Maine

I've always heard that Maine is beautiful, and I came to really appreciate that sentiment during my first visit. It emanates a unique vibe that's unlike anywhere else I've ever been. It has a slower pace of life that mixes with a 1950's Americana feel--almost like an Edward Hopper painting. And of course I couldn't help thinking I was inside of a Stephen King novel the entire time. As one of my favorite authors, it was really exhilarating to visit the setting of so many of his books.

We ate way more than enough lobster to satisfy my cravings and had some great poutine as well (I learned that Maine is basically Canada). On our last morning there we went kayaking in the lake behind the house where we stayed. It was quiet on the water as the morning mist evaporated and the sun shimmered off the water. There was a large dog happily running up and down a nearby dock.

The highlight of the trip was Acadia National Park, a beautiful coastal nature reserve. It boasts many striking rocky cliffsides, lush forests, and Cadillac Mountain, which is the first place in the United States that the sunrise becomes visible from October through March. Our view from the top was a bit obstructed by dense fog, but that led to a haunting beauty and silence that wouldn't have been possible without it.