After spending time in coastal Portland, we began our journey northward to Jackman, Maine—a remote and rugged town nestled near the Canadian border. But first, we had one last stop to make on the southern coast: the iconic lighthouse at Cape Elizabeth.

What should have been a quick 9-mile jaunt turned into a full hour of creeping through a traffic jam unlike any we expected in Maine. A 10k race was finishing right at the lighthouse, and the entire area was packed with runners, spectators, parked cars, and bicycles weaving through the chaos. Still, it was worth the trouble. The Portland Head Light stood proudly at the edge of the rocky coast, framed by brilliant blue skies and the bustle of race day energy. After snapping some photos and taking in the salt air, we made our escape back to the road.

Next stop: Freeport. We needed to recharge the car, and Freeport was the perfect place for a break. While the car powered up, we wandered through the massive L.L. Bean flagship store—a true Maine institution. The place felt more like an outdoor gear theme park than a retail store, and it was fun to browse the endless aisles of flannel, hiking boots, and canoes.

Once back on the road, the rest of the drive to Jackman was quiet and peaceful, a long stretch through the deep woods of central Maine. We passed thick forests, winding rivers, and the occasional logging truck. Civilization grew sparser the farther we went, and we kept a hopeful eye out for moose (sadly, no sightings this time).

Arriving in Jackman felt like arriving at the edge of the world—wild, beautiful, and serene. After the hustle of Cape Elizabeth and the retail buzz of Freeport, the silence of the north woods was a welcome change.

Jackman, here we come—ready for whatever adventure lies ahead.