Bonding in Bangor
by GEORGE WILLIAMS JR
The last time we were away alone �C just my dad and me �C was so long ago, my mind plays back the memories in sepia tones. We spent five days horseback riding and fishing in the backcountry of California��s High Sierras. I was fifteen. Oh man, I can still smell the catfish smoking on that cedar fire. Since then, we��d enjoyed each other��s company on several family vacations, but we hadn��t experienced that archetypical father and son bonding that only occurs when everyone and everything simply gets out of the way.
After my mom passed away, I brought Dad out from Las Vegas to live with us in Albany. I��m a real estate developer, and I figured that apart from being in a situation where he could find consolation from being close to family, he might be drawn to dabbling a little in my real estate affairs. I should note that my dad had done rather well as a developer in Las Vegas before he retired.
A couple of weeks after his arrival, I asked Dad to join me for a weekend up in Bangor in Central Maine to check out a piece of property I had my eye on for a commercial development. Autumn was approaching, and it seemed a perfect time to gather up some end-of-summer memories for the coming winter.
Dad did a double take as I opened the garage to reveal the brand-new Chevy Avalanche LTZ I had purchased the previous day. He��s always had a soft spot for a good truck, but seeing this beauty had him reciting Ode to a Chevy. I could see how proud he was that his son had the wherewithal to own such a fine set of wheels.
It was hard for me, but of course I let him drive. Gunning the VortecV8 engine along the highway on our way to Central Maine put a smile on Dad��s face that almost unhinged his jaw. When he pulled the Avalanche into the hotel in Bangor, I knew we were onto something good.
If they designed a city with my father in mind, Bangor would be it. A fascinating mix of mountain man and culture lover, Dad enjoys an evening at the symphony as much as a day at the creek with his trusty fishing pole. As we cruised the city in the Chevrolet Avalanche, we couldn��t help but notice its interesting layout of forest and farm lands abutting both urban and suburban developments.
On the first day, we enjoyed a picnic lunch at historic Cascade Park with its waterfall and fountain, strolled the galleries and art studios in downtown Bangor, and relaxed heartily at the American Folk Festival, a three-day celebration of music, dance, and crafts. Seeing Dad play air banjo while kicking his heels to the ethnic stylings of the Klezmer Brass All Stars, was a vision I��ll always remember.
The next day, following a successful morning exploring the land I��m planning to develop, we pulled the Avalanche to the side of a shaded roadway. Fishing poles in hand, we made our away along a short path to a strip of beach made for two. Here, alongside the magnificent Penobscot River, in the most pristine setting you could imagine, slap bang in the middle of Bangor (if you��ll excuse the expression), we experienced a quintessential father-and-son moment we will always cherish.
For the drive back, Dad relented and it was my turn at the wheel of the Chevy Avalanche. At this point I should add that we were both becoming rather attached to the beautiful creature! We arrived in Albany rejuvenated and excited to see the family. I think both of us would agree that the weekend in Bangor was the beginning of a wonderful new chapter in the Williams family story.
Author Bio: George Williams Junior is a successful businessman who lives in Albany with his wife Betsy and their daughter Beth. George contributes articles online to various car and travel sites. He is currently teaching Beth the fine art of fishing. For more information on the Chevy Avalanche LTZ, visit www.mainedriveschevybangor.com.
