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jack sherman's avatar

Maine is tough on me! This climate is not easy, especially after almost 50 years of living out west. But summer is right around the corner, and the blissful days out on the island will reveal the other side of this paradoxical place. I love that smug feeling of being in a van, warm and dry, while others (like me in the past!) set up their tents in the cold rain. (Hard to admit this, but true :)

Liz Medford - lizexplores.com's avatar

New England seems to switch in an instant from cool and rainy to hot and muggy (then back again!). I don’t think I’ve ever asked, what part of Maine are you in, Jack?

jack sherman's avatar

I'm in the southern Casco Bay area. Basically, Portland, "SoPo" (South Portland), and Scarborough, where my mother lives. I'm moving out to Peaks Island this weekend. Sadly, this area has been gentrified to the extreme. I never thought I'd see this happen to Maine, which was one of the poorest states in the USA when I was growing up. Now, it has become unaffordable, as summer rents on the island are absurdly expensive. The good news is that a peak has been reached, and prices are starting to fall a bit.

Liz Medford - lizexplores.com's avatar

Scarborough is where Baxter had her knee surgery, so I’ve been there a couple times this year. Enjoy the island!

Lisa Durling's avatar

Lis, I have seen you in action, and I love the joy and simplicity that you bring to your adventures. The details of the shower seem complicated, but competent setting up a tent in the pouring rain, completely not. You know I love it when your camper is parked outside of my house on Cape Cod. Thank you for being such a friend. Enjoy your adventures.

Liz Medford - lizexplores.com's avatar

Our visit last fall was one of my favorite things! I hope I’ll make it back again soon. Hugs to you, my friend! 🤗

Shannon Rosenfeld's avatar

I think I would have adored doing this when I was younger! Now, I appreciate your stories, files with the delight and enjoyment of your travel adventures. Thanks for sharing your stories!

Liz Medford - lizexplores.com's avatar

I’m so glad I can bring you along with me, Shannon! Thank you for reading. 😄

Evie's avatar

I have tent camped in the rain and it’s absolutely no fun. Any kind of RV is preferable to that situation , even a “small“ van. And the smaller the space the less stuff you have to keep track of.

Liz Medford - lizexplores.com's avatar

That’s exactly what I love about it, Evie!

Danni Levy's avatar

Liz, love hearing about your experience. The beautiful thing about traveling in simplicity is that both the joy and challenge make you feel full. You know you are growing. Love to you. xo

Liz Medford - lizexplores.com's avatar

When you put it that way, Danni, I am filled to the brim! Thank you for your beautiful words. ❤️

Danni Levy's avatar

Enjoy. You are Alive and living! Love your morning view too. Such a cutie.

Rita's avatar

Enjoyed reading about how it is to live in a van when on a trip. Being older I can relate to the feeling of safety and having your own space that is orderly to get rest after being out exploring. You make a good argument for having a van to go explore our beautiful country.

Liz Medford - lizexplores.com's avatar

Thank you, Rita! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😄

Simone • The Wild to Live's avatar

"My van may be small, but it’s cozy and dry. It has everything I need, and nothing I don’t need. Every time I step inside, my body relaxes. I exhale deeply. I feel cocooned, safe, protected." This is how I feel about our bus-home. Deeply resonate. Thanks for sharing.

Liz Medford - lizexplores.com's avatar

It’s such a special feeling! I’m glad that you share it. ❤️

Kari Roetman's avatar

I feel the same way in our van. Safe, relaxed, happy... I wish I felt that way at home. Never been to Acadia, but it's on the list! Looks beautiful, rain or not.

Liz Medford - lizexplores.com's avatar

Good to know it’s not just me. I can never totally relax at home! Acadia is definitely worth the trip, but I’ll only visit in the shoulder season. I’ve heard that in summer it’s a zoo.