Aliza who lives only two houses away is very athletic and loves the outdoors just as much as Jeanine. The two enjoyed hiking and biking but had to forgo the planned kayaking because of high seas. 

Jeanine and her best friend Aliza spent the weekend in Acadia National Park with a group from the Appalachian Mountain Club. As she left, I handed her a camera and told her not to come back without photos. I think she did a pretty good job. I don’t know the name of these hills but I know what I would call them. She also managed, to my total dismay, to photograph a Bald Eagle, something I have been trying to do for almost three years now. The image is rather small and photographic jealousy prevents me from posting it. 

Kyle had his hair cut today (or so I am told). I remain tempted to get out my shears and finish the job. He swears the stylist took off six inches. 

Last month I was insisting that Maya was part canine. Now I am inclined to suggest something in the monkey family. 

After work I found Maya and her friend Gianna on the playground in the park where Kyle was playing soccer. His team won again and they are now 9-0. 

It was really a terrific day and now my only worry is how I top this next year. 

Our convoy stops at a local summit to enjoy the sunset. 

I am more of a walk quietly in nature kind of guy, but I have to admit that riding these things on the back wood trails was a ton of fun. 

Originally, I had planned to end the day with a Moose Safari but members of the team discovered that we could rent ATVs for the same price and the group opted for the later. 

Saying good bye to the river was difficult but this was not the only event I had planned for the day. 

The water temperature was not too cold and we all had wet suits on. Here Len enjoys a granola bar while floating down river. 

Most of the team found themselves in the river at some point or another. I went in 4 times. Three times by choice and once when our river guide intentionally put me over in one of the Class 3 rapids. 

I timed the trip to coincide with peak fall color in Maine and we were treated to a beautiful setting in addition to the high flow water release. 

I would say these guys are enjoying themselves.