A weeks of lasts and a trip to the Cape

I can't believe I only have 2 days left of my time here in Maine. As a Mainer would say: "It's gone wicked/crazy fast". There was no time to waste this week, I had to get in all the things that make Maine such a wonderful place to be in the summer. First on the list: The Yarmouth Clam Fest.

 

This was the 47th year of the festival in the main street of Yarmouth which consisted mainly of crafts, food and the Pat's Pizza 5 miler so I had to partake in all of these heartily. Having not run for 5 weeks, it was time to hit the road and why not do a road race for the last time with my training partner Kalie...So, after a night out watching her friend's band in Portland, we were up nice and early ready for an 8am race. It was lots of fun but I was grateful that Kalie held herself back from the front to pull me along with her. I managed not to throw up when a waft of bacon hit me as I was dying in the final straight and made it to the end in just over 38 minutes so I was pleased. Thankfully, I made a speedy recovery as the best was yet to come...Kalie's mum made us blueberry pancakes for breakfast. So good!

In the afternoon, it was back to the fest for a delicious lime rickey and a stroll around before heading home to meet the French boys Sarah and Stuart were hosting through their church. The boys were part of a choir who were touring the U.S. They were lots of fun to have around and Sarah made everyone delicious pizza for dinner. You wouldn't believe how quickly that flew off the table...well, except for the pieces with mushrooms.

I had to return to the fest once more to see the evening fireworks. Lena and I managed to persuade Theresa to brave the ferris wheel. It had to be done as I can't count how many American movies show ferris wheel rides at the fair.

 

Second on the list: Swimming in one of Maine's many lakes. I was lucky enough to be taken to Sebago lake twice for a swim, once with the Swett-Mazes (complete with a picnic of lobster rolls....mmmmm) and once with Sarah's family for an afternoon barby. It was heavenly on both occasions as it was just so unbelievably warm. I am not looking forward to having to pull on a wetsuit to get in to Box End!

On Wednesday, Sarah and Theresa were kind enough to organise a going away party for me. It was lovely to see so many school friends looking unbelievably relaxed and eat some great food. Pot luck is certainly the way forward although choosing dessert was tricky!  

 Then it was off on my final U.S adventure...

We met two of our hosts, Kaya and Ryan, for lunch in Falmouth at a great little spot and enjoyed poking around the shops before heading off to see the lighthouse.

 

A beautiful place. We were going to hit the beach but the clouds had rolled in. Sadly, they stayed for Saturday's trip to Martha's Vineyard but we still had a great time. We landed in Oaks Bluff and wandered around the gingerbread houses. Hard to choose a favourite...

  

Afterwards, we travelled to Edgartown and then along to Gay Head to see the beautiful clay cliffs and wander the beach. There were only a few rules to adhere to...

... but we managed to behave ourselves and enjoy paddling.

 

This morning we headed out to Persy's for breakfast and, judging by the amount of people in the car park, their claim of having the largest breakfast menu in New England was a huge draw. Thankfully, they catered to their patient patrons by giving us coffee whilst we waited. Much appreciated!

All that is left for me to do now is pack, clean and enjoy the company of all my favourite Maine people (and beagle) one last time :(