I’m still trying to get use to calling the place we’re staying a camp, even though in my mind it is a Maine cabin. When Jean first told me she used to go to her Maine camp with her family, I thought they owned a campground. That wasn’t the case, it was a cabin in the woods that they called a camp. Our first three nights here in Maine will be spent at Jean’s brother’s camp on Sebec Lake which is about 35 miles north of Bangor. The picture above is from the road leading to our cabin, camp or whatever you want to call it.
When we first drove up and got out of the car we were immediately struck by the smell of the fresh Maine woods. I’m not sure exactly what the smell is, but it is somewhat like sandalwood and a mix of cedar with just a hint of sweetness. That’s interesting because sandalwood doesn’t grow around here, it’s from the Middle East, none the less, it sure smells like it.
It is strikingly quiet here in the Maine woods. You don’t hear the sounds of civilization such as cars, planes, mowers, blowers and the constant hum of activity associated with everyday life. It is so quiet when we were standing on the dock here that stretches out onto Sebec Lake, for a moment we heard a rustling in the air we didn’t recognize. It was the sound of the flapping of ducks wings as they cut through the crisp 47 degree evening air.
I missed this next sound because I went to get the camera back up at the camp, but Jean got to see a flock of ducks taking off and watched as they skimmed thought the water and took flight. As ducks reach flying speed their wings tips come in contact with the surface of the water as they flap. In the still air, Jean could hear the sound of wing tips dipping in and out of the chilly water. These are not the normal sounds of a busy world.
We also don’t have a TV, internet access (I’m writing this post on my Mac in TextEdit) or cell service and it gets dark here around 6:30 in the evening. So what do you do with yourself in the evening? You read for a couple of hours and go to bed at 8:30. Consequently after seven and a half hours of sleep guess what, it’s only 4:00 am and you are wide awake. So, I’m writing this post around 4:30 in the morning with a hot cup of tea enjoying the flickering flames of the gas stove across the room. I can’t think of a better way to relax, can you?
Tags: Maine