By mid-summer we finally got tired of moist 37-degree Texas baths, and decided that everyone needed a break. At a time when most people are trying to go in the summer on the south to the sea, many "southerners" act exactly the opposite: try to get as much as possible to the north.

Big holiday is not expected, but a week in the region of the US Independence Day (4 July) could snatch. The destination has been selected, Maine, or more correct to call it in Russian - "Maine". First of all because of the weather: 22 ° C seemed to us unattainable paradise; the presence of the ocean, too, played an important role, as well as the presence of the National Park Acadia NP, who has long dreamed of seeing. Besides, I wanted to paint another square on the map of visited states. For us, Maine became the 36th, and for the little Sasha - fourth.

 

Maine is located in the extreme north-east of the country; It is closest to the Europe of the United States. Origin of the name "Man" is not known. According to one version, it is associated with the historic French region of Maine, on the other - the first time was used by settlers from England who lived on the islands and continental land denotes both "main" ( "English going to the main." - "To go to the mainland"). As a separate Maine has existed since 1820, on the basis of the Missouri compromise. The structure of the US, he came 23 th in a row.

Well, for all lovers of horror name of the state should be familiar, as the famous Stephen King - a native of this area, and in many books of the writer events are taking place in Maine.

With that in mind, how many extra things for the baby, I won a trip during the winter in the house-on-wheels for the New Mexico and Colorado, to draw conclusions, greatly cutting the luggage. At this time, the aircraft had to move where you want, do not want, and it is necessary to closely monitor the weight of luggage. But anyway Baby's things and toys for accumulated volume greater than both of us put together :) child flew out of place, "in parent lap". Half of flight time she entertained themselves and others joyful gugukanem and a half - just prodryhla. No cries of pain in his ears was not, although mentally I was prepared for such a development, after reading experiences of other mothers.

Direct Flights from Houston to Maine is not, so we decided to fly to Boston, and then rent a car and catch up with the remaining 290 miles to the wheels. The Alamo car rental center near Boston Logan Airport, pleased that allowed to select any of the presented to the parking lot to the declared category; they are usually more specific.

A series of tunnels we got out of Boston to the north, passing amazed how well people comply with the rules on speed limits on the roads, even without exceeding 5 miles. With his Texas style of driving, we looked at the background of these "speedy Gonzales" :)

The child fell asleep instantly, sitting comfortably in a chair under the Blankets, so anywhere especially not stopping after an hour already crossed the border with the state of New Hampshire. As it should pass nothing at all, a tiny 20-minute piece, and certainly worth a look in one of the "liquor state store", because New Hampshire is among the 18 US states that have a state monopoly over the wholesale and / or retail trade in alcohol. Prices in shops such low, comparable with Texas, although it is usually more expensive in the north. Having bought all different wine for himself and his friends, who were also planning to drive up to Maine a day later, we very soon found themselves in the state of pine. And I must say, that the nickname was given to Maine for good reason: on the sides of the road stretched endless pine forests, intoxicating scent fills the air.