The Maine Life

Maine is 500% more amazing that I originally pictured it, and for the record: I thought it would be pretty awesome to begin with. I came in with an open mind, expecting lush greenery and crisp New England air, but I was still not prepared for the majestic glory of the Maine coast. My first morning I woke up early to some slightly cloudy skies, but I laced up my Saucony's regardless and headed outside to brave the great outdoors for a run. My family got back to our house (or rather "Gould Manor" as Lara has humbly titled it) late last night after the airport and dinner, so I didn't get the full effect of the MILE LONG ENCHANTED FOREST OF A DRIVEWAY I should have prepared myself for.

I was half-expecting dancing trees and singing squirrels

But that wasn't all. After braving the countless vertical hills my newly-discovered national park driveway had to offer, I headed around to the back of my house to stretch, and was hit with an ocean view. Right outside my house. When did that get there???? It must have floated over when I was sleeping, naturally. No other explanation for it.

Words actually fail me. This is new.

After my four-mile run (let it be known I stayed on my driveway for the entire 40-minute trip), my father decided we all needed our first "real" Maine lunch. So here it is, my first real Maine meal. It was absolutely, mouthwateringly unreal. We ordered three lobster rolls (my brother, Kenny, doesn't eat fish so he got chicken), fried clams, buffalo shrimp, and fresh mussels. There were no leftovers, or should I say aquatic survivors, of that meal.

The lobster roll buns were toasted to buttery perfection atop a bed of crispy lettuce

Best fried oysters I've ever had in my life, hands down

Right before I stuffed my face, had to capture the moment

After lunch we were all pretty full and very satisfied, so we headed over to the local lighthouse to get a glimpse of some Maine history. We walked around to burn some calories, and headed up to the top of the lighthouse to get the full experience (the top of the lighthouse was truthfully the only place I got cellphone service, so I stayed up a bit longer than the others).

Kenny and I at the top of the lighthouse. Photo courtesy of Mama Gould

I can see plenty more lobster rolls in my future. I think my Dad is making sure we try a variety so we can decide which we like best...plus we're a great excuse for him to eat them every single day, because we got them again today (this is not me complaining, I have died and gone to shellfish heaven). Kenny, not liking fish, ran across the street and ended up getting a very attractive looking gluten-free vegetable pizza--which of course I also had to take a picture of.

Mom and I split a lobster roll this time. Verdict is: Lobster rolls better this time, clams better yesterday; but still delicious!

Such a diverse pie, I've never seen sprouts on a pizza before??

-KIM