My wife and I have enjoyed several stays at this log home on Crescent Lake. On two occasions, we’ve invited friends from Europe to join us. And a few years ago we had a handful of our oldest friends meet there for a 30 year college reunion. What keeps us so enthusiastic about coming back and about sharing this place with our friends is the fact that it doesn’t feel like a “rental”. As soon as we arrive, the house feels like a home, and everybody we’ve been there with feels equally comfortable as soon as they walk in the door.
Since I really enjoy being outdoors, I’m never at a loss for things to do in Raymond. Crescent lake is the perfect size for casual trips in either of the two canoes that have always been down by the dock. Not everybody has been up for a climb to the summit of Rattlesnake Mountain. But I’ve tried to make it a daily routine and gotten some magnificent photos from its overlooks that face at least four of the region’s lakes. Everybody I’ve been there with has especially enjoyed gathering on the screened-in porch for meals and for conversation. The younger kids have spent hours searching for minerals in the crushed granite drive that leads down to the house. And they just loved the nearby Maine Wildlife Park. My wife’s absolute favorite memory is the sound of the loons, especially at night. I’m not much of a TV enthusiast, myself. But everybody else was impressed by the cable service that seemed to offer just about every channel that they could ask for. Day or night, I personally prefer watching nature unfold at the end of the exceptionally spacious dock.
This year, we arrived in the off-season and were delighted to be there for the onset of autumn color. At times, we felt like we were the only people on the entire lake and the tranquility was an added bonus to our stay. We brought our own kayaks this time, and after a little trial and error managed to navigate all the way from the log home into Sebago Lake! It’s an all-day trip, and I wouldn’t recommend it to the casual paddler. But for any serious kayaker or canoeist who doesn’t mind a couple of short portages, it’s an exceptional run!
Thanks for another memorable vacation. And we’ll look forward to coming back next year!