Hiking and resting a lot now

We have discovered the most wonderful thing about these children--they have
incredible stamina.  Also have realized they need better shoes. From our
camp, there are some really incredible hiking trails within shouting
distance (if you shout like Jerry).

The first hike we took was to a place called Step Falls.  The rocks at the
bottom of the mountain allow the stream to fall into a serious of pools all
the way to the top third of the canyon.  This last part is the most
impressive as it is one solid piece of rock that has been weathered by the
water into a serious of pools (hence the name Step).  The folks in Maine are
not sissies when it comes to hiking.  There are few switchbacks in the trail
so it is up and up and then straight up the face of rock cliffs.  Rose and
Chris kept saying how awesome it all was.  Trust me, they are children and
don't say things just to please.  If they hated it they would just sit down
and say "no more" like any other child.  They pressed on until the top and
still had stuff left to go some more.

Another day and another hike to a place set-up for field trips for school
children.  There were interpretive signs along the trail describing the
flora and fauna ('sept there wasn't any of that fauna stuff).  Jerry and I
both commented when we pulled ourselves up the last rock ledge to our
resting spot, that we wouldn't want to be responsible for a class of
10-year-olds on this trail.  The view was spectacular.  This trail ended up
being close to a six-mile loop.  Again Rose and Chris were simply amazing.
They oohed and ahhed with the best of us.  In the distance from the last
view area we supposedly could even see our campground.

By adding the hope of seeing a moose in the mix, we are all gung-ho to get
out in the woods.  One thing lacking with Rose and Chris is quiet.  They
both talk non-stop and when they finally run out of things to say, they
start making noises.  Lots of different animal noises.  Since we did hear a
wolf howl one night here, that is now their favorite animal sound to make.

We are close to the beach AND within driving distance of Tom's of Maine
Toothpaste factory, so we left the woods for a day.  The funnest thing about
the factory was putting the first mark on their map for Salem, Oregon and
using crayons on their wall.  Of course, we got gobs of samples of
toothpaste and dental floss, but if you asked for a vote, the samples from
Hershey's wins hands-down.

Playing in the Atlantic Ocean was exciting.  They have huge clams that most
everyone was ignoring (but not our Rose and Chris).  We had to limit them to
only taking two clam shells (empty) when we left.

It was a startling thought to stand and look out at the Atlantic Ocean and
realize how far we came to see it.  We know we are extremely blessed to have
this adventure, and are so thankful to God for giving us this gift of travel
and time.

While traveling to the beach we came upon a real road sign.  The names of
the countries are actual names of the towns in this part of Maine.  Jerry
said that this is the same sign that was used in the TV program Northern
Exposure (which was filmed in Washington).

This camp is in North Central Maine in the Moosehead Lake region.  You would
think with a name like Mousehead our chances would be better of seeing one
of those fellas...so far no go.  Another camper that lives by the coast
(where we are heading tomorrow--Saturday) said they had a moose in their
driveway, so we haven't given up hope yet.

We are dry camping here, which is a first for us.  It really isn't a problem
doing without hook-ups since last year at this time we only had a tent.  Uhm
..that is, until morning latte time.  I brought a latte machine (I have
chosen my addiction wisely) but it needs electricity.  The only outlet is in
the day-use area, which is where we are this morning.  Breakfasting in the
park so Oma can have a latte.  No complaints from the crew.  They love being
outside.

Next stop: the coast.