Road trip to Maine?

[NYNick]

Thinking of picking the 27 year old son (Navy Lt.) up in the SC in Newport and heading to Maine for the weekend, 9/5 to 9/7. I was thinking maybe White Water Rafting the Kennebuc but holy crap, it's so far away! 5 1/2 hours just from RI, 8-9 hours from lower NY.

So then I thought maybe Acadia Natl. Park but then again, every B&B up there seems to be booked solid. I thought for sure everyone would be back at school by then, but I guess not.

So how 'bout it you guys, any ideas? I'm coming from NY to Newport, then up north to you guys. (Don't tell me East, I know I know…) I can taste the lobstah already.

Thought it would be a good trip for my baby, and my boy!

Thanks

Nick

[futurefun]

The Haddock sandwiches at Bob's Clam Hut in Kittery are my favorite. I am over due for a trip to Maine probably York to surf with granddaughters.

[Lapkritis]

What are you in to besides rafting? I like to take a couple deep-sea fishing trips a year usually out of Ogunquit/FinestKind. You can cruise the coastal highway pretty much from points north of Lynn and take in the ocean side communities. The beach in Rye, NH on the way up has a surf shop that does lessons and rentals. Stop in Newburyport and have lunch at the Grog or breakfast at MadMartha's out on Plum Island... tons to do.

[wndsnd]

Newburyport is my neck of the woods. Let me know if anyone is coming into the area. There are some good Porsche guys locally

John

[rs6er]

I love to camp at Hermit Island Campgrounds in Phippsburg, but maybe not in my 911.

[JohnJL]

Acadia is even farther than the rafting.

Pemaquid area is reachable, and you can get out for some fishing. RT27 north of the point from New Harbor is a driver's road for sure. Beers and lobstah at Shah's there are favorite. Fishing and other ferries come in and out of the bar there.

[OK-944]

I'll second Pemquid...and go one further by suggesting that you book into the Gosnold Arms in New Harbor for your first night (right across from the aforementioned Shaw's Warf) - and either enjoy the lobster at Shaws or at the Anchor Inn in nearby Round Pond (great twisty driving in between!).

Next morning, leave your car at the Gosnold (free and safe parking) and take the Hardy Boat from Shaw's out to Monhegan Island for some fantastic hiking/sightseeing, and either return to New Harbor on the same day or stay overnight on Monhegan (I'd recommend the Island Inn, Trailing Yew, or Monhegan House).

Monhegan is a beautiful and unspoiled place to enjoy fantastic ocean scenery on foot (no roads), and is especially nice during the early part of the "slack" season. The only potential downside for you is that you won't be driving your Porsche during your stay on the island!

[NYNick]

Thanks OK…will def. check out Pemaquid. BTW, Navy son has a 87 944S in primo condition! If we go however, I'm bringing the SC!

Nick

[NYNick]

Just completed the trip from just north of NYC to Newport, RI to pick up 27 year old Naval Lt. son and then on to The Forks, Maine this past weekend. No pics yet, but it was a great trip in the '78SC!

Left NY 10am Friday up to Newport, arriving at 1. Out of Newport by 2pm and clear sailing through RI and Mass. I decided to go far around Boston and took 495. Everything was fine until we got past the Mass Pike…..BANG! Dead stop bumper to bumper for over an hour in 95 degree heat with no A/C. Yech. Stinkin' 495.

After that we were 80 MPH all the way to Exit 133 in Maine. By this time it was 8, dark, and another 1 1/2 hours off 95 to the White Water Rafting place. Not exactly a happy camper by then, but the car was perfect the whole time. Actually, it was begging to go faster!

Rafting in the Kennebuc River was very exciting in Class 3, 4 and 5 Rapids. AT 8000 CFS, Class 5 is nothing to sneeze at fellas. Lots of fun but be prepared to flip. We didn't, but could've easily. What a gas.

A few beers later and dinner under our belt, it was dinner time and early bed. Doing it all again tomorrow!

Mostly class 3 and 4 Sunday for half a day. WE had to get back on the road, and so off we went in KEMOSAHB. 80+MPH the whole way back to Newport, this time taking 128 to 24 around Boston. Hassle free and moving! Only downside is we didn't see another Porsche worth mentioning for the whole trip! I let the boy/man drive the last few hours just for him to get a taste of 911 fever versus the 944S he drives. I'm sure he's hooked.

To be honest, I got a little jealous of all the father/son drives I read about on PP. Now that I've completed my own, I heartily recommend them. Great to be away and bond with the grown children. Just awesome.

I would go White Water rafting again in a heart beat. Back hurts, but who cares? We had a great time, and times like this with your kids are unforgettable. Plus, how bad can a 1000+ mile trip be in your Porsche?

Nick