Summer Highlights

We've had a memorable summer here in Maine and abroad. Our motto lately has been that "life should be full of mini-vacations" and we've been trying to live up to that by getting out as much as possible. Our first trip this summer was our honeymoon to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, (after our wedding in Pennsylvania!) We had both been to the beautiful Baja peninsula before, but never Mexico's pacific coast. The scenery was striking...rugged mountains meet the sea...and we were treated like royalty by the friendliest staff we've ever encountered. One of our favorite memories of the trip was a horseback riding excursion into the mountains near Puerto Vallarta. Our guide, Daniel, was lovable and energetic and took us through the mountains to a refreshing waterfall (and boy did that feel good on a hot day!) The trip concluded back at the horse ranch, where we were treated to an authentic Mexican meal and entertained by a lassoing cowboy.


Once back in Maine, we knew where our next destination would be: the magical island of Mt. Desert in Acadia National Park. We decided to bring our bikes and take advantage of the 26 mile park loop road that offers a perfect way to see Acadia, one scenic view after another. We camped at one of the park's campground called Seawall, where you can cook and eat right along the rocky coast. It was so much fun exploring the island by bike, and we felt like this "mini-vacation" was much longer than 2 days.


Next, I put back on my hat of "trip leader" and led a three day trip for Camp Newfound. Kelly Wall and I took out seven 14 & 15 year old girls to the White Mountains in New Hampshire, climbing Mt. Liberty and exploring the Georgianna waterfalls. (And my new sister-in-law Carolyn Vernon got to go which was the best!) It was a fantastic group of girls, with the perfect balance of challenge and fun.




Steve's next adventure was to partcipate in the Bethel Triathalon, which is a "sprint" triathalon of a 1/2 mile swim, 15 mile bike ride, and 3 mile run. He and Mike Vernon participated, and I was "Team Vernon Manager." They entered in the novice division, and blew the competition away! Mike placed 2nd in the division, and Steve placed 3rd! It was really entertaining to watch and see them sprint neck and neck to the finish line! Congratulations guys.




Our latest excursion took place on the coast of Maine, where we kayaked with the adult adventure program from Camp Newfound out to Eagle Island. It was a perfect day trip, stopping for lunch on the historic island (the home of Robert Peary, the discoverer of the North Pole, is located on the island). After lunch we paddled around the island, where we experienced the exposure to ocean swell. The two foot waves pushed us back into the protected waters of the bay. It was so refreshing to spend a whole day out on the water and breathe in the salty, sea air. That night we ended the trip with a fitting meal of lobster and corn on the cob. Yum!