This place and this time together was so good, I want it there (here) when I look back.
The wedding was awesome; everything went smoothly. And that was the thing for me, being the one getting married, I worried about that. I felt responsible for that. I was responsible for that. And it did. It went well. We had a keg of Gritty's Halloween in the garage (thanks Jess and Brian) - my brother and his family were home from MT and around for everything I needed - my sister and her family were there too - Al was with me from Friday night on. She and I had the best night on Friday. I had Jim's Grampa's camper down by the river, in my parents backyard (my own little pad) and on Friday night she and I slept down there together and talked and giggled like I can't remember when. Laughing with her in the dark, a little bit lit, a few nights before my wedding day, is something I will always remember and be thankful for. Decorating the lodge was good. Again, feeling responsible for the whole place looking the way I envisioned was stressful, but damn, it looked so cool in the end. And then the rehearsal at the house - God, I love Nick. He was the perfect man to marry us. Then to dinner (and I love them too -- to Jess and Brian's restaurant for dinner with all my family and best friends - seeing locals I love, feeling really good). The morning of the wedding day I hiked White Cap alone, with Luna and Mia (my sister's dog) and took some time for myself on the summit to think about my life, my past, my present, my future. That was a good hike. Jim and crew brought up the arbor he built for me and fixed it in the ground down by the river. It still stands there now, my parents like it so much. And then it got HUGE. Can't even write about that one right now. From the ceremony to many many many photographs. Then to the reception where everyone wants to see you. And I wanted to see them -- but I wanted to eat too -- that did not happen. We danced and drank and had a good time. By the time our first dance was over, I felt ready to really let go. And I did and so did Jim. One of my best memories -- and there were so many ("Paradise by the Dashboard Light" among them) was the last song, slow dancing and singing our heads off to John Prine's "In Spite of Ourselves". If you know the words, you might think it odd. But if you know the words and know Jim and I as a couple, it's not odd at all. I LOVED that moment.
We went back to my parents where Jim's buddies from college already had the bonfire raging. My dad stole the show - all efficiency - grilling burgers and dogs. I was at the fire and people brought me food, so I was not witness to his mastery. But Ian and others said he was head down, grilling like a madman, stating, "Cheeseburger. Burger. Hot dog" as they became ready. That food saved me. And probably a few others. We stayed in the camper down by the river and others camped down there too. In the morning we went out to breakfast with Jim's college friends and then headed to Farmington to pack for our honeymoon. We were headed North by 3pm. We got the to place, and I was in heaven. I was so looking forward to not making a decision at all, aside from where to hike, bike or paddle.
The place is mint. No electricity, little wood stove in each cabin, all food provided. We were some of the only people there. The first night we shared dinner with one other (older) couple and then from then on, we had all meals just the two of us and the caretakers who would sit and talk with us. This is a shot of one of the cabins. The Roach river is behind me and First, Second and Third Roach ponds feed into the Roach River.
This is what Jim did as soon as we got there. Collapsed. I could relate. We rested until dinner and then went down to the main lodge and ate roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, fresh, hot rolls and apple crisp with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Off the hook and just what we needed - comfort food to line our abused stomachs. We got back to the cabin and were asleep within an hour.
The next day we hiked Big Spencer - that is Katahdin from the summit of Big Spencer.
This is Big Spencer as we drove away from the trailhead.
The sun felt so good. Back from the hike, we went down to the pond with a few beers and ciders and just basked in the sun and the feeling of no responsibilities.
The next day we hiked a mountain I have wanted to hike since seeing a sunset photo from its summit. White Cap on the Appalachian Trail (not my beloved Rumford White Cap).
From the summit of White Cap.
On the way down White Cap - that is Katahdin behind me.
The walk back to the vehicle - this road was so pretty with the fall colors.
An afternoon walk in the woods to the pond.
On the last morning we went for a morning canoe. Beautiful.
And then we were off - back to Farmington and jobs and our regular lives. On the way home, as I was riding along, my eye caught a moose hanging from a hook. Stop. Pull over. Turn around. We headed back to the tagging station and checked out what was getting tagged and who was tagging him. What an incredible, old building. What a setting. We talked with one of the hunters (his moose is below) and his dad. The hunter who was roping his moose was about 40+ and his dad was 75+. The dad told us that he had been coming up here since he was one and that he had always taken his sons with him once he was a dad. He was a sweet old timer and I was so thankful he was that man - the multi-generational Mainer that I love and that I am. Could have just as easily been someone from MA, NY or PA, but he wasn't. Perfect as the trip was, of course it wasn't. 
The view from the tagging station - looking out over the lake.
A perfect place to celebrate the beginning of our marriage. We are both thankful we chose Columbus Day weekend (no matter how I feel about the wretch) because now that weekend is sacred - one for celebrating our love and commitment.
No comments:
Post a Comment