Life in the Phish bowl

Winterport Rest Stop, Interstate 95-North

Chris Bartholomew of Boone, N.C., and Ryan Hughitt of Richmond, Va., had been traveling since 8 p.m. Thursday night when they stopped Friday morning at the Winterport rest stop. They had taken turns driving to Maine.

“It’s the best way to beat the traffic if you go at night,” Bartholomew said.

“The drive has been long though,” Hughitt said. “But we’re enjoying the nice fresh air up here [in Maine]. We like it.”

Irving Service Station, Stillwater Avenue, Orono

Manager Brian Murphy estimated that 500 or 600 Phish fans had used the Irving station in Orono since Thursday. “They were buying a little bit of everything,” including food and gas, he said.

“We’re twice as busy than we’ve ever been,” cashier Darren Willett said.

Dysart’s Travel Stop, Stillwater Avenue, Orono

A caravan of three cars carrying Pennsylvania State University students stopped for gasoline and bathroom breaks at Dysart’s Travel Stop in Orono. The drive to Maine was a long one for them, they said.

“I’ve driven 81/2 hours straight since 1 a.m.,” said Dave Niedbalski of Harrisburg, Pa.

“I was delirious,” he said, when he finally switched with another driver.

Dunkin’ Donuts, Old Town

Becky Carroll, shift manager at Dunkin’ Donuts in Old Town, noted the store had been busy serving Phish fans since early Friday morning. “I expect Monday will be even busier,” she said.