NH hike

We went to NH last weekend and were lucky to have beautiful weather. Saturday morning we went for a hike along the Kancamangus highway before heading to Black Mt. We were helping out for the mountains second annual rhythm, roots and foliage festival. Scout got her first concert tee!

Plimoth Plantation

Plimoth Plantation held a homeschoolers day and we checked out the museum for the first time. We had a great time, some of our horse kids friends met us there! What I liked the best was that it told the story not just from the Pilgrims point of view but also the Native People's view as well. I expect that we will return frequently as Scout gets older.

 The View from the Pilgrim's village looking out into the bay from atop a hill.

A wood pile to envy!!

The day was a bit stormy so we ducked into one of the Pilgrim homes to have lunch..Scout took off her boots and made herself at home on the bed.

Canoe being made in the Wampanog village.

We headed to downtown Plymouth to visit the Mayflower II and then have dinner. Walking along the waterfront we watched this seagull gather its dinner.

chicken rescue

Back during the hurricane prep we did a chicken rescue. As usual, when we are scurrying madly something else gets thrown into the mix. There were 15 chickens and a rooster that needed a home. We went to loom and the poor things were living in a 4x8 dog kennel.Many were missing feathers, one tipped over when it tries to walk, one had a runny eye, many looked good and one was a baby. We were worried they may be sick but were even more worried about their future if we didn't take them. So it began. We loaded them into a crate in the truck, took down the dog kennel, left the coop behind...yuck! They wanted us to take it...have you ever smelled rotting eggs 40 days old! We came home and everyone pitched in and helped erect the kennel, far from the other chickens, in the dark. We had to cover it for the hurricane and then moved them in. They stayed there for 2 weeks while we watched to be sure they were no sick. They were improving everyday...they just needed fresh air and a healthy environment. We let them into the new larger coop and fenced area we had made for our chickens for the winter. Then we let everyone out together, the first time the new girls have been pastured in their lives!! The new ones and original ones got along fine. We were worried we would have to re home the rooster but he is harmless. We think he is old and only crows in the morning 4 or 5 times before tiring! They all continue to improve and all have survived. The feathers are improving but we think some are geriatric. At least they will live out their lives happily here. They are getting very friendly, happy to have a good home i guess, even the rooster will follow us around. One chicken loves to be picked up and cuddled. We are getting lots of eggs each day including some blue ones since we now have some Americana's!

Some of the new flock.

The rooster

Aunties

Auntie Barbs and Leesea stopped by for a visit while they were on the Cape. Scout had great fun showing off her skis and getting noses!

Boothbay days 3 and 4

Daddy and Scout played explored together on day 3. They went to the Maine State aquarium and visited a train museum. Somehow, at the aquarium, Scout managed to jump into the touch and feel pool! She water and animals in the same spot....what could be better!!

This is the train museum...she just wanted to play with the goats while.

On our last day we spent the morning with our friend Gabe looking for seals. We paddled in the Damriscotta river out to the mouth. The seals were supposed to be hauled up on some ledges. No seals on the ledges but we had a curious follower for almost an hour!!! It kept popping its head up and looking at us....I think that was better then seeing them up on the ledges!

Scout napping in her kayak cradle.

There was a great park where we put in and spent a little time exploring before heading south.

Boothbay day 2

Day 2 Daddy and Scout went to visit the botanical garden. They had a ball!!! They spent 7 hours there playing in the children's garden. That is easy to do when you let life happen, led by the child. Exploring and discovering and enjoying every moment.

A sand box is always great fun where ever you are.

Each of the different areas were themed after a story written by a Maine children's author.

They had a fabulous day together and rejoined me for dinner.

Boothbay day 1

We were fortunate to have a nice trip to Boothbay ME. I went to an instructor meeting and Murph and Scout came along. We had an extra day on each end to spend together and Daddy and Scout had 2 days to spend alone together.

We left at 2am so Scout could sleep for the drive. She just can't sit still very long and it would be impossible to try to make the trip while she was awake. We made great time and arrives at 5:30. We stopped in a parking lot in town along side the water.

Lots of cool sights

"Hug, hug"

Always take time to smell the flowers

It rained off and on on the morning so we dressed to stay outside.

interesting art ...

and a children's garden....

right next to a used book store. The store was closed but there were books for a quarter on the porch. Scout is putting a quarter in the hole to buy a book for Zach...who was home taking care of Tonto (what an awesome brother!).

Looks like the weather is clearing, time for a paddle.

checking equipment

giving Daddy instructions

after a nice paddle in the harbour they take the boat out.

view from out room at the end of a great day