This week your roaming band of rovers on Asa’s World Tour of Maine are in Rome, Maine. Settled around 1780 by a person from Lebanon, Maine, Rome was incorporated in 1804 and named for the ancient Italian city. Although as far as I can tell, this tranquil community has very little, if anything, in common with the Roman metropolis. But what this quaint Maine town does have are rolling fields for agriculture; ponds that are great for fishing, kayaking and swimming; mountains for hiking, and is located next to the Belgrade Lakes resort area.
Chuck Billy: Why are you closing your eye like that?
Asa: Read the sign, “Don’t look at your feet to see if you are doing it right, just dance.” I’m following directions! You always say I don’t follow the directions, well today I am!
Chuck Billy: I should have known.
Asa: Hey, the sign also says that we are just in time for the volunteer Appreciation BBQ! I’ve always dreamed of doing dinner theater! And it is a benefit concert for volunteers! Chuck Billy, you are the best tour manager!
Chuck Billy: Well actually… They accidentally double booked the venue. You’re not performing for the volunteers.
Asa: I should have known.
Chuck Billy: But don’t you worry! I’ve got an even better plan for today! One more befitting a rock star’s tough guy attitude! Follow me! It’s just an easy hike up French Mountain.
Asa: Wow, who knew a French Mountain is so close to Rome?
Chuck Billy: Close? This French Mountain is in Rome!
Asa: Wow, this is beautiful! But where will the audience sit to listen to me?
Chuck Billy: See those 5 or 6 menacing looking Turkey Vultures flying around? That’s your audience! Picture this: You’re on the top of the mountain, surrounded by Turkey Vultures flying around you! It’s just like all those ’80s heavy metal videos where they randomly had someone playing guitar, or better yet a grand piano, on the top of mountains! Your fans will love it! And it will give you the edge you need! (Our apology there are no Turkey Vultures in this photo. Apparently they are a lot more difficult for Mom to get a photo of than I realized. But trust me, there were surprisingly a lot here for Asa’s concert!)
Asa: I think I’d rather take my chances with the gladiators at the Rome volunteer appreciation BBQ instead! These Turkey Vultures are scary!
Chuck Billy: Nonsense! They love you! I hope… Maybe we should finish this hike sooner rather than later! We can add the vultures into the photos in post production.
