As of Wednesday
by Rob and Kim

Our first two days here were cold and dark. On Monday morning it poured. Laying in bed listening to the rain on the roof is just as wonderful as laying there listening to the sound of the sea washing up on the rocks. None of this was a problem. We were very content to just hang out and read, watch the Olympics, and play games. On Tuesday morning, I even took advantage of the weather by lighting a fire and cooking our pancakes (corn pancakes) on the wood stove. It was fun. They were great. I'm such a great cook.

On Monday evening, we got an invitation to eat dinner at Paul and Donna's house. Paul is the pastor of Owls Head Baptist Church. At the time that they called to invite us, Paul also suggested that Nate and I join him for a kayaking trip around the islands in front of our cottage.

Although it had poured for hours on Tuesday morning, the weather began to clear and warm during the early afternoon. By 3:00, when we were ready to head out, the rain had stopped and the clouds were giving way to some sunshine.

We let in at the Owls Head landing and after some instructions and coaching from Paul, we headed down the coast towards Hendrickson Point and our cottage. When we arrived, the ladies were waiting for us on the rocks, where they took some pictures of us.

Abbie and I had a blast taking photos of the guys, of each other (she's currently into a Rocker pose phase as you can tell), the rocks, the sea, our feet..... I just love that girl! After the photo session, we headed straight across the channel to Sheep Island. This is the spot where we went with one of the neighbors last year. Peter took us there to hike the island and have a cook out. On this trip, we did not land on the island, but rather paddled around it. During our trip, we saw many different birds, including osprey and two bald eagles. We were able to find the eagles' nest on the other side, the ocean side, of the island. The ocean swells on that side were bigger than the channel side, and although Paul cautioned us about the increased potential for capsizing in such condtions, Nate and I managed well. I was particularly impressed with how calm and focused Nate remained through the whole affair. I was not worried about the possibility of capsizing, but I did worry that if Nate became fearful it might become difficult to manage our way out of the situtation and get back to the landing.

Earlier that day we went into Rockland to do one of the kid's favorite rainy day activities... go to Planet Toys... one of the best toy/game/book stores around. We were there well over an hour. Abbie is currently lying on the sofa reading the book she got. I'm planning on using my pink flower magnifying glass later at the beach! After a stop for some pizza, we were on to the next stops... Goodwill (they have a really good one here) and then to the market for some food stuffs. At that point Paul gave us a call to confirm the kyaking, something we had decided would be dependent on the weather conditions of course, so we needed to hurry back to the cottage. Abbie and I will be going back to the Goodwill store maybe later today (even though in the 15 min. we were in there, while Rob ran into the market, we were able to buy Abbie a $1.99 pair of perfect fitting capri jeans, a fabulously soft, gray fleece banket for $2.99, and of course a couple of books :] ).

When Paul dropped Nathan and me off at the cottage it was nearly six o'clock, a full hour later than we were expected to arrive at Paul and Donna's for dinner. Paul had called Donna during our paddle, so I knew that she was already aware that we were running late. Kim was not as well informed, and was a little concerned that we were so late. Nonetheless, we arrived at the Munroe's a short time later. After Nate soaked in their hot tube for awhile we sat down to a GREAT meal of chicken, salad, garden fresh green beans, corn on the cob, homemade multi-grain bread, and for dessert, homemade blueberry and pecan pie (with ice cream). We all had a great time!! I just love spending time with them. We talked and laughed for hours. They even have a dog, Toby, which Abbie loved on all night. She's going to be taking care of him next week while Paul and Donna are away. Hopefully we can fit in another visit before Sunday. We headed back here at nearly 11:00, at which time, Kim, Abbie and I took in some more of the Olympics (women's gymnastics), and then one by one we headed to bed.

This morning was the first morning of clear sunny skies. I'm grateful for the good weather, but it doesn't seem like today is any great contrast from the others here, so far. Again, every day is a good day in Maine.

It is a BEAUTIFUL day here today, and I think it's time to get ready to head down to the beach. There is more fun to be had, more treasures to be found and more memories to be made.