So like most of our US excursions, we saddle up in the Toyota for the drive from Antigonish to Bangor. The trek was uneventful, with construction minimal and traffic flowing nicely. Lots of Quebec plates roaming about the maritimes, plus a wide variety of trailer and RV. Mrs Lumsden got a bit annoyed when CBC crapped out as we approached the Houlton Crossing, missing the last of the Candy Palmater show!
Smooth sailing at the border, then the clean 75 mile an hour drag strip into Bangor, Me. First stop was the LL Bean Outlet, where we picked up some much needed new clothes, and then a stop for groceries. Finally, we checked in at the Hampton Inn Bangor to relax, having the big gulp of travel that gets us into the US completed.
Early to rise and a quick exit from Bangor. First stop of the day found itself in Augusta, where we pulled off the highway and snuck into the Augusta Nature Education Centre Trails and had a great morning walk. Probably an hour or so of walking on some pretty novice trail. Temperature was cool beneath the canopy of trees and an excellent reprieve from the highway. While in Augusta, we also took a peek at the State House, architecturally a step above most other buildings. It was under renovation, but we managed pics and a nice walk in the huge adjacent park.
Then back on the road to the I-295 towards our second visit, in Brunswick, Me. I guess, if you’ve rumbled through my travels in the US, you’d know I’ve had a long standing fascination with the American Civil War. Even this far north I found a related site to take in, that being the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum in Brunswick, home to one of the North’s most famous of commanders. We were treated to a tour of the home, through all available rooms, and an articulate discussion about Chamberlain’s family, formative years, military exploits, terms as Governor and connection with Bowdoin College. The home has a variety of artefacts, including military paraphernalia from battles of Gettysburg and Petersburg, that were excellent speaking points for our guide. Even snuck out to view the bronze statue and gravesite of Chamberlain. Loved the stop!
Post visit Janie spotted a riverside picnic area on the Androscoggin River so we “ducked” in for a great midday mug up. Kayaks and canoes were being used on the tiny slip giving easy water access. Actually ended up getting chased out just before finishing our snacks by a flock of feathered friends. Then we continued south on a very busy I-95, eventually deciding to try a more rural route crossing in Southern Maine at Biddeford, making our way to our destination, Concord, NH. It was a little more relaxed, although perhaps a bit longer drive.
After check in at the Concord/Bow Hampton and a late day kink, we set out for a quick walk across town at a trail near a Nature Center. The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests Trails run adjacent to the Merrimack River. Quick trek through, as the gates lock at 8:00 PM, but we got a nice look back at Concord from the river banks lined with sand dunes and the free flowing river. Along the way back through Concord we took the opportunity to stop and stock up on picnic and evening supplies at the Hannafords Grocery Store (also snuck in a LL Bean visit). Then relaxed, enjoying a glass of wine and all the comforts!