Day 43, May 28, Layover in Augusta

Today has been a very light day. We had oatmeal this morning and took our time pulling up stakes. We are heading to Augusta, Maine. Augusta will be yet another state or provincial capitol we have visited on our trip. Thus far we have visited the following capitols in order::

Nashville, Tennesee

Charleston, West Virginia

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Hartfold, Connecticut

Concord, New Hampshire

Montpelier, Vermont

Fredericton, New Brunswick

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Halifax, Nova Scotia and now

Augusta, Maine

However, I am getting a bit ahead of my tale.

Upon leaving the KOA Holiday Camp, we stopped for gasoline, then got underway. The drive was partially state routes, but mostly interstate. This meant that the trip went faster, with less bumpiness. Also, since we had no rain and calm winds, we did not have to fight to maintain control of the RV. Higher winds and gusts cause you to be vigilant for sudden, sideways movements of the vehicle, depending on the direction the wind is blowing. And the RV is not the most aerodynamic shape, as you might suspect (smile).

When we arrived in the Augusta area, we went immediately to lunch at a restaurant at 217 Water Street. This was the historic waterfront area, and quite honestly, it was bleak and depressing. Many of the buildings were closed due to the holiday weekend. However, many buildings were obviously not experiencing full occupancy or were totally vacant. The meal was very good, nevertheless. We shared a kale and Romaine Caesar salad. Patrise had a vegetarian ramen bowl; I had a shrimp ramen bowl. Then we headed to the hotel we are staying in tonight.

We didn't see much of the city, but honestly, we were not emotionally feeling compelled to do so. Upon arriving at the hotel, we met an African American man named Greg who was originally from Macon, GA. He came to Augusta, ME in the late 1980's after he got out of the Navy. He says he prefers Maine weather to Georgia weather and he feels the living is much easier, less stressful here.

Here are photos from the day: on the road near Bar Harbor, traveling through the state and then State Street in Augusta.

(Fog over the bay in Bar Harbor)

(The airfield is quite foggy.)

(Can you see a runway? Don't think so!)

(Not much flying or seeing happening today.)

(Foggy road for about 45 minutes, then began to lift.)

(Water Street in Augusta)

(Water Street)

Tallest building on Water Street)

(Historic post office, Water Street, Maine)

(State Street in Augusta, looking toward St. Michael Catholic Church)

(Heading out of downtown Augusta)

Doug had an oboe lesson in the afternoon, while Patrise watched vet shows she'd not been able to see for five weeks. Then we went to diner at the local Olive Garden restaurant, returned to the hotel and settled in for the evening.

Tomorrow we will head to Providence, Rhode Island, our 11th capitol city.