We’d been trying for years. Andrew had connected multiple times via phone / email to try and set up a road trip to see one of our favorites, James Taylor, stateside. Unfortunately, we had very little luck making it happen… family, travel, summer events, etc., etc., always seemed to be in the way. However, a May phone call, a perfect date and a big “Yes” got the ball rolling. Couples trip to Boston to see JT at Fenway! He purchased the tix and the rest fell into place.
Now I really need to confess upfront… I did next to no planning for this trip. Didn’t even have to drive. Andrew took the bulk of this work on, including tickets, accommodations and attractions. On the day of, all we really had to make sure is that we had passports and a credit card (I didn’t even really have enough clothes so we purchased some of that along the way). Pretty sweet! I’m thinking I could get used to this!
The first travel day saw us driving from Antigonish to Freeport, Me. We made several stops prior to landing at Andrew’s new place in Moncton. Firstly, I had an appointment at Mt Allison. A quick interview for an upcoming feature. Nice to be on campus and reflect on what is now a time over 30 years past. Secondly, Janie and I managed to connect with Chris Mackay for coffee and conversation at Mel’s Tearoom. An excellent opportunity to catch up! MtA was a tremendous place to go to school… I now value that opportunity, and the friendships that have lasted some 1/4 century onward, more than ever.
By mid-afternoon we pulled into Chez Graham to park our vehicle for the remainder of the trip. All hands loaded into one vehicle (Andrew, Lori, Janie & I) and we were off to the Houlton US border crossing. After a quick stop in Fredericton, where Andrew connected with his friend Joe Daley, we crossed into the US without difficulty. By the time we made the outskirts of Bangor we were looking for sustenance.
Lori searched up local foodie choices on her trusty iPhone App and we made our first stop of the trip at Blaze – Craft Beer and Wood Fired Flavors in the Old Downtown of Bangor. We settled in for an excellent sampling of beers and a variety of menu choices. Even parked for free around the corner! I had a burger that I had to cut it with fork and knife it was so huge! We shared samples with each other and enjoyed the banter and reprieve from the drive. Good call Lori!
Last leg of the journey ended in LL Bean land… Freeport, Maine. Andrew booked the Econo-Lodge for $100 bucks a night and it was clean and more than appropriate for the 10 hrs we spent in Freeport. Although most of the town had rolled up for the evening, we managed to make our way into the Broad Arrow Tavern at the Harraseeket Inn. Jeremy the bartender kept our drinks topped up and the space had that comfortable, down-east feel in decor and staff. Perfect way to end the evening! Cheers…