Lobstah 26sept2016

Today we ate. Lobster and lots of it! We didn’t wake up until 9am and took Bird to the shop where she will stay until Friday. From there we went up to Maine, starting with Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. We wanted to go to one lobster shack but it didn’t open until 5pm. Nooooo! I remembered reading about another place that is a Bush family favorite – Mabel’s Lobster Claw.

Tiny Passhole: it’s the two little white doors with lobster handles

It was super shack-y and awesome. Plus, to Larry’s delight, there were Bush family photos everywhere. We had lobster rolls. I liked the lobster better than the last one – but not the roll – no butter. They also had the tiniest passhole (my name for the pass in a restaurant) I’ve ever seen! It was fun and delicious and then we moved on. Larry was wondering where the Bush family compound was – and what do you know? We stumbled right on it. Well like a mile from it – it’s pretty well guarded and out on a peninsula. Even had a Texas flag flying.

We meandered up the coast and found the most beautiful church right on the ocean. I could get on board with going to THAT church. There was even an outdoor area with pews overlooking the ocean. The church itself was constructed of stones inside and out with intricate stained glass. It was the most beautiful church I’ve seen in this country. It was built in 1883 and named St. Ann. She was the mother of Mary and granny to Jesus. All I know is it is lovely.

Then, on to Portland. It’s weird the similarities between the two Portlands. I almost feel like PDX is a knockoff of Portland Maine. I know! I can hear my people from Oregon screaming. But seriously. Beards, plaid, wood, hipsters, beer, beer, beer – and Portland Maine was here first. We wandered around and into Central Provisions and had a bowl of punch and some marinated olives. Yes, a BOWL of punch. It was awesome.

Next stop: more lobster. We went to Portland Lobster Company and had steamed lobster dinners. Whole lobsters are a trip. Not a trip I plan on taking again soon if ever. It’s kind of gross when the guts pour out onto the other food on your plate. Thank Jesus for bibs. Eating a lobster is a messy, messy business. I like the claw meat and knuckles – but that poop vein in the tail was troubling. I definitely see why lobster rolls are so popular – and expensive. Worth it!