Editor's note: This story was originally published in October 2021.

Why doesn't that description bother me? Having grown up in Pennsylvania, I don't remember people born elsewhere being “from out of state.” Why here, why Maine? After spending time here, I've learned that Maine's essence comes from the deep connectedness of its people and the communities those people have built over time.

In 2003, we bought our home here in the east. During the summer, we rented it out to visitors who wanted to experience what I still call the “real” Maine. Before that first summer rental, I asked a friend from Maine about an old access path through my property. He told me it was an old trail that fishermen used to bring their gear to shore. It was a little overgrown, but he said not to be surprised if an ATV would come by every now and then, trying to save time by taking a shortcut.