I’m still in Maine, but when I leave here on Tuesday it will feel like the beginning of my trip home, even if I’ll be heading west rather than south. A stop in NH, and then on to PA to be with family. Eventually I’ll have to head south. I’m procrastinating, wishing to see fall in all it’s glory before I’m back in the land of palmetto bugs and palm trees.
So how was camping? How did this 100% novice like her first camping adventure? A lot actually. I’ve lived in the camper for a total of 11 weeks over the summer, and it felt like home. I loved it. Slept like a baby, fell asleep on the couch watching Netflix on the computer a couple of times when it was raining. But mostly I went out to see as much of the not-Florida scenery as I could. It didn’t seem like the other campers did much but sit outside, so I guess I was an oddball being inside a lot, but on the computer dealing with photos. Which is how I spend most of my time at home also.
I didn’t know what to expect from a campground, but with three under my belt I find that they have a lot in common. The first was The Pastures in Orford, NH. I probably had the most fun there, but I had family there and got to talk with a lot of people. They have a pool and playground for kids, plus a great covered pavilion where they hosted breakfasts, pot luck dinners, and Friday night was movie night, complete with popcorn. It’s on the Connecticut river, so kayak and canoe rentals were available. Newly upgraded bath facilities. It’s a great place and the best bargain.
The second campground was Shore Hills, in Boothbay, Maine. No playgrounds or pool, but each campsite was wooded with a lot of privacy. I was almost surprised to realize how steep the climb back to the campsite was after meandering down to the river to take sunset pictures. There were lots of options to go out and take pictures, from the Coastal Botanical Gardens to Acadia National Park. And when you get hungry the lobster roll from Red’s Eats in Wiscasset was to die for. So good, but be prepared to wait in line. Found some very nice people there also.
Which brings me to Wild Duck Campground in Scarborough, ME. I took pictures of the wild ducks of Wild Duck Campground today. They look pretty tame in the feature photo, all the ducks in a row. But they all got pretty riled up a little while later. Plus an egret catching his dinner. This campground is adjacent to Scarborough Marsh, so egrets are plentiful. The Audubon center is just down the road. As is Old Orchard Beach, Portland, and Portsmouth, with lighthouses galore. It seemed like every time I looked up a place to go it was 12 miles away. Right next door from my point of view. What a great spot for a photographer to spend a couple of weeks.
When I do head for home I can follow my trail of breadcrumbs, in the form of lost bath scrunches, face wash soap, underwear (I swear I don’t know where they go), and lost glasses. I briefly lost my phone, found my phone, and broke my phone. Next year I’ll bring half as much stuff and hopefully keep myself better organized. And there will be another snowbird adventure next year, but where will I go? I’ll have a lot of time to plan…
Did I forget to mention Scout? He’s a full time RVer. His young mom and dad work online and have their itinerary set through March, traveling in an Airstream trailer. I’m told they love it. Scout sure seems like a happy camper…
A Snowbird's Life Through the Lens 