Summer, What Summer?

I used to hear the saying that we get as much sun here in Maine as some comparable city in Florida. Mind you, it's called the Sunshine State for a reason. Maine? Let's just say that if you like your sunshine in the liquid version, you'd be right at home this summer. And did I mention the temperature? Coming home from work to the cheery sight of a fire brightly burning in our pellet stove in mid-July really did happen. Kinda takes the fun out of going camping where you have to chop a hole in the ice before you let your kids take a swim in the campground pool!!

Two weeks ago while camping in Rockland, we were discussing all things weather with a gentleman who told us he arrived May 15 and had counted only 8 days of sunshine out of the 60 that he had been there. I think its a forgone conclusion that Maine just opted to save it's carbon credits by eliminating summer, and extend spring until fall arrives.

You might be asking what my tirade has to do with camping, and frankly, so am I...oh yes! I remember! You see, we only get a short time to camp (Memorial Day to Columbus Day) so when we get this kind of weather day in and day out, it affects the overall camping quality which in other years was the norm. This year, however, it is by sheer determination that we are able to get out and make the kind of memories we know we should be capable of making.

And so go we do. Because we know if we don't, the window of opportunity will close and we will be left looking out our living room window at 3 feet of snow piled on top of the Casita, mocking us for not taking whatever advantage we could when we could.

I often look at all the license plates of other campers, see they are from the south and wonder how happy they are to be spending their time and money in cold wet state. I never have the guts to ask.

On the bright side, when it is sunny, it's unbeatable. Often times low humidity, low to mid 70's, puffy clouds...If only it'd stick around so we could become reacquainted!

By the way, the picture of our kids picking wild blueberries was taken July 4, 2009. Notice the hats and fleece? I just didn't want you to overlook the proof!