On a Clear Day You can See Mount Washington

I went for my first real hike(s) of the season during the weekend we just had. I did not check the weather ahead of time (we were on our way to Maine after all). I packed for myself and my husband in the usual way: sweatshirts, jeans, flannels, sweaters. I threw in a few T shirts and tank tops just for the hell of it.

We left Saturday after lunch as my brother had to work and I had a photo gig (work too, I guess). I also needed to water the flowers and feed the rosebushes.

The day was clear and bright (and only in the high 50s). We split up the driving and got to our place around 5:30. The boys set to work loading up the HUGE dumpster we ordered. The dumpster was for all of the sheetrock scraps, vinyl siding scraps, and just trash the contractors left behind because we did not want to pay them to remove it.

I unloaded the car and cracked open a bottle of Sam Adams White. I decided to hike up to the firetower to watch the sun set. Thus, the first hike of the season. Me & Sam headed up the steep dirt hill. 5 minutes in the view turns into a 360 degree extravaganza. In the distance there is a farm with a single silo. The fields are green and lush. I'm catching the tail end of Maine's 5th season--MUD SEASON. So I have to be careful where I step.

The hike was 40 minutes round trip and I pause at the wrecked firetower (a shame, I know as it came from PA back in the day and was never 'saved'). I pick a flower that I've never seen before and I found a black rock with a white stripe down the middle. I keep the rock and remind myself to ID the flower as soon as I can.

The view was amazing, and the wind was as calm as I've seen it in years (it's always windy up there). I could not hear a sound. No animals, no wind, no birds. Just me and my view clutching Sam breathing it all in.

I headed back down to the house (okay, 'camp' as there is no running water). I decided to start dinner and start setting up everything. I scooped out my BBQ pulled pork for my sandwich and a glob of mac -n- cheese. Then I used the free energy of the sun (our solar battery system) and heated my dinner. It was quick, easy, and felt just like a picnic ate on paper plates.

The boys finished loading the dumpster with the help of the tractor's bucket loader and came in after it had been dark out for a while. I don't remember what I did the rest of the night, but I think I watched Pearl Harbor (specifically for Josh Harnett (sp?)and not Ben Aflec mind you).

The next day dawned clear and bright. By the time I had my Peet's coffee (brought the beans up) in hand and settled in front of the TV (they were talking about gas prices again) I realized it was going to be a warm day--we're talking in the 70s! *gasp*

I sprayed on my sunscreen and asked my brother to come along on my 2nd hike. I showed him a trail he had never been on before.

When we got back I made myself lunch (selfish, I know) and hung out. The boys were doing various things (fixing the dirt road). I heard voices, dirt bike roaring, and wheels spinning (a Jeep) and walked out on the top steps. There were a bunch of neighbors from way down the mountain. Not only do they have the thick Maine accent, but they are self proclaimed REDNECKS (the Redneck clothing company T shirts). They all live in a trailer together with 25 cars on the front lawn. And a Caddy lifted around 3 feet that they use on the mountain. Their kid has his own mini dirtbike (awww).

They were nice and decided to be nice to us despite the MA plates because they said: "They can't be half bad, they drive a Jeep" *sigh of relief*

Me: "Yep, that's my daily driver"

Them: "Have you ever taken it up to the firetowahh?"

Me: "Yes" Them: nods of approval all around.

Me: "Yep, the last time I had it up I was on my way to Walmart (more nods of approval) and I came back with mud all up the windshield (more smiles all around)...my husband was pissed to find out it was me that trashed the road and his hard work." Them: laughter all around

Them: "How much you want for that Blazaah?" (We look to our 1 non-running vechicle bought off a friend for $1000 where the tires are worth more than the car).

My husband: "We'll take anything less than $1000 as that's what we bought it for, it's not even registered"

Them: "It don't have to be up heahhh."

Them: "On a clear day you can see Mount Washington"

Me: "Oh, I was on a hike up the road there last night to see the sunset"

Them: "Have you evahh climbed the firetowahh?"

Me: "Yes, but not last night, as I only had 1 beer"

It was a nice quick visit up to our place, and the weekend ended with dinner at Governor's in Waterville. I (of course) had a lobster roll and fudge to go.

And also, the trailer-dwellers said they would keep an eye on our place once they determined we were cool. It only took 5 years to gain that level of acceptance. They realized we were not going to keep them from hunting and enjoying our land. After all they groom the snowmobile trails and we fix the road (which they know damn well). Like any relationship it's give and take. And plus, now I know that wayyy in the distance, on a clear day...I can see Mount Washington.