Ellsworth

It doesn’t matter where my seat is on the bus when it is gray and drizzly outside; it is going to be a long, uncomfortable ride. The chilly grayness permeates the bus through every window, casting a cold glare on the glass. The bus sways more than usual in the wind, and the swish of the wipers becomes an unintentional focal point. I finally curled up on my side in my seat, closing my eyes to the dreariness.

Ten years ago, before the era of stand downs, the Band had a maintenance day in Maine. Before the advent of the extra long buses, a third van carried five band members to alleviate the number of shared seats on each bus (already as many as five on each bus). I was fortunate to riding the van that year. We decided to take a trip to Acadia National Park, not far from Ellsworth.

It was a clear day in 1997 when we left Bangor for the park, but by the time we arrived, some clouds had rolled in and the wind had a little bite to it. We drove through the park, stopping occasionally to enjoy the view. One of our goals was to see Thunder Hole. (http://www.acadiamagic.com/ThunderHole.html)

We pulled over nearby, and made our way out on the walkway to watch the waves roll in and crash against the rocks. A few people were clambering around on the rocks nearer to the water, so we ventured forth for a better view. The wind was stiff and the spray was cold, but it was a free day to enjoy. After observing several thundering crashes, we turned to climb back up to the van. Just as we turned, Pat called out something we couldn’t hear, and suddenly we were drenched with icy cold water. A huge wave, far bigger than any we had just watched, had hit Thunder Hole, and us.

More than a little damp and soggy, we squelched our way back to the van and drove up the mountain to the visitor’s center. Most of my time there was spent in the Ladies’ Room, huddling under the hand dryer, trying to dry out my shirt and pants. It was a quiet ride back to the hotel.

After our visit to Acadia and two tours through Maine, I was able to convince my family we should vacation in Maine. We had a glorious time, driving up the coast of Maine, staying at small hotels along the way, hiking in Acadia and canoeing and fishing with a guide.

This year, we had a rainy evening and another friendly Gym Job, getting caught in our own traffic jam. The high school band left us some t-shirts with “Ellsworth Music” printed on the front, and the audience gave us a standing ovation as we entered the gym. During the Armed Forces Medley, Leslye and others saw a gentleman in the audience covering his tracheotomy so he could sing his service song. Those are the moments that are printed indelibly on your mind, making the memories you carry with you, that help make Tour survivable.

A few Band members found their way to Acadia National Park, only about twenty minutes from Ellsworth. The rest of us could be found at the Laundromat next door to the hotel – no laundry facilities within walking distance to the stand down hotel; plan accordingly.