Bates Burning Man

John's friends from college are so good about planning an annual gathering.  This year, it was decided that we'd meet at a campground on the border of New Hampshire and Maine in the White Mountains.  Joc and his family travel east from California and we always love seeing John's Bates buddies.  Fortunately, Alex and MJ, members of the tribe of friends, are teachers and flexible like me in the summer.  They were going to be out on Chebeague Island for a few days before the gathering and invited us to their amazing place which has been in the family for generations. 

The only way to get to the island is to take a ferry from Portland or Cousins Island in Yarmouth.  Fortunately, Alex and MJ have a boat, so they were able to pick us up and transport us directly to their house. 

kayaking right from the house

a view from the dining room table

 The kids LOVE that they get to ride in a jeep and even on a scooter when they visit this sleepy island.  I love that I can go for runs and experience that kind of relaxation that only comes when you are on an island.

 John was hankering for some lobster, but there are really no lobster pounds on the island.  We made a few calls, but no one had any available on the island.  Alex had no problem with that, he proclaimed that we'd go find lobsters....... So we set out on a blustery afternoon to find dinner.

After hours of seeing nary a lobster boat, we found these guys and chased them down.  Low and behold, they did have lobster and sold four to us for $40. John was thrilled to have his favorite dinner as fresh as fresh could be. The kids each ate their small ones in their entirety.

lobster tamers

 On Friday, we headed over to Basin Pond campground in NH.  It wasn't very far away and in an absolutely gorgeous part of the white mountains.  This year there were seven Batesies in attendance.  The number of kids and spouses have dwindled over the years, but it still such a treat to see these old friends catch up.

We hiked up to Bluebery Mountain on Saturday.  It was a short hike to the mother lode of wild blueberries.  We ate like bears and even gathered enough to bring some home in our water bottles. 

The Crew (without Rachel and Keith-- who arrived just after)

We ended our hike with a visit to Rattlesnake Pool-- an amazing aquamarine swimming hole with a waterfall.

No gathering would be complete without costumes!  So upon our return, we dressed up "crazy", made ice cream, and gathered around the fire.

It was hard to leave on Sunday.  Basin pond did not disappoint.  What a trip!