Maybe some of you have read the children's book by Barbara Cooney called "Miss Rumphius". It is based on a woman named Hilda Hamlin who really did many of the things described in the book, including living on a cottage by the sea and spreading lupine throughout Maine. The Caswell family, along with our good friends the Ruff Family, were lucky enough to be the first non-family members ever to stay in her cottage. Or rather the cottage now owned by her daughter in-law.
It was enchanting and charming in so many ways - from it's antique construction to it's many antique (and breakable) baubles; It's position on the top of a hill at the end of peninsula to it's gardens (Yes - even though it was August, there still were some Lupine in bloom). Waking up to the ocean air was incredible.
The house was accessed by a short, rocky path. Somehow the 82-year old owner is able to lug everything she needs up the uneven and narrow path. To the left of the entrance is a large covered deck (piazza) overlooking the ocean. Incredible views of open ocean were had over meals, cups of coffee, games of Uno, children dressing. We spent as much time out here as the mosquitoes would allow.
We had great fun with the rocks at the "rocky beach" as Gemma called it - to differentiate it from the "sandy beach". There was great variety of rocks, perfect to play restaurant with or build statues.
A couple of steps down a path from the cottage led to a private rocky beach. We found a great deal of beach glass in a variety of colors - even purple.
Eleanor loved to goof around both at high and low tide. Notice the seaweed hairdo.
Gemma made friends with a pup who came to visit. She sat and talked to it and patted it for a long time. This girl needs a dog.
The girls especially had fun at low tide, though the going was pretty slick.
The girls favorite part about the trip was having their friends Zoe and Calla available to play at all times. Each night was a slumber party for the four girls, who did an admirable job holding the giggles to a minimum.
There was plenty of time to just sit around and read, play games, or just relax. The kids got along wonderfully. Of course, one adult always seemed to be on duty - trouble solving any snags and providing entertainment for the kids. As you can see, Jud did more than his fair share of this duty, including waking up early and letting all the other adults sleep for an extra two hours.
The adults had a chance to catch up in the evenings, with games and Carter's home brews.
The girl's got to hang out with their cousins and second cousins, including Lorelei and Jack and Enzo. It was a wonderful visit.
