"To brag as lustily as chanticleer in the morning..."

We leave for the wild, wild west tomorrow: Burlington, Vermont. We have greatly enjoyed our time in Maine. Despite being a little nervous about whether or not we made the right decision staying at Chanticleer when we first saw the North Yarmouth area, we have discovered that this area is perfect for our summer adventures. Chanticleer Farm, our summer house in North Yarmouth, Maine, was an ideal spot to explore the surrounding area. We were able to go on adventures to Portland, Freeport, Sebago Lake, Kennebunkport, Cape Elizabeth, waterfalls in the mountains, Peaks Island, tons of hikes,-- all less than an hour and a half away. The surrounding area is filled with rolling hills, wild flowers, and farms, and the house itself is beautiful with gorgeous grounds. I have included some sunset pics in this post just so that I can remember what a truly lovely spot Chanticleer is.

Now, on to things we have learned in Maine:
* Maine has a zillion parks and playgrounds almost all with amazing views of the water, lakes, rivers, or forests.
* Maine has a lot of sweet racks--on top of cars that is--and we totally have rack envy. Hopefully once the kids are older and we can all go kayaking together we can get some nice racks too.
* Maine has a billion lobster shacks, almost all with amazing views, and lots of fried food.
* Maine has some of the most beautiful public libraries I have ever seen. Everyone I saw was housed in some sort of perfect New England farmhouse.
* You shouldn't eat more than four fried haddock sandwiches in two days.
* Some whoopie pies taste better cold.
* Blueberry soda is really good.
* Blueberry pie tastes best with nutmeg and cinnamon added to it.
* Maine has incredible Internet speeds even in the rural areas of the state.
* People in Maine are friendly, despite what some people said before we came.
* Berries taste better when they are wild and you get to pick them yourself.
* Whole Foods lived up to the hype.
* We were a little taken aback by the unabashed fawning over anything Boston (Red Sox, Celtics, etc.). What is this, the Massachusetts Bay Colony??
* Stinky smells can really burn your eyes and skunks live up to their reputations.
* Despite my initial reservations, Yarmouth Clam Festival is not to be missed. "Always the third Friday in July."
* Last, but not least, our real takeaway thus far has been this: Real wealth is beauty and the time to enjoy it with family and friends.

I have to admit I got a little teary-eyed as I said goodbye to my favorite restaurant in Maine-- Fajita Grill. I will deeply miss their cheese enchiladas and their quick and efficient service. Tios-- you will be missed!

Perhaps after our four hour drive to Vermont we will have some more reflections and insights in which to share, but goodbye for now and we are off to our next adventure!