Visit to downeast Maine

 

MB and I traveled to Downeast Maine (actually up north along the eastern coastline) last Friday and returned home on Monday after a visit with some friends.

We spent two nights seeing Russell and Akemi Wray in Hancock where they run Gull Rock Pottery. Akemi is the potter and Russell does sculpture, painting and etchings. That is Russell just above in the photo holding the sign. Above his head is his Earth flag which he always flies. We were on the bridge in Ellsworth at noon on Sunday for an hour.

Akemi (from Japan) is a great cook and did her usual spoiling of her guests. It rained most of the day on Saturday so lots of puzzle making was done with a fire going in the fireplace. It is always good to spend time with them. Much story telling was done by all.

 

Eleven people showed up for the bridge vigil which got very good reviews from the busy traffic zooming by. Many honks, waves, and peace signs came our way. I only saw one negative - a middle finger hoisted into the air by some man. Polls say the American people are getting impatient with US policy toward Israel's genocide in Palestine. We could see the worm turning amongst the folks in cars.

After the bridge on Sunday we drove to Deer Isle to see friends Dud and Jean Hendrick. Dud is a Vietnam vet and a leading activist in the state who we have known since we moved to Maine in 2003. Deer Isle is a fantastically beautiful spot on the rocky coast. Dud and Jean (as they always do) took us for a long walk through woods and trails and along the coastline. 

Jean is a hoot who makes us all uproariously laugh and she had us going at breakfast before we took off for home. 

Peace and anti-imperialist work is difficult and deeply frustrating but we've met such wonderful friends doing our years in the movement. It was nice to get away for a couple of days and be with such outstanding people.

Visits like this helps us hold our heads high and keep going during hard times like these.

Bruce