Sat, Aug 9

Wow!  We drove late last night and found a hotel close to Augusta, the Capital of Maine.  As we started the morning we headed to the state capital building which was closed since it was Saturday.  It is also under construction (it seems that is the case in at least 50% of state capitals that we have visited in recent years.) The grounds of the capital are absolutely beautiful with very unusual trees.  I have never seen anything like them. 

Across from the capital building was the state museum.  We don’t usually spend a lot of time in museums but this one was fascinating!  In addition to a train engine and old cars, they had information on ice cutters which at one time was a major industry in Maine.  UNREAL! 

As we left we saw the Governor’s mansion which is directly across the street from the capital. 

 Our next planned stop is Bar Harbor; however, we don’t want to go in there late without reservations since it is a real tourist spot.  We decided to go to Bangor for the night and also avoid those crooked roads on the coastline where there are NO listed hotels!   Stacey called.  She had taken Dale to the vet.  They x-rayed his leg and Dr. Hammons said it was a muscle pull.  He gave him a muscle relaxer and pain meds.  He doesn’t want Dale to be running for a few days – OH BOY!  Stacey said that now he just wanted to sleep.   Maybe they can keep him from running!