I’ve been taking lots of back roads around the Seacoast since liberating Susan (my motorcycle) from her winter home, and have been daily flooded anew with appreciation for the Seacoast of New Hampshire and Southern Maine.
Durham, Kittery, Somersworth, Berwick — these towns contain roads that take my breath away — or, rather, give me breath as I inhale deeply their warm, rich breeze.
I’d like to give you some homework this week — whether you have a two-wheeled mode of transport or a car: take the intentional long way, next time you’re not running late already. Dig into Google Maps and see what back roads will get you to where you’re going — I guarantee you’ll have a more pleasant ride. Roll down the windows or open the helmet vent — and take those deep, deep summer breaths. This is why we live here. Trust me, as someone who lived in Hawai’i for four years with rarely a dip in temperature, this deep and physically overwhelming appreciation doesn’t exist outside places with a harsh winter to keep it all in perspective. Take the extra time to appreciate it!