Local hike and back on the bike circuit tour of Litchfield Hills

Home and unpacked with a 1/2-day Friday afternoon.  Apparently, we are already missing the nature of Maine and needed to reclaim it with this hike of a newly developed Canton Land trust trail. 

Loved the big rock structures, Nick kept commenting what it would be like to ski this trail.

Something about this bridge was just beautiful and fitting.

Dogs were happy to be in the water, Drew and James were chasing crawfish and the other 2 were contemplating life.

Pretty sure this was a house The trail is named for the 17th Century Native American also known as Cherry, for whom Cherry Brook is named.  the land was donated by several other canton families - the cabin on it looked like somewhere I would love to live.  Just needs a bit more sun.

Boys finding sticks, making hiking fun since the beginning of time.

On Sunday Chris and I got our biking legs back together and hit the road for the Litchfield ride.  It was the 20-year anniversary of the ride.  A gentleman Colin volunteered at the ride for 15+ of those 20 years.  He also passed away this summer of cancer.  He was WAY too young.  Translation, he has a son who is 1 year old.  Crushing.  I feel bless to have known Colin.  He came to my body pump class with his new wife Kari.  They were adorable and all about living life.  He would come say hi, talk about his adventures, taking up snowboarding and just living life.  He touched countless people and will say his touched my life too.  I thank him for the motivation to ride today.  And of course, Chris.

It was a BEAUTIFUL day and beautiful ride (last year it was ridiculously HOT so we were told countless times) It was a blast!  I forgot how fun it was to work to catch the next person, talk to them a bit and head on to the next group.  The scenery was amazing and bikers and just so unique.  Loved doing this with Chris.  Of course, I ended with a flat tire and no spare since I rode my favorite old triathlon bike.  I walked to the rest station and waited for Chris to rescue me.  Met lots of folks who said great things about Michigan - pays to wear a good jersey!

 

Lobster Lake 2023!

Off we go on the annual pilgrimage to Maine.  Love how much our kids look forward to this week.  Bonus is, our friends look forward to it almost as much if not more.  Let the caravan begin.  Love how full the car gets with humon and dog bodies.

Love that this showed up this morning.

We needed beans for dinner and beans for the top of Katadin.  Which is which?

Love these smiling faces at the last civilization stop

Sometimes I just can't tell if Nora is happy or miserable.

Love the ages and stages - these new drivers sure are handy

Wait a minute - this is really a new driver!!

NIck, how did you get the boot this early?

The dirt road caravan

First evening sunset did not disappoint.

In just a matter of minutes it went to this.

I love how much they love it.

Let the hikes begin - to the summit of Spencer.

Drew is making his rounds of question asking

The mid point - looks hot doesn't it?  Or maybe we all just look hot

The summit with this good looking guy

So much to love about these ladies - 

When I see these photos I still cannot get over how tall Frankie is - and its very noticeable that we are missing Asa this year.  There is surely a void in the group and we know he isn't thrilled to be missing out either.

Almost the Christmas card photo =)

Someone please insert Asa in this photo - otherwise its perfection!

There were not too many moments of the lake this still - I was thankful to capture this one.

Now to the Katadin hike - they had enough water this time.  made it to parking on time (FIRST TIME) Drew was the only kiddo that opted to stay back.  He could totally do it physically but just not mentally interested.  Lizzie and Sarah did great!  its a LONG hike.  Kids played the 3 word game?  Mountain Schmoopy is alive and well.

They hiked up Cathedral and down Chimney trail.

Meanwhile, Mary and I took Drew to Raymonds (it was closed) so we walked to the boat launch.  We also picked raspberries and drew fished.  He seemed content, but of course as Chris came home, likely exhausted from the hike, Drew didn't let him rest, rather begged Chris for a fishing trip!  Which being the amazing dad, he went right out there.

General beack activity

Love this simple shot

Followed by this one.

Such a cute on of these 2 chatting away

We did a little hike at Tibs - it wasn't terribly manicured.

Nature's cup holder

Can you see the kids out there?

Another fishing trip

Best swag ever - 'the golden road'

Again, does she love it or hate it?

Happiness is

this one too

family dinner deliciousness

This is the night of Rebecca Briggs Euchre

The view I wish I could wake up to every morning

Love that Mary captured these photos of the kids on our final morning

I see all their personalities here.

These 3 beauties too

And yes!

Lobster lake 2023!

Loaded up and decided to go straight home this time.  Stopping only at a Lobster role shack just outside of freeport.

Yes another soul filling week all together.  Love it so much.