Day in Camden

So today the four remaining members of my family (usually we're 6 but my oldest brother and Lara are both off on their own adventures) decided we would celebrate Father's Day early. It's normally June 16th for those of you who needed a good reminding, but I'll be in London already and Kenny will be off to be head counselor at a summer camp. Therefore, we left the day's activities up to my father and he decided he wanted to show us around Camden, an absolutely adorable city in Maine.

We made several stops before we actually arrived in Camden: the first being a massive lawn on the side of the road filled with recycled iron sculptures (no pictures, oops), and the second was an alpaca farm. I I went to Peru several years ago so I know the delightful faces and soft fur quite well, but nothing prepares you for seeing a farm filled with galloping--or clumsily flailing--alpacas in the middle of a small New England town.

A glorious face, hidden by 7000 volts of electric fence

This curious fellow was only 6 days old! He boldly walked right up and sniffed my shoe

Chilling in alpaca heaven, just shear me and call me one of the gang

We finally made our way into town and stopped for lunch at a small inn right on the water. I'd have taken pictures to upload, but there are only so many lobster roll/fried clam pictures I can upload within a two-day period without feeling just a little bit shameful. After lunch, we hit the town for some shopping, and found all sorts of stores filled with home goods, Maine memorabilia, and treats.

"When all else fails, eat lobster" <-- and to this I say: "yes."

It was Dad's personal choice that we make an appearance at the local antique car show down the street, so we headed over and I found the best surprise of the day. It actually made my week. For those who don't know me well I have a bit of an obsession, no, make that a HUGE obsession, with corgis. Yes, the long, squat dogs with large ears. I find a kinship with them being as I am not so high off the group myself, and I made a wonderful friend today in Champ.

HE IS SO LUSCIOUS. Who needs a man when I can have a corgi? Well, and wine, but that's to come....

After my corgi experience I was floating on Cloud 9, so the rest of the day was left up to whatever anyone else wanted it to be (NOTICE: If anyone wants to buy me a corgi for my birthday, Chanukah,  unbirthday, or whatever made-up holiday will be a good excuse for this extremely generous gift, I will be forever indebted to you). Kenny decided he wanted to have tea at this point, so we walked across the street to "Root," a local coffee shop. Kenny ordered Green tea, Dad got hot chocolate, Mom went with coffee, and I opted for a mellow Earl Grey tea.

They used actual tea leaves, not just some lame tea bag, to seep in the water for the tea. I felt so hipster with my tea leaves and newspaper.

The day only got better from there; we finished our walk around the town and then hopped in the car to drive over to a beautiful and scenic winery for some complimentary wine tasting. We took a quick look outside at the view, and then snagged some stools at the bar to each choose 4 wines for tasting. Red wine somewhat repulses me, so I stuck to the white wine, and I was not disappointed. #Celebritystatus.

Amen to this. I considered buying one, but then figured a picture is just as effective

Gorgeous view from the winery, felt like I was in France

My sweet white zinfandel, chilled and perfect!

"Cheers"ing with Mama Gould to an amazing afternoon

The day finally ended at a pub of Dad's choice in Demariscotta, another picturesque town in Maine, where I made the most delicious choice of dinner. I wasn't too hungry, but I also wanted some protein, so I chose a salad with Romaine lettuce, strawberries, goat cheese, toasted almonds, avocado, and grilled salmon. Absolutely out of this world and a complete finish to an awesome "father's day".

The salmon is actually flipped upside down in this picture, I promise it looks more appealing from the other side

-KIM