On the move by 8:00 AM for the trek to Maine. Great run across New Brunswick, which was sporting a nice array of fall colors. It's pretty clear sailing here on the divided highway and we found ourselves at the border in jig time! However, once at the Houlton crossing we got stopped for about a half hour wait. Lots of shoppers headed for Bangor on the holiday weekend. Once through, we bolted down the I-95 for Bangor... a legal 75 MPH all the way!!!

Janie located a Hannafords in Bangor close to the highway and we went on a grocery shopping spree. Picked up some essentials, as well as wine and beer, and then a quick stop for sandwiches and fuel before the last part of our travel to the Porter abode. Having gotten off the I-95 outside of Bangor, we enjoyed the huge hardwoods in full color overhanging the rural routes as we tick-tacked across to our destination. Pretty little villages and towns set in autumn colors and the rolling hills of Maine.

We rolled in to chez Porter-Sala at about 2:00 PM. It was great to see all hands again, and the act of "catching up" began right away. I think the five plus years hadn't changed the adults much, but the youngsters had grown substantially. We had arrived mid-lunch so everyone snacked on cheese, veggies and meats.

After a few hellos and re-introductions everyone eased into what would be a very relaxing weekend. While the kids settled in to explore the Porter compound the adults rallied to get some essentials in place. Stephenie began to assemble the kitchen... nearly killed Peter as she laid out a huge homemade apple pie!!! As for the lads, we headed for Camden, Me. with a shopping list and raided the local grocery chain foraging for evening fare. Great to see part of Camden again... hadn't been there for at least 20 years. We returned with all the necessary (and some unecessary) supplies for BBQ'd burgers/dogs for supper. I had eyed those nasty pink hot dogs we see across the border because I thought it might be funny, but even I couldn't bring them home!

I believe we returned home finding the ladies had managed a headstart in regards to evening refreshment. Then it was BBQ by headlamp, samples of local hops (we had purchased variety packs of Sam Adams and Blue Moon) and all hands at the table for a hearty supper.

As the conversation continued supper changed to late evening, late evening to the wee hours. Conversation ranged from politics to Mt A days, names past to names present, from "Checking on the Kids" to "We the... People!!! All hands crashed near midnight expecting clear skies and good weather in the morning. We slept in the guest house over the garage next to the house... perfect digs for a great sleep. We did, however, marvel at Conal's choice of "bedding" out on the screened in porch. Those lads from up north are "robust" I guess, with temperatures dipping to single digits Celsius.