Feeling a little scattered today. Heading out in a couple hours for a few fun girlfriend days, not sure what to pack, the weather’s iffy. Or which story to write here. I was thinking of telling you about The Time I Played Piano for Mass. And that’s certainly a very interesting story. But since I’m actually headed to Ogunquit, Maine and I’ve got Ogunquit on the brain (poet: me!), I’ll go with Engaging Bagpipes and save the other for a rainy day.
Love Ogunquit, Maine. Shortly after moving here to New Hampshire in 2004 some of my southern girlfriends came up for a visit. I was told by locals here the places I should take them to visit. Ogunquit was at the very top of the list. Ogunquit, a quaint little upscale coastal town in southern Maine, is right over the border, near Portsmouth, NH. (Also adore Portsmouth, yes I do.)
There are some striking things about Ogunquit. It’s gorgeous. Perkins Cove is where it’s happenin’. Lots of uppity boutiques and fine dining in this delightful little slice of New England. Waterfront dining where you watch the fishermen motor into the cove with their catch of the day. FRESH! Homemade ice cream and gelato. And just off Perkins Cove, a beautiful paved walkway along the jagged, rocky coastline called the Marginal Way. Yes, the Marginal Way, about a mile long. A feast for the eyes, easy on the feet. Incredibly beautiful, I think I’ve walked it in every season except the dead of winter.
So one July 4th it was sweltering and humid around here. The bigger boys were away at camps, but Jon, Hudson and I were looking for relief from the heat. We headed north to Ogunquit and the Marginal Way. Unfortunately it wasn’t much cooler there, even at twilight, but we did walk the Marginal Way. So glad, because a very unique thing happened that evening.
As we strolled along, we heard running feet behind us. We quickly moved aside, and who should race by but a man with bagpipes. We were so curious (read:nosy) what was going on, as was everyone else strolling on the Marginal Way. And because it was a holiday, foot traffic was extra heavy. Out on the water, a lovely sailboat was tacking back and forth in the harbor.
We continued walking, eyes peeled.
Lo and behold, we saw that bagpiper sit on a bench out on a rocky point. And wait.
Then he quickly jumped up and this is what happened next. (Play the clip above.)
The story trickled out along the Marginal Way. A couple was getting engaged out on the boat. The bagpiper was serenading. The timing was precarious. The boat sailing by the point at just the right moment, the song and the groom popping the big question. So romantic. When the bagpiper finished the song, all the people up and down the Marginal Way clapped and cheered, echoing out over the water. What a magical shared moment, though we didn’t even know the couple on the boat. (Or anyone else for that matter.) Perhaps what being in a flash mob feels like. (Never been in one.)
That’s all she wrote folks! (‘Cuz that’s all she knows!) Off to pack. Who knows what I’ll see on the Marginal Way this time around.
Enjoy your weekend!!!
anna@icyvioletskitchen says
such a beautiful place…i am jealous!
Aunt pinkie says
Oh, what fun! Love bagpipes! And hope you have a wonderful time on your escape!
Linda Jenkins says
I haven’t been to Ogunquit since I was a little girl. My folks packed us all into the car and headed for the beach. It was a treat. We never walked the Marginal Way, however. I think Jack and I need to take a little trip. Who knows…perhaps we, too, will encounter a bagpiper, or at the very least, some beautiful Maine vistas. Thanks for sharing this long forgotten vacation spot.
nancy mcmahan says
Have a wonderful time in such a pretty place.
Tracy says
Ogunquit is a lovely town. Did you know they have a playhouse there? 😉 Marginal way is beautiful! I have never walked it with my family. We’ll have to do that this summer. That was quite a moment you were able to witness! A very clever and romantic idea. I hope she said yes!!!
Nancy Hammett says
Have a wonderful time. Love the bagpipes and beautiful pace.
Susie Mandel says
Beautiful! Have awesome girl time!!
Jennifer Wittke says
Oh, what a beautiful description of such a lovely and serene place! I want to go, too! What fun you were able to be a part of that sweet celebration on the water!…Soak up the girl time and recharge!
Kathy Scales Moran says
My husband John and I just returned today from a weekend in Ogunquit celebrating our 32nd Wedding Anniversary! It is one of my most favorite places on the planet! Thanks for your beautiful story Allie! Enjoy your time there!!
Kathy Moran
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
What an incredible way to get engaged! It’s so wonderful that you were there to see it happen, too. Have a wonderful time on your trip, Allie. Hopefully, you get some nice weather (it’s down pouring in CT right now). I’ve been apart of three engagements all occurring at Ryan Montbleau Band concerts!
Eva says
What a wonderful place and such a nice souvenirs ! Have a great time !
LoveCompassionateLee says
Fresh seafood…homemade ice cream? Reasons why Maine holds a special place in my heart. I’ve always wanted to visit, and one day I will get the chance. 🙂
What a romantic moment you shared! It’s cool that you were able to be a part of the experience of that couple’s engagement. That story just lets me know every day has its beautiful moments that will become beautiful memories.
Happy Monday
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud
Carina Spring says
What a fun story! I had never heard of Ogunquit. It seems like a beautiful place! I hope you are having a great time with your gal pals. 🙂
Karen @ On the Banks of Salt Creek says
Aww. what a sweet story 🙂
Denise says
The ocean and bagpipes, what more do you need? Doug and I love the Marginal Way too!
Diana says
Roger and I have taken a few summer vacations there and just loved it. I hope you have a great time with
your friends! It’s a great place to visit in the spring, summer , fall or winter. Don’t forget to go to the candy shop for Jordan Almonds , they are awesome.