Acadia... you can't get there from here!

 

According to Google AI... The phrase "You can't get there from here" is a well-known expression, particularly in Maine, that generally means directions are too complicated or the destination is too difficult to reach from the current location. It's often used humorously when someone asks for directions to a far-off or remote place. While it can be a literal reference to the state's road network, it's also a metaphor for life's challenges and complexities. 

While standing atop Cadillac Mountain for an evening sunset in Acadia National Park a couple weeks ago we reflected on our decision to become "digital nomads" four years ago (we didn't even know what that term meant back then!)  while sitting in our living room in Bartlett Illinois.  It was then that we first set a goal of visiting Acadia National Park sometime during our travels - little did we realize how much we would need to evolve both personally and professionally in order for that dream to become reality - in other words, we couldn't get there from where we were!

All the logistical and technical shifts we had to make to live as "temporary locals" was monumental within themselves, but it was our emotional and lifestyle paradigms that really needed updating for our Next Grand Adventure. Or as Adam Grant so aptly put it in his book Think Again... “We laugh at people who still use Windows 95, yet we still cling to opinions that we formed in 1995.”  

So with that analogy, we'd like to share some of our "AHA" moments from the past four years as we updated our "lifestyle & lighthouse software":

1) We are not on vacation... we live as temporary locals (i.e. still need to exercise, watch what we eat, meet with clients - and budget for sightseeing)

2) We are visiting homeowner sanctuaries... we are like visitors to a foreign country and need to adapt to their lifestyle and customs (i.e. release judgements, respect "house rules", explore their suggestions on sites and restaurants - even if it's something we'd never considered)

3)  There are no wrong turns... explore new territories & trails (mistakes or "getting lost" are opportunities for evolving perspectives and new views)

4) GPS can get you lost... know how to use printed maps, compass headings - and keep calm and carry on! (don't rely on electronics; we often ventured out of range of cell tower and wifi reception while taking the road less traveled). 

5)Travel with your own pillow & Roku... we live on the road, bring a few creature comforts that ensure a restful and relaxing evening (Vacations last a week or two - we've been on the road for almost four years, pack essentials that bring us joy regardless of the local conditions)

Things we also learned regarding the concept of "you can't get there from here" - low & high tides. While we've traveled coast to coast and learned to read tidal charts - Acadia is unique in having a "land bridge" that is only walkable at low tide (cover photo at top of this blog) to Bar Island (the namesake for Bar Harbor where we bed and breakfasted with one of our cousin couples Mike and Anne who specifically flew in to share the Acadia experience with us). Mike and Jer heeded the warning and timed their walk to so as not to be stranded on the island outside of the three hour window! 

Upon our return to Illinois we had the unique and rare opportunity to spend an afternoon with dear friends and neighbors back from our Bartlett days... rekindling old memories and making new ones - as we continue our Next Grand Adventure - Part II (with our most recent lifestyle software update - cherish each moment, here and now!)