouse was the only other person around.
It is my understanding that tomorrow is going to be just peachy. According to the last weather report, there may be a thunderstorm in the morning, but things will then settle down to an incessant, drenching rain. If this prediction pans out, it will significantly limit the photographic opportunities, perhaps to the relief of readers of this blog. On the other hand, if it does rain all day, we’ll probably take the opportunity to find a coffee house or something that has actual internet service, where I can inflict this post on the internet.
Pre-post update: It is now Saturday, and it is indeed raining incessantly. We are in the hotel’s dining room, where we can indeed get a signal.
Post Post Update: I guess I put my foot in my proverbial mouth, at least according to one commenter, regarding William Whipple, signer of the Declaration of Independence, etc. I continue to be amazed at the internet. I’m sure the Mr. Whipple who commented has never read this blog before, but no doubt through the power of Google was made instantly aware of my mention of the historical Whipple, who assume is his ancestor. Anyway, I appreciate the information in the comment.
