Living Like a Tourist
Good News First: Baxter is Back!
I’ll start with the absolute best news: Baxter is officially back to his normal, dancing-for-treats self! After a tough couple of days, he managed to pass all of the rocks on his own.
I was honestly overwhelmed by the number of people who reached out to check on him. It means so much to me knowing how many of you were pulling for my little guy to get better.
Living Like a Tourist in Maine
I’ve spent the last couple of weeks exploring Maine, completely embracing the tourist lifestyle. Maine has been near the top of my travel bucket list for years, but it’s a place I never managed to make time for in the past. Having the freedom to slow down, take my time, and really experience different parts of the state has been incredible. I’m so thankful for this time and that I am using it as a gift to myself.
1. Biking the Schoodic Peninsula
My journey started on the Schoodic Peninsula in Acadia National Park. Unlike the bustling main sections of the park, this area is located on the mainland rather than Mount Desert Island. Between a fantastic campsite and an unforgettable day biking along the rugged coastline, it was the perfect kickoff to my Maine adventure.
2. Sunset Sails and Van Life Realities
Next, I snagged a last-minute ticket for a sunset cruise on a historic Friendship Sloop (named after the Maine town where these traditional boats are built). Because it was a smaller, intimate vessel, the real highlight wasn’t just the views—it was the conversation.
Van Life Reality Check: Life on the road can get incredibly lonely at times. Opportunities like this to connect, swap stories, and genuinely get to know new people make it worth it.
3. Tracking Stephen King in "Derry"
As a lifelong fan—The Tommyknockers was actually the first adult book I ever read back when I was 9 or 10—I couldn't skip a Stephen King tour of Bangor. It was surreal to see the real-life inspirations behind the fictional town of Derry.
However, the most impactful part of the tour wasn't the spooky lore; it was learning about the incredible generosity of Stephen and his wife, Tabitha. They’ve donated millions of dollars to local hospitals, libraries, and playgrounds, entirely anonymously and without ever asking for their names to be plastered on a single building. It’s great when you find out someone you idolize isn’t a complete jerk.
4. Family Time in Acadia
Without a doubt, the absolute best part of the last two weeks was meeting up with my family while they were on vacation. Together, we toured the main loops of Acadia and went on a whale-watching excursion. Getting to spend quality time with my nieces was priceless. They are growing up so fast, and it’s amazing to see the incredible young women they’ve become.
Next Stop: Nova Scotia!
In just a couple of days, Baxter and I are heading across the border into Canada to explore Nova Scotia. Up until now, my only visits to Canada have been strict business trips. I am beyond excited to finally see what the country looks like outside the confines of a corporate office park!
Stay tuned for the next update from the road!
Because who doesn’t want to see a picture of Puffins.
Housekeeping Stuff
I am planning to start selling stuff on my website. I have a couple of friends working on designs for some merch and I’m going to post pictures there for sale. The pictures are just a way for me to keep some of my best pictures organized and if you want to throw a few dollars my way - great. I will not be pushing anyone to buy anything. I am trying to get ad sense approved for my site (which means it will have ads on it) but I need more content and this is a way to do it. I’m just doing what I can to stay on the road as long as I can.