Usually the b section Road Trip starts with a destination, so I thought it would be a nice change to just do what people once did when gas was cheaper, and just get in the car and go - not having an agenda and letting the journey be the destination. I headed north on Route 4 in Auburn, and when I reached Route 117 in Turner I went south for no other reason than to get off a busy road and on one where I could actually enjoy the ride.

Before long I came upon scenic mountain views - some that took my breath away. I found some great places to stop, some to get a snack, to walk and move my muscles, or some to just walk through and browse. I proceeded up to Paris Hill Road, and ended up at Paris Hill Country Club, which is open to the public, and what great mountain views to enjoy while you are playing a round of golf.

Then I went north on Route 26 and before long ended up in Bethel, a great town to visit any time of year. After spending time in Bethel, I headed back down Route 26 and a stop at Snow Falls was in order. According to local lore, Mollyockett traveled across a frozen Snow Falls on her way from Andover to Paris Hill one stormy winter day, and stopped in search of a place to stay the night. Two different families who settled there at the time refused this young native American lodging, and she put a curse on the Snow Falls area, proclaiming that no one would ever prosper there. Both homes later burned to the ground, as have other businesses established there since.

After bestowing her curse on Snow Falls, Mollyockett continued her travels, shortly encountering the Hamlin family in Paris Hill where she learned their infant son was seriously ill. Invited to stay with the Hamlins, Mollyockett treated baby Hannibal, whose health quickly returned. The young man grew up to become vice president to Abraham Lincoln.

Mollyockett is also credited with saving of the life of local Capt. Clark when he was ambushed at the falls by competing fur traders - who disguised themselves as Indians - by grabbing Clark and hauling both of them over the falls. Maine has a lot of history at seemingly unknown spots. Just ask some locals.

After my stint at Snow Falls, I continued on to West Paris and into Oxford and the Oxford Plains Fun Park, with "fun" being the main focus here. Further down Route 26 in Gray is the Maine Wildlife Park, which is another great place to stop off to see some animals native to Maine, and check out some of the programs offered.

So be wild and crazy (with gas prices rising, going for a drive is a crazy and wild thing to do), and do the unexpected on your next road trip and just go! Head for the hills, or down to the ocean. Leave your maps at home and let the journey be your destination.

The best part about living in Maine is you never know what you might find around the next corner.

Turner, 225-5552 or 225-6018, www.rickerhill.com

Ricker Hill Orchards is more than just apples. They also have cranberry bogs, disc golf, and a great country store where you can buy all kinds of things, including great brownies and cookies.

355 Paris Hill Road, Paris, 743-2371

Open seven days a week from 6 a.m. until dusk. Not only do they have beautiful mountain views from the course, but also a pro shop and café. (Check the Sun Journal for discount greens fee coupons.)

122 Bethel Road, Route 26, West Paris, 674-2222

This is a small eatery for takeout, or you can eat there at picnic tables. The biggest sellers are fried clams, and fish and chips dinners. Great place to stop if you're in the neighborhood.

Route 26, West Paris

This is a place to stop and stretch your legs along walking paths set next to a shallow stream with gentle falls. There are picnic tables for your enjoyment, a hand-pump to gather fresh well water and a great view of the small Snow Falls. So, relax and sit and spell and think of the Princess Mollyockett and her exploits here.

119 Main St., Bethel, 824-6386

This is a small bakery that also has amazing sandwiches and wraps. Eat inside, on the patio or take out. Try them out.

111 Main St., Bethel, 824-3563

Right across the street from DiCocoa's bakery is a wonderful little shop with vintage clothing, gifts and accessories. Stop in and say "hi" to owner Patsy Cox.

43 Main St., Bethel, 824-2589

The atmosphere in this small restaurant is wonderful. All the casual seating is in small rooms, or you can eat out on the enclosed porch or at one of a few seats on the patio. Great food at affordable prices; try some of their homemade desserts.

888 Main St., Route 26, Oxford, 539-8330 or 539-8865, www.oxfordplains.com/funpark_2006.htm

Stop off here for a lot of fun. They have minigolf, go-karts and an arcade room. You can also buy snacks, soda and ice cream to top it all off. Right across the street from Oxford Plains Speedway.

Route 26, Gray, 287-8000, www.mainewildlifepark.com

This is a great place to spend a day. You can see and feed many different varieties of animals, and the park has special programs during the season. Be sure to stop by on Aug. 9 and 10 for the Native American Pow Wow where you can see dancers, drummers, singers, vendors and traditional food booths.