On the Bounding Maine

The birthday girl requested a trip to Maine for her birthday. Read more

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Trip start
September 5, 2019
On the Bounding Maine Bonnie Benedict
Terlingua
September 5, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Lunch! Guacamole and chips and tacos al pastor with fresh pineapple salsa. Yummy!
TravelerBoth tacos and guacamole look pretty danged tasty! Looks hand smashed!
9/5/19Reply
Bonnie BenedictIt was hand smashed. Good thing Brian and I split they’d have had to roll us out.
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TravelerIndeed! That shouldn’t be necessary til at least day 3!
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On the Bounding Maine Bonnie Benedict
Omni Mount Washington Resort
September 5, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
An elegant and historic grand hotel with incredible views. The first leg of “Spoil Bonnie rotten for her birthday,” starting with a complimentary room upgrade and a celebratory cocktail.

https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/bretton-woods…Read more
TravelerGlad Brian is with the program. Thumbs up!
9/5/19Reply
Bonnie BenedictHim a good boy!
9/6/19Reply
Awesome. Enjoy your birthday to the MAX.
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Love the room. LT
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On the Bounding Maine Bonnie Benedict
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Dinner in the Main Dining Room
September 5, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
An early dinner in the main dining room of the hotel. There’s a large wooden dance floor in the center. Food was less than memorable, but the views from the table were great.
The dining room looks like a movie set. LT
9/6/19Reply
The dining room looks like a movie set. LT
9/6/19Reply
Traveler Ooh, fall colors!
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On the Bounding Maine Bonnie Benedict
The Grand Hall
September 6, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
The Grand Hall of the hotel.
Beautiful!! Has Stephen King been there? Heh heh. LT
9/6/19Reply
Bonnie BenedictProbably. Maine is but a few hours away. Also reminded me of the hotel where The Shining took place.
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On the Bounding Maine Bonnie Benedict
Wheeeeeeeeeee! Canopy!
September 6, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
Breakfast in the grand dining room before heading to the Bretton Woods Adventure Center for a 3 hour canopy tour which included 9 zip lines, 3 suspension bridges and the opportunity to rappel down from a platform or tree.

Brian was a rockstar. I was with rappelling but need a remedial course in zip lines. I, however, fared better than my jacket. I’m soon to earn a Purple Heart for wounds incurred during this adventure.

The real feat was I went 3 hours without a bathroom break 😳Read more
And now you know why I took you to do the roller coasters with the boys. I got queasy just thinking of your adventure. About your jacket. What can I say? “RIP”
9/6/19Reply
Laurie 😊
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Bonnie BenedictI was like a weeble. Seemed to be the only one who couldn’t fly straight. Sigh! Brian said it was because of my tango and the disassociation it requires. I’ll take it!
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On the Bounding Maine Bonnie Benedict
Stickney's Restaurant
September 6, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
Another restaurant in the hotel with a killer view and delicious food. Now off to hike off our lunch.
TravelerThat burger DOES look good! But I’m concerned it is your 2nd day and you haven’t posted a single dessert!
9/6/19Reply
Bonnie BenedictStay tuned!
9/6/19Reply
That
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Hike by the River
September 6, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
Beautiful 3 mile hike on the grounds which followed the river and the golf course. Recommended by our waiter at lunch. The hotel has 52 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking or snow showing.

https://www.omnihotels.com/blog/omnis-top-hikin…Read more
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On the Bounding Maine Bonnie Benedict
To each his own...
September 6, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
After lunch, we took a 3 mile hike which followed the river. After returning I headed to the spa and enjoyed an hour and 40 minute hot stone massage which was pure bliss, while Brian lazed in the hot tub.

”
“This 1 hour and 40 minute massage combines the powerful earth elements of wood and stone. Your massage therapist will use a combination of Mu-Xing therapy and Hot Stone Massage to bring you to the highest level of relaxation and relief from stress and tension. Let the warmth encompass you as you enjoy this blissful treatment.”Read more
TravelerExtreme pampering!
9/6/19Reply
You really know how to do a Happy Birthday retreat!! LT
9/7/19Reply
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On the Bounding Maine Bonnie Benedict
Bretton Arms Inn Restaurant
September 6, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 12 °C
Cozy and intimate restaurant on the resort property. Best meal yet. Complete with an amuse bouche of breast with a palette cleansing berry sorbet and a chocolate pudding which was actually ganache on a graham cracker crust. To say we rolled out was an understatement.

They had a menu with wine pairings suggested. Also recommended was a Willamette Valley Winery Pinot Noir which was delicious.

Also, since it was my birthday dinner, they took a photo of the two of us, put it on a Bretton Arms Inn card which all the staff, including the chef, had signed. Nice touch!

“Lauded as one of the resort's most popular restaurants and one of the top rated in all of Omni Hotels & Resorts, the AAA Four Diamond Bretton Arms Dining Room serves breakfast and dinner seasonally. The dinner menu at the Arms uses the freshest and finest locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Our creatively prepared traditional cuisine is complemented by cutting-edge techniques, allowing the quality of the ingredients to come out. Choose from the award-winning wine list, including more than 40 selections available by the glass”Read more
TravelerMan, when I looked at that filet I actually smelled it.
9/6/19Reply
Bonnie BenedictIt was really tasty. Served with a romesco sauce. Mmmmm
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TravelerAnd finally, a dessert!
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Mount Washington Cog Railway
September 7, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
World’s first mountain climbing train. The original was a coal fueled steam train. The newer ones are bio-diesel. The coal fuel train only runs twice a day. Our train was bio-diesel. Trip took a total of three hours with an hour spent at the summit where we experienced “normal” weather conditions. 38 degrees with 20mph wind. The highest recorded wind speed was 231 mph.Read more
Traveler Yipester!!! How cold WAS it there?
9/7/19Reply
TravelerOoooooo... hardware! But where is the picture of the train? That’s ok, pictures of train tracks are hardware enough for me. Gordon
9/7/19Reply
We drove to the top. Our photo was taken at the same spot. It was FREEZING and the wind was so strong I couldn’t stand upright. Great museum.
9/8/19Reply
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On the Bounding Maine Bonnie Benedict
Hartstone Inn Happy Hour
September 7, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
Had a lovely drive from New Hampshire to Camden Maine. beautiful scenery. Got settled into our hotel room, took a quick look around town and got back in time for the inn’s happy hour.

A delicious cranberry limoncello martini for me, Brian’s traditional martini for him and and a crostini with feta and balsamic. Brian’s with lobster. Mine without.

Sat next to a couple from Marietta who live not too far from Laurie and John. Small world.Read more
We stayed there on your recommendation. Wonderful. LT
9/8/19Reply
Marietta visitors?? It IS a small world!!! LT
9/8/19Reply
Bonnie BenedictBest B&B EVER! Yes it is a small world. Met another couple today on the top of Mount Battie from Auburn, AL.
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On the Bounding Maine Bonnie Benedict
40 Paper
September 7, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
With only a snack for lunch we’re starving. Headed to an Italian restaurant recommended by our inn for dinner as the church across the street chimes the hour.

FROM 40 PAPER
"We are a traditional Italian restaurant serving hand-made pasta, but our menu also features modern culinary influences from Spain, France and the surrounding Mediterranean countries. Our dining room is warm & intimate, but our spacious bar is one of the most popular in the area. We are both traditional & experimental; loud & quiet; fun & romantic."Read more
“That’s-a spicey meatball! “Who doesn’t love Italian. LT
9/8/19Reply
Bonnie BenedictIt’s actually an arancini. Rice and goat cheese fried to perfection.
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Even better. LT
9/9/19Reply
Bonnie BenedictIt was. Would love to try making them myself sometime.
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Maiden Cliff Trail
September 8, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
Beautiful 3 mile (ish) hike to the cliffs overlooking Lake Megunticook. A well marked trail with lots of steep climbs and scrambles over outcroppings but the payoff at the overlook was well worth the effort. We took the Scenic Overlook Trail loop on the way back which took us over even MORE climbs and scrambles, but as before, stunning views all around.Read more
Traveler What a handsome couple.
9/8/19Reply
Great photos of the scenery and of you both. LT
9/9/19Reply
Bonnie BenedictIt was indescribably peaceful and beautiful up there. But the hike was challenging.
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The Lobster Shack
September 8, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
Needed a wee bite to tide us over to dinner. Headed to Rockland to the Lobster Shack, a very charming outdoor eatery. I got a yummy bowl of split pea soup with cornbread and Brian got the “Can’t come to Maine and not have at least one” lobster roll. It came with cole slaw, chips and dilly green beans.Read more
Traveler Great photo.
9/8/19Reply
Traveler Did it have mayo? Looks like it had mayo. I know it may not be authentic, but I Lomé mine with mayo!
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Traveler LIKE mine ...
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On the Bounding Maine Bonnie Benedict
Happy Hour The Sequel
September 8, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Once back from Rockland, we soaked for a bit in the jacuzzi tub before freshening up and heading back out for the inn’s happy hour. Although I was tempted by the blueberry gin fizz, I decided to go with the Cranberry-Limoncello Martini again. Why tempt fate. The appetizer was a lobster quiche. Brian enjoyed both of them.Read more
TravelerMmm-mmm-MMMM!
9/8/19Reply
Perfect happy hour and soak. LT
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On the Bounding Maine Bonnie Benedict
Breakfast
September 9, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
Only at the Hartstone Inn do you order your breakfast and get a complimentary first course. Today it was a baked pear ona thin slice of pistachio pound cake with a drizzle of creme anglaise. Brian had the poached eggs with a red pepper cream sauce. I had the Maine blueberry cream cheese skillet pancake with cumin dusted bacon. Off to walk Camden before checking out and exploring and meandering our way back to Portland.Read more
Bonnie, your breakfast had a high drool factor. Gu
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Guess we’ll have to visit again. LT
9/9/19Reply
Bonnie BenedictMom would’ve loved the skillet pancake. And I loved the way the skillet kept the pancake warm all the way to the almost let bite.
9/9/19Reply
Bonnie BenedictWith US! We’d love to go sometime when there’s snow on the ground.
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On the Bounding Maine Bonnie Benedict
Water Street Kitchen and Bar
September 9, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Stopped in Wiscasett for lunch. We ate her the last time when it was Le Garage which had a 40 year run. Brian had a burger and I had a bowl of bean soup and bread. Share a piece of apple blueberry purple with ice cream for dessert.Read more
Pie. MAJOR drool factor. LT
9/9/19Reply
Bonnie BenedictIt was pretty tasty.
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L.L. Bean
September 9, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
Felt like we couldn’t come to Maine, and not go to the L. L. Bean store in Freeport Maine. However, having been 10 years since our last visit, we come to find out that it is now the L. L. Bean “compound.” They even have a site map. 😳

We perused some walking sticks which were wanting for our hikes and made sure to see “The Final Charge” taxidermy moose as well as the Bootmobile before heading on to Portland.Read more
TravelerGood grief! How intimidating.
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On the Bounding Maine Bonnie Benedict
Morrill Mansion B&B
September 9, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
En route to Portland we realized that we had booked a hotel for the next two nights in Portland, OREGON instead of Maine. Eeeeeeeek!

After canceling our reservation (with a little sweet talking on Brian’s part to waive any penalty for it being at such notice), we scrambled to find a spot.

Brian ended up finding an opening in a lovely B&B the Morrill Mansion. Since we were booking at the last minute we got a reduced rate, the “baked bean” special. Why was it given the moniker “baked bean” you ask ? Well as it turns out this
1800's era Italianate mansion was once the private home of Charles Morrill, the co-founder of B&M beans.

Now that we’ve settled in we’re going to head out and take a nice walk to a recommended dinner spot.Read more
TravelerPhew! CLOSE one. Could happen to anyone. But YIPES!
9/9/19Reply
Bonnie BenedictIf I hadn’t been plugging in the address to our trip route, we’d have been oblivious until we got to Portland. We dodged the bullet for sure. Phew!
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TravelerEeeeeeek!
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Central Provisions
September 9, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
A small plates/craft cocktail restaurant recommended by our inn keeper. Yum, yum, yum!
TravelerHey ... how are you doing the captions on the photos?
9/9/19Reply
Traveler Double yum. What is it?
9/9/19Reply
Bonnie Benedict That’s the corpse reviver. But a bourbon based one.
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On the Bounding Maine Bonnie Benedict
Macworth Island State Park
September 10, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
A walk recommended by our innkeeper. Glorious scenery, dogs galore and an incredibly beautiful day. ❤️

Mackworth,Island is an island of approximately 100 acres, connected to Falmouth by a causeway at the mouth of the Presumpscot River. This proximity to Portland and the Presumpscot accounts for the unique blend of human and natural history that has shaped Mackworth Island. While human influence has greatly altered the natural environment, there is much to be enjoyed and preserved. The 1.25 mile trail that encircles the island takes about an hour to complete at a leisurely pace and visitors are treated to stunning views of Casco Bay and Portland. Along the way, stop to watch boats and ferries motor though the Atlantic waters while seagulls, osprey and shorebirds glide overhead as they search for food.

In 1946, Governor Percival Proctor Baxter donated Mackworth Island to the State of Maine to be used for state public purposes and "as a sanctuary for wild beasts and birds."

In 1946, Governor Percival Proctor Baxter donated Mackworth Island to the State of Maine to be used for state public purposes and "as a sanctuary for wild beasts and birds."Read more
You have definitely earned your steps this trip. LT
9/11/19Reply
Bonnie BenedictNo kidding. It’s been really great to have so many beautiful places to walk to. Portland is a very walkable town from where our B&B is located.
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On the Bounding Maine Bonnie Benedict
Macworth Island Community Village
September 10, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
Traveler!!🧚‍♀️
9/10/19Reply
Cool. LT
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On the Bounding Maine Bonnie Benedict
P. Baxter Pet Cemetary
September 10, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
Governor Baxter was a well-known dog lover and breeder of Irish setters. When his dogs (14 of them) and his horse (named Jerry Roan) passed away, they were all buried at Mackworth Island. This area of the island was protected when the island was turned into a state park so you can still visit the sites of Governor Baxter's beloved pets when you visit Mackworth Island.Read more
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Portland Head Lighthouse
September 10, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
On our last trip, the weather was rainy, windy and moody. Today we enjoyed the lighthouse in a crisp, sunny day. Both were wonderful.

Portland Head Light, is a historic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The light station sits on a head of land at the entrance of the primary shipping channel into Portland Harbor, which is within Casco Bay in the Gulf of Maine. Completed in 1791, it is the oldest lighthouse in the state of Maine.Read more
Traveler Great photo!
9/10/19Reply
Bonnie Benedict Hard to take a bad photo of this. It’s very majestic. But it also has to do with the fact that Brian took the photo 😀
9/10/19Reply
You gave me a lighthouse ornament that I love. Was it this one? LT
9/11/19Reply
Bonnie BenedictYes! This was the lighthouse! It’s magnificent.
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On the Bounding Maine Bonnie Benedict
Otto Pizza
September 10, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
Lunch after trekking 5 miles. Recommended by our innkeeper. Goat cheese, spinach and peppadew peppers on the thinnest, crispest crust. Amazing!
That pizza looks delish!!! LT
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