Bowdoinham
I guess this is a somewhat useless entry, because I can't think of any compelling reason to drop in on Bowdoinham, but friends here reel me back to Maine and the lifestyle of this spot is what I aspire to. There are no historic spots and the local population is not even 3,000, but this community at the mouth of the Cathance River where it empties into Merrymeeting Bay is, as Maine asserts, "the way life should be."
Stayed at my buddy Ed's farm last weekend and relished the visit. It is a small farm, but Ed also welds, builds custom kayaks and provides helicopter services --- a true rugged individualist. During my brief stay I helped Ed tend to his bee hives and finish installing his fall crop of cilantro, an ingredient in the spicy Peruvian pepper pate he markets (and which I've been addicted to for years).
The morning before I had to depart to
The only real attractions of Bowdoinham would be if something is going down at the Cathance Landing, where there is an exquisite gazebo along the river and they have occasional events featuring some great local musicians. The town’s only eatery is the Town Landing, at the same landing if you had to guess, and I can’t recommend it as a fine dining experience. But I can’t diss it either - you can park there for some basic chow and get drawn into vibrant conversation with the locals. Sunday night Ed, Kathleen and I rendezvoused at a pub in nearby Hallowell with some friends. Kerry recently had his book published (“Notes on a Lost Flute”, Kerry Hardy --> it is an awesome compilation of New England when the Wabanaki Indians were the chief occupants, available on Amazon!) and this was his last night in
Enough said. Just wanted to share a spot in
The reason I needed to head to Maine was because I’m the treasurer for Friends of Merrymeeting Bay and we have recently assembled enough funds to hire a person part-time in pursuit of our Healthy Rivers, Healthy Gulf initiative - there are between 650-900 dams in Maine which prevent diadromous fish (water critters which live in salt water but spawn in fresh water) from reproducing. Monday we went up in Ed’s helicopter for several hours to trace two rivers and document the plethora of dams. So while I’m on a spam bender I will also solicit you get in touch if you are interested in donating to this worthy cause (we don’t necessarily want to remove the dams, just insure effective fish passage).
Though tinged with sadness at how much has been lost, there is a refreshing sense of joy in Kerry's talent for making connections and unraveling the past. The book is well laid out, featuring Kerry's illustrations and I have no doubt that anyone who has already been to Maine will be attracted by the familiarity. I was fascinated by new insights into plants, animals and places I have long cherished.
Not an interesting book if you have no predisposition, but if there is a trace of Maine in your soul this splendid volume will bring a smile to the face of veterans and fire the imagination of those desiring to venture to this beautiful destination. Available on Amazon.com!
