My Weekend Away - Pre Race (lots of pics - flooding too)

First one colleague couldn't come. She broke her toe a week ago and although that was much better while walking "funny" because of the toe she "popped" something and could not walk at all.  So she was not able to come :( but we kept her in the loop all weekend.

Then it took us much longer then planned because you couldn't get there from here.  There are still a lot of roads in Vermont closed because of Irene. So our trip was longer both ways. I was AMAZED at the destruction 6 weeks later.  So much has been repaired and cleaned up but so much hasn't.  I did get some pictures but  we were in only a few of the places that got destroyed.  One picture I didn't get was a huge iron bridge that had been swept along and was on the shore of what would have been the river that day.  In one small area I saw 12 cars/trucks.  I got pictures of those because they were the most obvious to see.  My heart breaks for all the people whose lives were drastically changed through this.

Appliances washed out of peoples' homes

Once we got to Maine on Saturday we shopped!  I could not get over how many people were there. It was like it was the middle of the summer. But it is a 3 day weekend for most of the country (not me) and it was gorgeous out!  I spent plenty but could have done worse.  First we went to Eddie Bauer where I scored some pants.  Then  my next score was at Columbia. Can I say I love Columbia outlets?  I always always find some good buys there I love. I bought a hoodie that my friend said was me and I totally agreed. I also got a raincoat that I love.  I got nothing at Nike. Well, not nothing. I got shoes for my son that I sent a picture of first to make sure he liked them.  Our last stop was Kittery Trading Post where I resisted so much stuff - truly and got my husband one small thing.  

Then we went to the beach where once again it was just like the middle of summer. Perhaps there weren't quite as many people swimming but there were some but the beach itself was crowded. We went to the lighthouse which is always a special place. I took more photos although I must have hundreds.  It was also crowded with people including a wedding.  Then we checked in before heading out for the chowdah and lobster roll.  It did not disappoint!

Heading to the water

Have so many pictures of this but always take more

S was seriously fun all weekend.

The wedding

My clam chowder with a pumpkin ale in the background

Could NOT have been better

But there's always room for dessert

Back to the hotel still not having decided how I will execute the race!