East Coast Extravaganza



Photography by Paige Pruitt-Haase

 After a week of settling in from the mission, I was headed to the East Coast with Doug. This trip included a 12-step plan to get to camping with my sister-in-law and my three nephews. My sister-in-law is not a fan of camping, and this was to be the real deal. A canvas tent, sleeping bags, no showers and eco friendly toilets. Oh yeah, on an island in the Belgrade Lakes of Maine. Doug & I loved the idea. We have missed being able to camp for a few seasons. So this was going to be a real treat.

We arrived in Newark and then headed straight to the coast. Mantaloking is such a great place to just kick back and enjoy the days. Family and friends were there too. We were treated to great food and tons of water fun!

Two days later we were back in the car, there were 6 of us. Three adults and three kids, pumped up to get on the road and to our next destination. Not to camping yet, to a B&B in Kinnebunkport! So now we have moved away from the comfort and confines of a family beach home, to the adorable little haven of a beach B&B. We roughed it a bit by canoeing and riding bikes. But for the most part, the down mattress pads and fluffy pillows were going to soon be lost to our memories, well my sister-in-law's memories and dreams. I knew it was coming. I tried to think of ways to make the transition comfortable. She was doing well in the first two steps.

After two nights, we set out again. This time, headed to cousins vacation home on Sebago Lake. It was so beautiful there. But we were to be there just for lunch, then head to catch the boat to camp. The kids swam, fed ducks, visited cousins. Lunch was served! We had a great time visiting and laughing, telling stories about family gatherings. It was good to hear about Gregory's time with them all!

As we packed up the kids, it was decided that there should be a last hoorah! Ice cream! I began to think that my sister-in-law was dragging her feet at this point. But, we decided to meet everyone for ice cream. Ok, it really wasn't hard to do this! It was warm and they were not ready to say good-bye.

Finally, we hugged and said our farewells. We were back on the road. Before we knew it, we passed through the gates of Pine Island Camp. I was so anxious at this point. My brother passed through those gates as a teen to enjoy 6 weeks of "guy fun", in two summers.

It took me back to that time. I was in 5th and 6th grade. We lived in Greenville, SC. His first summer away, was the first I can remember being separated for such a long time. I did not like it at all. The house was quiet. I know I did stuff with friends, tennis and swimming. But at home I was kind of lonely. Of course I never would admit that to him!

When he came home, I remember his stories of sailing, wars and campfires. Gregory had a way of telling a story, always compelling. Also more interesting than anything that I might have done that summer.

So here we were, with his young sons. Unpacking the car with our gear, hauling it to the dock. We were greated by Ben Swan, the director of the camp. He was there when Gregory was a camper too.

I could only imagine my brother hopping into the boat with his gear, excitement building as he approached the dock on the island. Wondering what the summer had in store for him. I wondered if he thought about home while he was here. I would easily forgive him if he hadn't. The scenery was beautiful.

We docked and were approached by the warmest most welcoming smile of Emily Swan, Ben's wife. From here, the camping experience began! This place is awesome! Secluded, clean, safe, friendly.

To be continued.....