Mount Battie Tower
Doing the "tourist thing" at home is strange to say the least. In Europe, it was easy to get excited. There was always something new to see and always a cool story to go with it. Maine is dubbed "Vacationland," and it leads in the number of seasonal homes when compared to the other 49 states. I didn't really understand the hype before I went abroad. Vacations were meant for warm beaches and exotic places with ancient relics and stories not Maine. Then I spent 4 months in a European city, and I suddenly understood.
Maine will never tell the tales of kingdoms and gods and warriors because it tells a different story. Maine tells a tale of humility. The greatest spectacles are not human-made but universe-made. There is the ocean, the trees, and the miles of mountains in the west that have existed long before people. For well over 200 years, people have worked the land and the sea for all the goods and glory it could give them, and the tourist towns are some of the best examples of this.
Islands (left) and Camden Harbor (right)
Camden was home to six shipyards and beautiful views of coastal islands. Now, it's a developed tourist town with more recreational boats docked in the harbor than occupational ones. Camden Hills State Park is popular for campers and the everyday adventurer like me. Mount Battie is a simple but steep hike. For those who don't like hiking but do like scenic views, there's a road that winds up to the mountain's peak. I opted for the latter this time. A tower stands on the top of the mountain, so I could take pictures over the tree line of the surrounding islands and the sailboats navigating around them.
Memorial Statue of Fred R. Estabrook (left) and a sunflower (right)
Trails along the coastline allowed me to climb across the rocks that are beaten by the high tide and stroll along the moorings of Camden's many boats. I stopped for lunch in the Sea Dog restaurant where I was seated on the deck and could clearly see the very same tower I took pictures from atop Mount Battie. Statues and small gardens traced the waterfront, along with many tourists who were sitting and enjoying the sun.
Aside from Cape Elizabeth, Camden was the most touristy place I have visited in Maine. The state's coast is a magnet for visitors who are just looking for a touch of clean air and natural beauty. Despite the convenience of living in the middle of Cork, I missed the acres of trees and the unimpeded skylines. Being among nature has always put me at peace, especially when I'm by the water. Now, when I drive home from school, I look out across the mountains and at the setting sun, thinking I am so lucky to live in such a beautiful place.
Camden Hills State Park (left) and Camden Harbor (right)
