Wolfe's Neck Woods

We stumbled upon this State Park last weekend. It really did feel like stumbling as we were driving along a rambling road that went from farm to woods - straight to curvy, then all of a sudden a sharp turn into a seemingly abandoned park entrance. We second guessed ourselves about whether or not this was the place... But after winding on we came upon a parking lot and other outdoor enthusiasts. It was just lovely - and worth stumbling upon in every respect.

The local library here has "observer packs," and we've been borrowing the bird pack. It has a child - friendly Birds of Maine book - color coded (genius), so even the 5 year-old can hunt for birds, and comes with a little pair of working binoculars. Hubry's big binoculars came with us, too. There is a trail that follows the shoreline - a classic rocky Maine line, with places to tiptoe off the path and rest on a boulder. The binoculars and bird book were in and out of the backpack the whole trip, and there is something so inspiring about watching an empowered 5 hunt for something - something real and living - something she can find by color.

The 3 year-old was our fearless leader, and I was surprised at his energy and perseverance - not crashing until the way back. It was the white, curly umbrella fungus that convinced him to keep going all the way back to the picnic tables. Really not a fungus at all - Hubry called it Indian Pipe (though that was a guess and I haven't confirmed it yet).

Back at the tables we picnicked in an open field - just what was needed for a restless over-backpacked baby itching to do some toddling.  Definitely a site to return to, and less than 20 minutes away.

Afterwards we headed into Freeport to have some Ben and Jerrys because it is only miles down the road.  Funny how going to Freeport always makes us feel like we are on vacation...