York

A surge of energy ripped through the Collins' Bus as the doors opened to the Kittery Trading Post. The Senator, who has kayaked her entire life, was excited to see the most recent kayak equipment and the latest kayak models. As she pursued the aisles in the trading post, she was able to talk with constituents about her support of the great outdoors.

Senator Collins, accompanied by an enthusiastic group of supporters including high school students from Mt. Ararat who spent the day on the Collins' Bus tour, visited the Eliot Town Republican Headquaters where she had the opportunity to talk with Representative Sally Lewin, Senator Mary Andrews and other volunteers.

For lunch, the Collins for Senator bus stopped in Waterboro where Senator Collins and her supporters ate at the Milk Room. The Milk Room, a sandwich shop, was the perfect place to recharge before heading out for the afternoon leg of todays bus tour.

The next stop of the morning was downtown Cornish. The Senator stopped into the Parkview Salon and Lily's Flowershop. While Senator Collins was visiting the shops, the students from Mount Ararat High School who are riding the bus with the Senator waved signs at passing cars. The amount of support from the town residents and drivers passing by was overwhelming and made for a great time in beautiful Cornish.

The second stop this morning was Jongerden's Market in North Limington. A large crowd of the Senator's supporters were gathered outside to greet Senator Collins, despite the chilly air. The Senator spoke with the stores owners and looked around the market before heading off to her next destination.

The rest of the morning was spent visiting with First Responders at the Public Safety Buildings in York Village, York Beach, Ogunquit and Wells. At each stop a crowd gathered to greet the Senator with a boisterous round of applause. Senator Collins was pleased to see the fruits of her hard work for First Responders throughout Maine. In Wells, Team Collins was treated to delicious cookies and brownies. Now we are on the way to Sanford for a chili lunch prepared by the police officers and firefighters.

On the way to the first stop at the Portsmouth Naval Ship Yard (PNSY) in Kittery the Collins for Senator Bus was joined by the International Association of Firefighters Motorcycle Club. The group of more than 20 motorcycles will be acting as escorts for the bus throughout the day. What an amazing site, a ton of yellow shirts on motorcycles roaring down Route 1!