Archive for the ‘camp ellis’ Tag

06-25-2015 Journal–Fish Story!   Leave a comment

As I began thinking about posting this blog as I awakened this morning it was 4:10 am and I was barely human.  You need to understand something, I am not a fisherman. Nonetheless I was up and on my way for a day of deep sea fishing and thank God for Dunkin Donut’s Coffee.

We arrived at Camp Ellis, Maine, stowed our cooler on the boat and were off to begin the day at 6:00 am. Even though  I’m not a fisherman I really love being on the water regardless of the reason. Weather-wise it was the perfect morning.  It was nice and cool with a light breeze and forecasters were calling for a bright and sunny day.  For once they were right on target.

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My nephew and better-half were all fired up and ready to go and it didn’t take long for their fishing lines to get into the water.  We made a quick stop over a large school of mackerel to fill the live bait tank and then proceeded to our first fishing spot.  The two of them caught almost forty mackerel in fifteen minutes.

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Our guide brought us to one of his favorite fishing holes and within the first hour my better-half snagged four good sized stripped bass and one dumb ass seagull.  The stupid bird insisted on diving into the water and was hooked trying to steal her bait.  Fortunately he was captured, manhandled, and immediately released.  He should have stayed ashore at the nearby McDonalds and had a breakfast of french fries like all of his buddies.  Birds can be so stupid.

I normally don’t post photos of friends and family on the blog but in this case they are demanding it.  Here they are with their prizes.

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A fun day was had by all but we still were happy to return home for a quick shower, a short nap, and to relax until those big fat steaks that I’ll be cooking later were ready to eat.  I think we all need many more days like this one.  This day was the perfect example of the proverbial “mental health day”.  It was fantastic.

03-16-2013   2 comments

Finally a day out of the house.  I’ve been granted a day without thinking of the on going remodel or anything house related thanks to a few of my better-half’s relatives. They’ve decided because of their enjoyable visit to see us last summer that spending a week here this year is just the ticket.  I’m assisting them in their endeavors in finding a home or cottage rental somewhere near the Scarborough or Old Orchard beach areas.

They’ve apparently been looking on-line but haven’t had much luck.  I’m on my way this morning to check out a place located at Camp Ellis, Maine.  This is an area along the coast just north of the city of Saco and has been a harbor for small boats and lobsterman for years.  There’s a large breakwater protecting the harbor and a small beach nearby for sunning and swimming. My job today is to find the building at the address they’ve given me, evaluate the area, and report back.  The renter is asking $1800.00 a week which to me is ridiculous but what the hell do I know.  I’m told it can be as much as $3000.00 a week just a few short miles further north in the Old Orchard Beach area which in my opinion is again highway robbery.

Before any investigation can begin I’ll be forced to stop at Dunkin Donuts for a jolt of fresh coffee and something sweet to make me extra happy.  I want to be as alert and clear headed as possible as I make this evaluation so an extra turbo shot of espresso will be required.

I should mention that this winter has been difficult in certain areas of Maine with terrible wind storms and heavy snow falls. The Camp Ellis area was hit pretty hard in the last storm which I was made aware of as I attempted to reach the address I’m supposed to be checking out.  It’s located on a short little street a short distance from the beach but not only is the road closed and a detour in place but the small beach  is only half the size it once was.  I’m told that the beach was partially washed away in the last storm as well as a few yards of the shore road.  Scratch one potential vacation spot.

I’m now forced to cruise north along the shore road to Old Orchard Beach and Scarborough, a trip of approximately four miles.  It’s a chilly but sunny day making the ride a real pleasure and a perfect opportunity for a little photography.  I hadn’t driven more than a mile when I came on a huge flock of geese that stopped for rest and food in a nearby protected wildlife area.  In just a few minutes I was able to take a few terrific pictures and for a change I had my telephoto lens with me and it worked out perfectly.

I began writing down telephone numbers and the names of local realty companies as I rode along.  I then dropped a voice mail to her relatives with all the information I’d collected.  I hope they find what their looking for at a reasonable price because I’m really looking forward to their visit later in the summer. Spending a week on the beach with them would really kick-start the summers festivities.