I took my first solo trip around the great state of Maine today.
This really shouldn't be a big deal. After all, I've soloed from RI to Wisconsin and RI to NH. I was the designated driver when my brother, his future wife, my gal pal, and I toured CA and Nevada. I make my living traveling to new places and writing about them.
I am perfectly capable of managing a one-hour trip from Greenbush to Corinth. So why is this such a big deal?
Maine was Nick's territory.
For over a decade, he and his parents have been exploring Maine. It's their second home. If we were contemplating a trip, Nick chose where we were going and how we would get there. I was just along for the ride.
Not this time.
This time, I did my pre-trip recon on-line from the comfort of my home in RI. I programmed a trip into “My Maps” on Mapquest. Today I borrowed a Maine Gazetteer (which is also something I have always subconsciously considered Nick’s personal property) from Pop and headed off to interview farmers for some articles.
Along the way, I saw places we went together...like on our hiking trip last summer when I remember thinking we were in a better place than the year before. (Boy, have I got great instincts!)
For nearly a decade, Maine has been Nick’s turf. I was a visitor. Not anymore.
As of today, I am claiming Maine for myself. I will come to know it my way...and it will be good.
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