For all the summers I've vacationed in that neck of the woods, and for the sightseeing, Maine trivia and history loving father I have, I really can't believe I've never been to Quoddy Head State Park in Lubec, Maine. (Que the phone call from said father telling me that I actually did go, but likely don't remember it because I spent the entire time my family was visiting there in the car being a sulky teenager. Quite possible.)
We spent the day there a few weeks ago, when we were in the area. The easternmost lighthouse in the United States makes it a fun stop, and those red and white stripes are very, very cool. But where we spent our time, and what we all fell in love with, were the trails along the shore. And the bogs. Thousands of years of rich layers, with such delicate flora and fauna. Fungi and moss and lichen galore.
There's a delicate balance that must be struck when visiting somewhere out in the world with the wide age (and patience and interest) ranges that my family has. A delicate balance of focus and movement, structure and freedom. That day, the stars aligned and all were well-fed, well-rested, settled and peaceful happy explorers together. It was a good day.
