Breakfast in Bangor, Maine

We had a late breakfast in Bangor, Maine at an Irish pub. (There are lots of pubs in Bangor, but a dearth of any other restaurants.) They gave Astrid crayons and a coloring book about the airport (which was perfect for us because we're flying to NY today).

Down by the river (Bangor, Maine)

We took a stroll down by the river and then U. and Astrid had some fun throwing rocks into the water (while I took pictures).

I couldn't help but think of Pennywise from "It". Just being down by the river, underneath the bridge looking out at a decaying town (that used to be booming) gave such an eerie feeling.

Afterwards we got lunch at a restaurant located along the river, before heading back to Bar Harbor, ME.

Stephen King's House (Bangor, Maine)

I'm a big fan of Stephen King. I loved his earlier work, especially "It", "Salem's Lot" and "The Stand." In high school I stayed up into the wee hours reading his books and short stories and many of them gave me nightmares. There's also something about his writing, about the good in people, and humanity that is quite touching.

I also admire his philanthropy and how he gives millions back to his community and has stayed married to the same woman (Tabitha King) that he married in 1971, the mother of his 3 children, and the one who fished the first draft of "Carrie" out of the trash and encouraged her husband to finish it.

Here I am standing in front of Stephen King's house (built in 1858).

Stephen King's House
47 West Broadway
Bangor, Maine 04401

There are anti-war/support the troops signs on his front lawn. "Support our troops by bringing them home."The wrought iron gate in front of his house has spooky bats on the the posts with a spider web design and spiders on the gate doors themselves.Shortly after we got there, 3 cars pulled up and all parked right outside his house. (We parked down on another street and tried not to be too conspicuous). One didn't even bother to park his car by the curb, but instead left it hanging out in the street at an angle, blocking traffic. They all rushed out of their cars and started gawking. At the same time Astrid threw this tantrum. We saw both as our cue to leave.

We drove up to the water tower (the basis for the water tower in "It") which I've read has its own tours.

I can see how the small town feel of this place and the locals that keep to themselves (and the fact that there's nothing to do) could inspire someone to write a creepy horror story.

Then we drove around Bangor, Maine. U. and I both found the city to be dreary and gray and decaying. The town felt deserted. U. asked how and why Stephen King could live here. I answered that he's probably away a lot.