Utopia in Maine? (home, live, best)

[forest beekeeper]

Originally Posted by Maineah

The spent fuel rods are still being stored on the Wiscassett site. Eventually they will have to be handled and moved by rail to a permanent storage facility in the West if and when the details of such a move can be worked out.
I'm not sure I'd want to live too close to such a place.

???

I do not see why, it would make any difference.

Spent fuel rods are not being released as airborne particulate. It is not going into the ground water.

Why would anyone care?

It would not bother me to live near such a storage facility.

[senior citizen]

Nice assortment of wildlife. We have an occasional moose come down off the mountain into town........and they are all over in Vermont. One wild turkey came by our back yard last summer........it was a sight to see as it was "walking" along. The deer family often come through our back yard along the side yards and onto the front lawn. Generations of them have been eating from the apple trees as this used to be an apple orchard. Friends of ours, in town, but on the edge of town, do have bear that come into their back yard from the woods. This is a residential neighborhood;-) My husband gave up hunting a few years back but they would go up to camp each November for deer hunting. thanks again.

[senior citizen]

I appreciate your information.

[rileydax]

What you describe can definately be found in the Bangor area. A lot depends on the area you want to be in and how much your budget is.

[mainebrokerman]

Originally Posted by senior citizen

It seems everyone , at some time in their life, would like to be someplace else.
Our son was raised in Vermont, went to college in Vermont and then left for Boulder, Colorado where he's been for the past 15 years (now in Denver). Colorado is very very dry and brown, so even when he comes back east he notices the GREEN and does miss our fall foliage colors...........however, even he says he misses WATER. He's a telemark skiier (out of bounds?), rock climber, mountain biker, hiker, etc. and enjoys the Rockies which are majestic compared to our little Green Mountains........but even though we've driven across the country and back on numerous occasions, we are still drawn to Maine for our retirement years...........fog and all. Being artistic, we both would still be creative during the long cold winters, just as we are in Vermont. Anyone familiar with the "old" nuclear power plant in Wiscasset area??? They are building new condos with marinas in that spot or thereabouts. Can't get a straight answer re the toxins that might be left over......or nuclear stuff. They kind of beat around the bush. Maybe that's why Boothbay Harbor area and vicinity has lower property values?????????? Just wondering. We get the nice big old fashioned Boothbay Harbor Register newspaper and read all the local happenings. Used to get the Camden paper and the Rockland paper, etc..........now just read online. Thanks again.

i grew up near boothbay harbor,,beautiful area,,,bristol area, round pound, pemaquid, are all great areas near the coast, as is damariscotta, friendship, tenants harbor, thomaston, rockland

[senior citizen]

I agree.......all the places you mentioned would be equally great for our retirement.
Have been to all & enjoyed every one. For retirement, we'd prefer to be close to a "center of commerce" (NOT MEANING A CITY), as we age in place. This is why Boothbay Harbor region appeals increasingly so. Yes, it is hectic with tourists all summer long, but they also "go home" once fall foliage is over, just as here in Vermont.
The town has it's normal community and family activities year round. The town we now live in has a population of 16,000 souls, surrounded by the Green Mountain National Forest and farmlands. So, city life is not something we want. But, too small, where we might be considered outsiders to the lobster fisherman is also a consideration. We have no dreams of waterfront property, but my husband would like to take up boating again & there are plenty of public boat ramps, etc. in the area, plus marinas. Rockport is also cute and right next to Camden which is really a neat little town. Rockland does have all the "Main Street" stores and easy access to the "islands". The ferry to get to North Haven Island which is ten miles out at sea, was quite the wild ride in gale force winds, but a good memory. Our daughter & her husband made every effort to be accepted by the predominately lobster fisherman & their families on N.H.I. when they taught school there.........however, it didn't work out. Basically, it was the oldtimers and the rich summer folks who kept homes on North Haven. Boothbay Harbor Region in general looks like a "good mix" of retirees and locals. We always feel comfortable there, coming from Vermont. Friendship is picturesque also, as is Round Pond, Pemaquid, Tenants Harbor, etc. So many choices..........that is the dilemma. I just don't want to be stranded way out, either here in Vermont or in Maine. Again, thank you so much for your comment.

[moughie]

Well, I guess I just want to ask if you feel as if you have laid "roots" in VT? If so, stay there! It is a great state filled with incredible natural beauty

I would stay far away from Wiscassett due to possible toxins, etc. Otherwise, why not- give Maine a try! Maybe rent for a few months in Maine before you sell your place in VT to make sure it is everything you hope for.

[mainebrokerman]

Originally Posted by senior citizen

I agree.......all the places you mentioned would be equally great for our retirement.
Have been to all & enjoyed every one. For retirement, we'd prefer to be close to a "center of commerce" (NOT MEANING A CITY), as we age in place. This is why Boothbay Harbor region appeals increasingly so. Yes, it is hectic with tourists all summer long, but they also "go home" once fall foliage is over, just as here in Vermont.
The town has it's normal community and family activities year round. The town we now live in has a population of 16,000 souls, surrounded by the Green Mountain National Forest and farmlands. So, city life is not something we want. But, too small, where we might be considered outsiders to the lobster fisherman is also a consideration. We have no dreams of waterfront property, but my husband would like to take up boating again & there are plenty of public boat ramps, etc. in the area, plus marinas. Rockport is also cute and right next to Camden which is really a neat little town. Rockland does have all the "Main Street" stores and easy access to the "islands". The ferry to get to North Haven Island which is ten miles out at sea, was quite the wild ride in gale force winds, but a good memory. Our daughter & her husband made every effort to be accepted by the predominately lobster fisherman & their families on N.H.I. when they taught school there.........however, it didn't work out. Basically, it was the oldtimers and the rich summer folks who kept homes on North Haven. Boothbay Harbor Region in general looks like a "good mix" of retirees and locals. We always feel comfortable there, coming from Vermont. Friendship is picturesque also, as is Round Pond, Pemaquid, Tenants Harbor, etc. So many choices..........that is the dilemma. I just don't want to be stranded way out, either here in Vermont or in Maine. Again, thank you so much for your comment.

boothbay area is very nice!! think you will love it there!!

the fittin in part can be tough ,,lobsterman, clammers, or fisherman, are a rare breed
they stay close to home and keep to themselves...my father is a lobsterman, i grew up lobstering,,so i can say this...
let me give you a couple examples,,,ive had a house for 15 yrs, my lobsterman father has come to visit only once,,not because we dont get along, not because he doesnt like the house, its because he doesnt leave where he is.....he is so set in his ways,,,thats the way it is,,, if i want to see him,,its me doing the visiting,,,always been that way... with me and the other siblings....thats his way of life...
especially in the summer,,lobsterman only have a few months to work and earn all they can for the whole yr,,,,,so there mind is all business...

while most of us have a place of work and other co-workers, lobsterman may have a sternman (helper on the boat to bait traps and measure lobsters)
if at all,,otherwise they work alone,,and are use to it,,,,and while most of us may discuss our work,,,,lobstermen very rarely do,,especially,,any hot spots where the fishing is good,,
if you ask a lobsterman, "hows the fishing" or "catching alot"?? you will usually get a glare,,,because its almost offensive... if they reply at all,,you may get a "a few" reply....
also keep in mind, any lobsterman doing this hard work for a while,,usually has a back that bothers them,,,arthritus in the hands/fingers,,,or shoulders,,,so they may be in constant pain,,,but wont even think of complaining about it..

i just wanted to throw in some reasons why lobsterman,,seem a bit crusty and distant,,,,dont think its anything intentional.....its just there way of life..fiercly independent, and loyalties to thier family and thier business,
here's another example, that seems a bit strange to outsiders,,say a lobsterman from one area of the coast moves to another, he probly wont be "accepted" by the local fisherman, you almost have to grow up within the village itself....now thier are exceptions to every rule,,
just keep in mind, its a matter of survival for them and thier families, they take it very seriously.

[island mermaid]

Originally Posted by mainebrokerman

boothbay area is very nice!! think you will love it there!!

this goes to your daughter,,,lobsterman, clammers, or fisherman, are a rare breed
they stay close to home and keep to themselves...my father is a lobsterman, i grew up lobstering,,so i can say this...
let me give you a couple examples,,,ive had a house for 15 yrs, my lobsterman father has come to visit only once,,not because we dont get along, not because he doesnt like the house, its because he doesnt leave where he is.....he is so set in his ways,,,thats the way it is,,, if i want to see him,,its me doing the visiting,,,always been that way... with me and the other siblings....thats his way of life...
especially in the summer,,lobsterman only have a few months to work and earn all they can for the whole yr,,,,,so there mind is all business...

while most of us have a place of work and other co-workers, lobsterman may have a sternman (helper on the boat to bait traps and measure lobsters)
if at all,,otherwise they work alone,,and are use to it,,,,and while most of us may discuss our work,,,,lobstermen very rarely do,,especially,,any hot spots where the fishing is good,,
if you ask a lobsterman, "hows the fishing" or "catching alot"?? you will usually get a glare,,,because its almost offensive... if they reply at all,,you may get a "a few" reply....
also keep in mind, any lobsterman doing this hard work for a while,,usually has a back that bothers them,,,arthritus in the hands/fingers,,,or shoulders,,,so they may be in constant pain,,,but wont even think of complaining about it..

i just wanted to throw in some reasons why lobsterman,,seem a bit crusty and distant,,,,dont think its anything intentional.....its just there way of life..

You just did an amazing job describing almost every lobsterman I know of that generation. This is the only lifestyle they know. They grew up watching their fathers earn a living in the same way. They're up and out on the water before the sun comes up and fish all day. By the time their day is over,
they're too exhausted to socialize. Sure, they may stop and make small talk on the dock for a minute but then they head home to the wife, have an early dinner and then it's off to bed to get ready for tomorrow. They work harder than most of us will ever know. They have to, they rarely have access to health insurance, no sick days, no vacation days and no 401k to retire upon.
Lacking in social skills? Maybe, they're too busy trying to earn a living. Their one day off a week (Sundays- Memorial Day thru Labor Day) is spent patching traps or making repairs to the boat.

LOL, don't even bother asking them if they're catching a lot! "All fisherman are liars"! (Sorry, had to throw that in.)

[Northern Maine Land Man]

"just keep in mind, its a matter of survival for them and thier families, they take it very seriously."

About 15 years ago the environmental industry first began pushing hard to make the Gulf of Maine a "non-extractive marine reserve" where no fishing would be allowed. At the same time a group formed in rural Maine called Unorganized Territories United. UTU had a newsletter and there was a monthly paper on the coast called Fishery Notes. The ladies who published the UTU newsletter and the lady who published Fishery Notes discovered each other. They came to realize that the people who were trying to shut down Maine's fishermen were the same people who were trying to shut down the logging industry and the paper mills. They merged their newspapers to form All Maine Matters. All of Maine does matter and they wrote about all pertinent matters in Maine. It was successful for a few years until the advertisers began to feel intense pressure from the environmental industry and the banks. The newspaper ceased publishing, but it was great while it lasted. Al Maine Matters shined the bright light of truth on those who were trying to wreck our economy. It is a matter of survival and we do take it very seriously, both on the coast and back in the woods.