Squam

(the view from our window - Penobscot Bay - Belfast, Maine)

It seems so long ago that I sent in my registration for Squam and then kept my fingers crossed that I would actually get in.  And now, the time is here and I'm excited and nervous and worried, all at the same time.  Getting ready to leave the farm for more than a few days is such a complicated procedure.  Usually, by the time I'm in the car, heading down the farm lane, I've decided that it's just not worth it and I'm never doing it again.  Once I'm away, I usually don't worry - until I start home and then it all comes back to me.  This time we have an actual farm sitter with animal experience, so I'm trying to just relax into this little space of rare vacation time.

I've been reading about Squam on lots of different blogs for several years now and it would seem to be a magical place.  I can't wait to experience it.  I won't know another soul when I get there on Wednesday, which makes me a little anxious and is forcing me out of my comfort zone.  Though I'm likely to be one of the oldest Squamies (as they refer to themselves), I'm ready for the adventure. 

In the meantime, Mike and I have taken a few days to explore the coast of Maine.  Today we made the obligatory pilgrimage to the L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport.  I was here many years ago and it has sure expanded a lot in that amount of time.  Tomorrow we'll go to Camden to see the harbor there and I'm going to check out a new yarn store, "The Cashmere Goat".  Very unusual name!  Mainly, we're here to relax, see a bit of the coast and have as many lobster rolls as we can stand to eat.  While I'm at Squam, Mike and a friend will be hiking a small part of the Appalachia Trail.

I'm going to try posting some pictures in the next few days, but am unsure about internet status after I get to Squam.  If that plan fails, I'll move on to Plan B and post when I get back to the farm. At any rate, more to come!