It never fails. Whether I've been away for a few hours, a weekend, a week, or longer. Somewhere after the Hampton, NH toll booth on I-95 I start to feel it.

I-95 NORTH
TO ALL MAINE POINTS

Yep. Just about then.

It's a transformation of sorts, for sure. From wherever I was, whatever I was doing to... Maine. I begin to feel more at ease, sit a little more comfortably in the seat, look around a bit more, let my mind wander.

Almost there. The Portsmouth Circle flies by. The highway curves to the left, then sweeps right again, rising to meet the Piscataqua River Bridge. A small sign announces "NOW ENTERING Maine".

Phase I of re-entry complete. But for me, there's more to it. Maybe it's a half mile further, maybe a mile. I look for it, wait for it. I'll be damned if I'm going to miss it.

Yes, there it is! The Sign.

Passing "The Sign" on the Maine Turnpike the other night.

I'm home... Vacationland. The Pine Tree State. The Way Life Should Be. Chickadees and lobsters. LL Bean. Portland Headlight. Acadia and Mount Katahdin. The North Maine Woods. Mountains, rivers, lakes, the ocean, trails...

Nothing makes my heart race so, makes me happier or more content.

I'm home.