Biddeford, ME
I learned yesterdays that I am a below average packer. After all of the miles and months on the road, this was the first time I had to load the car with more than just my things. The 941 boys got to witness the man that evolves out of me when trying to load a SUV with only so much storage space. Enough storage space for my things and one other person, not 2. After a few cuss words and me leaving a few things behind, we were on the road at about 10:30 AM. Not bad considering I had been at a wedding and up until about 2:30 the night before.
The tone of trip could have been set as we waited to load the car. Sean was waiting patiently next tot he car when a bird flew overhead and zeroed in. Much to all of our surprise, a special delivery fell down on his pillow. After a moment or two of shock, he sprung to action to avoid soaking in, but it was too late. Mike and I laughed hard as he ran inside to change pillows and put that case in the wash. We didn’t let a potential bad sign get us down.
It felt great to be back on the road, even better to be joined by friends. We hit I90 East with a More than Me CD playing and a sunny sky overhead. I was behind the wheel with a smile. Time is short here. I fought sleep for about 3 hours; Mike saw it and took over. The trip took about 7 and 45 including a few stops. Maureen greeted us with a hug and a Maine beer. What a girl she is, hosting the three of us hoodlums two days prior to her medical school boards. She said her brain was fried from 6 weeks of 12 hour a day studying and that we’d provide a break. Monday night will be fun for her as she can let off the steam of taking one of the more pivotal tests of her career.
We arrived, unpacked the bevy of things I/we packed and were off to Portland. I should interject here; this is the go by the seat of your pants trip. We are set to camp in the Adirondacks, but we are also without a major piece of ammo: a tent. One friend did not drop off the Sir Edmund Hillary and another passed on the offer to help, so we are on a camping trip without a tent. No worries, we’ll adapt.
I was surprised by the energy and amount of people in Portland last night. Everywhere we went was crowded. One of Mo’s friends came with us and additional med students met us out. The vibe and conversation focused on the boards. Many people spending many hours preparing. We hopped around, I ate a crab sandwich (lobster today), and made it back home at around 12:30. Her place is not big, and the three of us on the floor with sleeping bags provides a major obstacle course.
Eyes are on me. Time to go to Ogonquit before the rain settles in.