It’s been awhile since I have posted. Just work, work, working away! But since all work makes for a dull Susan, I took advantage of a few days off and Kenny's visit to get out and explore a bit more. I am finding it super important to make sure you have scheduled breaks sprinkled in every couple of weeks. As so many of us do travel nursing with financial goals in mind ( paying off student loans anyone?) it is tempting to work all the time, picking up as many shifts as your facility and contract will allow. And while that is great for your bank account, it can be hard on your mental health, especially as we are still slogging through this pandemic. So make sure you remember to get out and explore where you are!
The Great Outdoors
Maine is just beautiful! From the coastline and inland lakes to the forests and the mountains, there is always something to see and do here. Winter is no exception. Taking advantage of all that Maine has to offer in the winter, we booked ourselves cross country skiing and snow shoe discovery classes through the LL Bean Outdoor Discovery Program. We had so much fun y'all! And one of us only fell twice! : ). Not only did we enjoy learning new sports, but we met some great people. There were even follow Texans in both classes! What are the odds of that? We are definitely planning on trying more of LL Bean's classes while we are here. I am pretty sure fly fishing and clay shooting are on our spring/summer to do list as well as kayaking and stand up paddle boarding in the Bay. I've posted some pics below, though I had to promise not to post the fall pics. Darn.
We also took advantage of a nice sunny(ish) day and warmer than average temps to drive up the coast a bit. We stopped in Booth Bay, a charming little town right on the harbor. In the winter the area has 2,500 or so residents, but swells to 80,000+ per day in the summer! Not many of the shops were open as it is a seasonal town, obviously. But it was charming none the less and a very friendly shop keeper made us a fresh pot of coffee to stave off the cold, even though we were likely to be the only coffee drinkers he saw for the rest of the day. It will be a great place to visit later in the spring as the town begins to open up for the season. We will just need to get there before the other 79,998 people do!
Big City
Our final adventure was a day in Boston before Kenny flew home. It is just an 1 hr 45 minute drive from Portland. There is also a direct bus and a train line to and from Portland so it is super easy to get to when we need some big city time. Kenny's nephew lives in the North End so after an amazing lunch at Fiore, he took us on a walking tour of all the sites. So. Much. History. I am embarrassed to say this was my first trip to Boston. But it certainly won't be my last. There is so much to see, we barely scratched the surface. Plus, you know, the Red Sox. My baseball boys are already planning a trip or two to Fenway.
Until next time! Happy adventuring y'all!
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