Christian's Lifeguard Dash

I've done many races here in Maine, Florida and abroad. Often times the races are for a charity, and in someones memory. Today I did Christian's Lifeguard Dash.  I knew Christian Lumenello. This was the first race that I participated in and actually knew the person.

Christian Lumenello was a lifeguard, surfer, athlete and student. He lived in Ogunquit Maine along with his brothers and mother. I saw Christian grow up from a little boy in his mother's ice cream shop to a full fledged lifeguard on Ogunquit Beach. His mother, Laura Rose, owns a popular cafe and ice cream shop, and the family lives up above the shop. On the night of September 11, 2010, Christian was tragically involved in a motor vehicle crash, and passed away at 16.

Today in his memory, his mother, father and many friends sponsored this 5k race in his name. Proceeds from the race will go towards scholarships to certify Ogunquit lifeguards. Christian was credited in many ocean rescues from distressed swimmers. The 5 kilometer race was held on Ogunquit beach at low tide. Christian's mother, Laura Rose started the race with yoga poses and stretches.

There were over 253 runners, walkers and many more spectators gathered on Ogunquit beach for this certified 5 kilometer race. At the first mile marker my pace was 6.38 minutes. On the way back there was a slight head wind. The sand was a bit soft, and there were smaller tidal pools to run through.

I clocked in at 21.02. Not my best race, but not bad nonetheless. I really wanted sub 21 minute. I was 13th out of 253 registered runners. I also came in first in my age bracket.  There was a young woman that was ahead of me. She clocked in at one second earlier. She was clearly a good runner. After finishing the race, I later learned that she has a stress fracture, and went back to her crutches!

Elite runner, Bobby Winn, races for the finish line with one of his past students, Igore. Igore is a student at Wells High School. Bobby Winn is also a selectman for the town of Ogunquit and helped set the course.

Two of my guests at Ogunquit Beach Inn also participated in the 5k race. Jodi won a medal for top female in her age category!

Blogger, Innkeeper, and Ogunquit enthusiast GreGorio  customarily collapses after crossing the finish line....

Photos courtesy of Matty B.

Timing on Coolrunning.

Endless Sea, Endless Sea

endless sea, endless sea, how you stretch before me.

your waves grasp me and pull me forward,

as your intoxicating scent awakens my breath and cleanses my soul.

endless sea, endless sea how you entice me!

the rhythm of your beat is melodic and hypnotic,

as primal waves break along the coast.

your sounds are both haunting and comforting, as you ebb and flow.

The oceans journey is continuous and without end

from the beginning time, and to the end,

yet, I stand before thee with awe and mystery,

as I watch the endless sea.....

MC Perkins Cove Restaurant Review

There are so many fine restaurants in Ogunquit, its hard to pick my favorite. However one restaurant consistently pleases all my senses.

MC Perkins Cove is just that restaurant. Located in Perkins Cove,  USA Today states the this is one of  "the Top Ten places in the world with a view".
MC Perkins is owned by Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier, who also own the award winning  Arrows Restaurant in Ogunquit.

                                                                                          (the view from our table)
The restaurant is casual yet sophisticated. You will not find a children's menu or highchairs. What you will find is many  local favorites with a unique twist.

Chefs Gaier and Frasier are also recipients of the James Beard Foundation for best chefs in the Northeast. Celebrity chefs Gaier and Frasier  have appeared numerous time on the Today Show, CBS' Early Morning Show and other programs.

We started with an order of Fried Calamari with cherry peppers with gremolta dipping sauce.  Our salad choice was the Caesar's Salad. The salad had imported anchovies that were mouthwatering and not salty.

Mike tried the steak special of the day,  which was topped with caramelized onions and was accompanied by a side of Chick Pea fries. The fries had an interesting taste, and I would definitely try them again.

My meal was actually something from the raw bar.  I got the famed  The Grand Shellfish Tower. This eye popping piece de resistance  is a collection of oysters, little neck clans, jumbo shrimp, mussels and Maine lobster with onion Tabasco sauce and a lime vinaigrette sauce. Usually people will share this grand delight, but I chose to eat it by myself!

There are so many reasons to visit MC Perkins Cove: the sights, the sounds of the crashing waves, the smell of the intoxicating food and the unique flavors that delight my taste buds. The service is impeccable. One unique thing about MC Perkins is that  the staff is really committed in providing great SERVICE and is very knowledgeable about food, preparation and menu. Staff is not interested in flipping tables like tourists restaurants that dot the coastline, but they are more in-focus providing a great experience. We where there for over two hours and enjoyed every minute!

The Details:

MC Perkins Cove

111 Perkins Cove Road

Ogunquit, ME

Phone: 207 646 6263

http://www.mcperkins.com

Reservations are HIGHLY suggested, especially in summer and weekends. All major credit cards are accepted. Located deep in Perkins Cove near the boat yard. Paid parking available, and there is free parking in the boat yard. Food and Service is five star. 

There are two bars, where you can also eat and enjoy a smart cocktail!

Innkeepers Greg & Mike enjoy MC Perkins Cove and recommend this bistro to their guests at Ogunquit Beach Inn

Today is My Birthday

It takes a long time to grow young.

                  -Pablo Picasso

June 1961

 June 2011

Today is my birthday. It is bittersweet to say the least. Many of the people that were on this earth, the day I was born are no longer here. My grandparents, parents, favorite aunt and uncle etc. But, I do believe you have to celebrate life, and enjoy the people that are in your life!

As a child, I learned to celebrate my birthday. We celebrated with a party with ice cream and cake; and sometimes an occasional trip to an amusement park or beach.  I really didn't like amusement  rides back then, and don't like rides now. So now I treat my self to the beach and a nice massage.

Like many of my birthdays in the past 50 years, I will spend it on the beach, enjoying a nice meal, and then a small party with loved ones!

Blogger/Innkeeper/swimmer/runner Gorio enjoys his birthday on Ogunquit beach on this June 10th morning

Maine Law Enforcement Torch Run

Special Olympics athletes are spokespersons for freedom itself – they ask for the freedom to live, the freedom to belong, the freedom to contribute, the freedom to have a chance. And, of all the values that unite and inspire us to seek a better world, no value holds a higher place than the value of freedom.”

                                                                                      -Eunice Kennedy Shriver


For over 25 years Ogunquit Police department has participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Ogunquit Police department has not only participated, but lead the way.....

                                  Ogunquit Police Officers 1985 First Torch Run, tube socks and short shorts!
                                                         (photo courtesy of retired OPD officer Bob Jones)


Year after year, residents, business owners and others have generously donated to this outstanding cause. Ogunquit has the distinction  of being a small town with the biggest donations.

I ran my first "Torch Run" in 2002. In 2003 I met and was inspired by Lisa Bird, director of Development for Maine Special Olympics. Through out the years Lisa has inspired and motivated me,  and many law enforcement agencies in the state Maine. Each year nearly 700 members of Maine law enforcement run  approximately 900 miles through the state carrying our Flame of Hope.

Because Ogunquit is a small town, with a small police force, we always invite the community to run with us.

The course in Ogunquit may be short, but support is quite large! To donate to the Maine Special Olympics:

Maine Special Olympics

C/O Ogunquit Police Dept

Officer Greg Testa

POB 666

Ogunquit, ME 03907

Summer Starts Today! June 1st! 2011

Meteorological summer starts today, June 1st.

Meteorologists consider summer to be the months of June, July and August, which are the warmest months of the year.  Astrologically speaking, Summer starts on June 21st,  But I think I like the meteorological definition better!

The summer beach roses are starting to bloom in the dunes, and air is fragrant with salt!

To celebrate the start in the "summer season" I bathed my self in the cool Atlantic waters on Ogunquit beach. Yes, its a baptising of sorts, a welcome to summer and good things to come! 

Innkeeper/blogger Greg enjoys the warm sands of Ogunquit beach on this summer day!




Thinking of a summer vacation? Visit us at Ogunquit Beach Inn, Located in the village, walk to beach, dining, Marginal Way and nightlife!