Finally in Maine: A Journey’s End and New Beginnings
I’ve finally arrived in Maine—my home for the next month and a half, and the last stop on this long cross-country journey. It’s been over 3,500 miles of highways, unfamiliar towns, beautiful landscapes, and countless memories, but the feeling of landing somewhere familiar, with time to truly settle in, is incredible. Maine brings a new pace, a chance to unwind, and the joy of reuniting with lifelong friends.
A Rhode Island Send-Off
Before Maine, I spent one last morning in Rhode Island, taking things slow and enjoying the company of my mom and brother, Zack. Waking up to the smell of coffee drifting up the stairs, I joined them in the kitchen for one last round of conversation. We caught up on life, the road so far, and what was coming next. It’s those simple moments of sitting together, without the hurry, that feel grounding and make it hard to say goodbye.
After coffee, I joined my AJS networking group and updated everyone on my interview with Angel City Data. This group has been such a supportive part of the trip—they know the demands of this adventure and were excited to hear about the interview’s highlights. It feels great to have that kind of support, especially on the road. Knowing a few of them are following the blog brings an extra sense of connection to what I’m sharing.
Saying goodbye to family is always tough, and leaving Rhode Island was no exception. Mom and Zack have been my core support for so long, so those final hugs held a lot. I could feel the weight of the miles already covered and the relief that I was so close to the last destination.
Hitting the Road for Maine
As I drove through New England, a familiar sense of calm washed over me. The skies were partly cloudy, with just enough sun to light up the landscape of tall pines, rugged terrain, and the remaining fall foliage that New England is known for. The crisp 60-degree weather reminded me of all the reasons I love this part of the country.
After weeks of travel, I’m feeling the weight of balancing the blog, the videos, and the driving. Documenting everything has been rewarding but demanding, requiring careful planning and a lot of energy. As much as I love capturing each piece of this journey, I’ve been craving a chance to stay in one place, to focus on these reflections without the need to pack up and go again the next day. Maine is my chance to do just that—capture, reflect, and let the experience unfold in a more settled way.
Arriving at the Historic Whitten House
I finally pulled off the highway and arrived in Topsham, where I’ll be staying with my close friends Andrew and Scott. They live in the Whitten House, a beautiful 200-year-old home with layers of history. Originally owned by the Whitten family, it was later a public library before Scott began restoring it to its original charm. There’s something timeless about this place—the way it stands proudly in its own little piece of Maine history.
Andrew and I go way back to our childhood karate classes. For years, we were inseparable, always finding a way to connect even as life took us in different directions. Coming here feels like returning to a second home. I was greeted with hugs, immediately caught up with tales from the trip, and settled into a familiar setup. I’ll be working from Andrew’s desk, a space I know well since I helped him build this computer. With my light and microphone in place and a fantastic BenQ monitor, I’m ready to get to work and bring all these stories to life.
Reuniting with Traditions and Maine Flavors
After a quick nap, I woke to the smell of dinner—Scott had prepared a home-cooked meal, and the three of us gathered to eat. There’s a unique comfort in sharing meals like this after so much time on the go, grabbing meals from diners or take-out along the road. The food, the laughter, and the stories felt like the grounding I’ve been looking for.
Later, Andrew and I picked up on a tradition we’ve had for years with a trip to Gelato Fiasco, our favorite spot in town. This place is a must whenever I’m back in Topsham, with friendly locals, cozy seating, and flavors that never disappoint. I went with Maine Blueberry Cobbler and Toasted Coconut, two of my favorites, each bite bringing back memories of past visits and long conversations. Simple traditions like these feel like bookmarks in life, grounding you in the here and now.
Settling into Maine for the Long Haul
With dinner and gelato behind me, I settled into bed with a deep sense of relief. I left the window cracked to let in the crisp night air, wrapped myself in the quiet of the Whitten House, and drifted off to sleep. This stop is more than just a pause in the journey; it’s a place to dig in, reconnect, and embrace the slower pace I’ve been looking forward to.
Being in Maine feels like the perfect setting to wrap up this adventure, to let the miles and memories settle, and to enjoy the presence of lifelong friends and familiar landscapes. There’s work to be done and stories to be told, but for now, it’s time to rest, reflect, and make the most of this New England season.
2 thoughts on “Finally in Maine: A Journey’s End and New Beginnings”
Jared, you make me feel like I’m on this journey with you. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much Sister Twomey! I’m so happy to hear that!