"Maine: A Mind-Breaking Journey to the Northeast Coast"
#2024Travel Review
When I set foot on this land known as the Jewel of New England, I knew it would be an unforgettable journey. Maine, a place surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with steep rocky shores, dense forests and a long maritime tradition, was waiting for me to discover her every secret.
First stop: Portland - a symphony of city and ocean
The moment I arrived in Portland, I was mesmerized by the unique charm of this city. It is not only the largest city in Maine, but also a seaport city full of vitality and artistic atmosphere. The red brick buildings in the old town retain their colonial style, and the cobblestones between Street and Street seem to tell the long history of the city.
At the Quayside I had an unforgettable lobster roll. Fresh lobster meat, paired with special mayonnaise, simple yet luxurious. Every bite is like tasting the taste of the sea, the fresh, sweet and sea water flavor dancing on the taste buds.
The Old Port Lighthouse is one of my favorite attractions. Standing here, looking at the majestic Atlantic Ocean, and imagining that hundreds of years ago, sailors used this lighthouse to find their way home, I can't help but feel awe in my heart. The sunlight shines on the gray-white stone walls, reflecting a simple and tough beauty.
Acadia National Park - Nature's Dream Canvas
If Portland is the soul of Maine, then Acadia National Park is its heart. The oldest national park in the eastern United States, this is located on U-Turn Island and offers breathtaking natural beauty.
I hiked early in the morning along granite cliffs surrounded by dense pine forests and blueberry bushes. The air is filled with the smell of pine trees and sea water, and there are mossy stone paths under your feet. Every step is like talking to nature and listening to her deepest secrets.
Standing on top of Cadillac Mountain at sunrise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is the first place in the continental United States to welcome the sun. When the first ray of golden light rose from the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean and illuminated the entire island, I was almost moved to tears. At that moment, I seemed to see the most primitive beauty of life.
The rocky tide pools on the seaside are a fascinating ecological world. Colorful starfish, sea anemones, and hermit crabs coexist harmoniously here. Every small ecosystem is a wonderful poem of life.
Maine fishing village - poetry in simplicity
Maine’s coastline is dotted with numerous picturesque fishing villages. The Boothbay Harbor I visited is one of the most charming. Colorful fishing boats docked at the pier, and fishermen shuttled among them, with traces of their struggle with the sea etched on their faces.
In a small restaurant run by third-generation fishermen, I tasted the most authentic local lobster dinner. The boss is a fisherman in his sixties. He told me the story of his family fishing in this sea. The stories about hurricanes, hard times and the ocean touched my heart like a living documentary.
Every evening, the lights on the pier dim, the fishing boats return to the harbor, and the lighthouse in the distance begins to twinkle. That kind of tranquil and profound beauty is rare in modern society.
Woodland and Autumn Maple – Nature’s Color Palette
When you come to Maine, it will be a great regret if you miss the autumn maple leaves. In late September in Maine, it’s as if the color palette has been overturned, with red, yellow, and orange covering the entire mountain forest.
In the White Mountain National Forest, I rented a jeep and drove along the forest trails. The sun shines through the gaps in the maple leaves, and every landscape looks like an impressionist painting. Pine, maple, and birch trees intersect to form a huge community of life.
I met a local nature guide who shared his knowledge about the ecology of this forest with me. It turns out that every plant and animal here plays an important role in this ecosystem. At that moment, I seemed to see the thread and interconnection of life.
Humanity and Temperature - The Soul of Maine
During the trip, my most profound feeling was the simplicity and kindness of the people of Maine. Whether it’s the coffee shop owner in Portland or the visitor center staff at Acadia National Park, everyone treats us with warmth and warmth in a heart-warming way.
In a bookstore in a small town, I chatted with the boss all afternoon. He recommended several books on Maine history and culture and insisted on buying me coffee. That kind of sincere friendliness is the rarest asset in urban life.
On the eve of farewell, in a cafe facing the Atlantic Ocean, I reflected on this journey. Maine is not only a geographical concept, but also a life attitude and spiritual state. She taught me to respect nature, cherish the present, and believe in the resilience of life.
When the setting sun sprinkles the last golden touch on the sea, I know that this journey has become the most precious memory in life.