Maine Line

So I am in my bed in my bunk at Camp Winaukee in the summer of 1971 when Ronald Clayton Spangler (heretofore referred to as “Spike”) rouses me out, to take me on what he would call the “Adventure of Maine”. Along with his lady companion (L.C.) we hopped into his car and began a trek toward that great state (to the East).

I had no clue (insert usual joke here) exactly where we were headed????? Only Spike and his L.C. knew or at least had a clue where that might be. It just so happens that once we got near the place where we would eventually stop that the sky started to get gray (and it turned cold) with the appearance of what one might call a “typical blustery Maine day”. Of course the fact that there was a “mist” or “spittle of rain” in the air along with the winds added further to the scene.

Stepping out of the car on a small plot of land that had a sign signifying “Lands End” in this type of weather only further cemented the picture of this day and time in my mind. Truly this was like every day in Maine? Or at least how you would want it on the first day you step on Maine soil.

Spike realized the importance of the moment, the day, and the time, right then. He then put forth this important charge: We must rent a boat and get out in the water as if we were true Maine fishermen or lobstermen.

Unable to call “bullshit” on that notion I succumbed to the charge and we rent a small boat. Not long after cast off did the weather turn really nasty (I would claim a Nor’easter hit us, but, that is only because I was chicken). The “mist” turned to rain and the waters began to swell, the waves got bigger with each bluster of the wind and I patiently (scared to death) waited for Spike’s command to return to land.

Spike relented at some time and we guided our small vessel back to land. We stepped upon the shore shivering and wet. Certainly this was what it was like every day in Maine? And we had experienced it firsthand. Lucky us! Scared Us!

To celebrate Spike, L. C., and I enjoyed a meal at Cook's Lobster House right there on Bailey Island. Perfecto! Glorious!
Viva Maine
Viva Spike
Viva L. C.
Peace Upon You