It was the only photo I had of anything resembling a drum, ok?
We’re keeping it as-is. We talked it through–a lot–looked at alternatives, and shook on it. We’re going on the trip I originally planned. And we’re leaving in eight days.
What helped make this decision? Well, first it was an actual sign from god, which you can read all about by clicking on that link (it takes you to my other blog, Existential Midlife Twitch.)
Second, we talked about our alternatives and why we felt we needed an alternative. Our main concern was (is) money. While I budgeted for the lodging part of the trip–because that’s a fixed cost and thus easy to budget for–I did not take into consideration how much it is going to cost us to do things whilst traveling. You know, things like ‘eat’. As is very evident on this blog, we don’t do a very good job of living thriftily when on the road, as is evidenced here, and here, and here.
Yeah–that’s something we really need to work on. And work on it we will, on our new and improved Maine Coast and Maritime Canada Road Trip…Now with Extra Thrift!
We’ve decided to make it a sort of game–see how much fun we can have, how well we can eat, and how much we can do for as little money as possible. Kind of like a month-long version of the old Rachel Ray show $40 a Day. As a bonus, upon my return you will be treated to multiple ‘how to travel cheaply and well in Maine and Maritime Canada’ posts.
The key word in that title is ‘well’. We’re not going to be sharing fast food burgers every night. We’re going to look for reasonably priced local food, spending more time hiking and biking than on whale watching cruises, and bring back photos and rocks–both free–as souvenirs. And if we’re hungry and the only thing to eat for miles happens to be a bit expensive, well, we’re going to eat that ‘a bit expensive’ thing.
So, that’s the plan. Oh–the other part of the plan is ‘have fun, damnit!’ I think that’s an important addition.
Blog on the Run 
Good for you two. Another step forward! Accepting what you must/can and adapting what you can! The idea of eating “local” is excellent. There must be lots of fresh food stands (think picnic- even pack some plastic utensils, etc.) with high quailty fresh food. Try ‘mom and pop’ places- some of the best food in the world! And planning less structured activities is wonderful- will give you that “feel” you were describing without the sun bathing/rum punch/ ocean…. Proud of you…
Yes–that’s exactly what we’re going for. Roadside stands and mom and pop places. I have a picnic basket that has sturdy plasticware all built in (along with the all-important cork screw!) so we’ll be taking that along. We’re getting re-excited about this trip!
Good to see Miss Brooke has been stifled. And the latest news report here in New England is there has been a massive haul of lobster this season so prices will be way down. So don’t pass it up at least 1 night. And remember the best lobster dinner is not found at a fancy restaurant… It’s at a lobster shack by the water with picnic tables and melted butter in plastic cups.
Oh…lobster shack by the water with picnic tables…that’s EXACTLY what we are looking for. You could start a website advertising locations like that!
You could try Red’s Eats in Wiscasset…a little roadside trailer with THE BEST LOBSTER ROLLS in the WORLD! (Seriously, people come from all over the world to get one of these puppies). Also, there is a place called The Lobster Shack in Two Lights State Park (in the South Portland/Cape Elizabeth area) that has great food and “lobster in the rough”…wooden picnic tables, lobster and fried clams, the ocean and two beautiful lighthouses.
I’ve heard of Red’s Eats–I’m thinking we’ll have to stop there as I LOVE lobster rolls! So far the best one I’ve ever had came from a church kitchen on Martha’s Vineyard (so good!)
Speaking of so good, did I ever tell you about the crab I had in Alaska? Amazing. It’s a must-do!
I’m so glad you’re going on with your trip. You can’t cancel – you have a blog! I’m right there with you regarding freaking out over taking a year off and spending money though (do you know how much COBRA is !?!?!) As for saving money on your trip, you could re-think camping….
Are you still heading down to Orlando in September? I’ll be there October 1st for Disney’s Wine and Dine 1/2 marathon.
Funny, but my blogs are really motivational when it comes to travel. I’m really working on getting my Suitcase Scholar blog to be part of ‘what I do’ (posting on this blog and my career break blog are second nature at this point.)
The year off thing is a bit stressful, but half of the reason I’m doing it is so that I can travel. And when we planned this trip, I planned to ‘count’ it as part of that travel. But somewhere in there I lost touch with that theory and started saying things like ‘well if WE don’t go on this trip than I can go more places next school year’. And that’s just silly–after all, wouldn’t I rather travel with my husband when he’s available? Even though doing so make is a bit more expensive? The answer is yes, of course I would!
And speaking of my husband no, I don’t know how much COBRA is–I can’t even imagine. We’re paying to have me put on his insurance, which in my opinion is ‘a lot’, too–though it’s nowhere near having to pay for my own. For that I am eternally grateful!
I will be in Orlando until September 29th. Bummer, right? I’m missing the Food and Wine fest by one day! The humanity! (though of course I’m already thinking about spending the $75 to change my flight so I can come back a few days later! Ha!)