Dear Editor:

On Wednesday, Sept. 15, my wife and I left our home in Henrico County, Virginia headed for Southport, Maine.

After an overnight mother-in-law visit in West Hartford, Connecticut, on Thursday morning we headed north.

Our first stop was the Kittery Visitor Information Center. Immediately, we were greeted by cool temperatures and pine scented air.

After this check-in, the miles clicked away. Before we knew it, we were on Southport finding Cape Newagen where our long time Virginia friends have a beautiful summer home with postcard views.

From Thursday afternoon until Monday, we were in constant motion.

We hiked trails around the grounds of the Newagen Inn.

Even though I had no luck, the spectacular views made up for the empty casts into the cold water from a rocky shoreline.

The Guardians of the Seeds exhibit at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens was outstanding. We enjoyed every creation by Thomas Dambo. Each step we took brought us a new flower or vista to admire.

Saturday, we were fogged in, but that didn’t stop us. We visited Southport’s Hendricks Hill Museum, where we learned the history of the community. The docents were excellent.

From there we headed to the Linekin and Burley land preserves for another hike that provided satisfying views of the Damariscotta River.

Next, we drove to Ocean Point for a short walk along the shoreline road followed by a visit to Boothbay Harbor to check out the shops.

Sunday was a perfect blue sky morning as we boarded the Balmy Days headed toward Monhegan Island.

I’m sorry, but I can’t find the proper adjectives to describe the hike we took. The vistas that graced our eyes were indescribable.

So this is a note of thanks to our friends, their neighbors, and all those hardy souls who work behind the scenes who made our visit one that is forever etched into our hearts.

Southport, Newagen, Boothbay Harbor, Monhegan Island, and Maine --- what you have is priceless.

I pray you will treasure and protect this land and water in your hearts forever.

Bill Pike

Henrico County, Virginia