One Last State

Anyone who knows Dax knows he loves a good list. If something can be checked off, he’s interested. One of his long-term goals has been visiting all 50 states, and as we prepared for move #7, the kids had visited 47. Only Maine, Alaska, and Hawaii remained.

With Alaska about to become home, we realized we had one last free weekend on the East Coast to make a dent in that list.

So, less than 2 hours after the movers finished packing up our house, the Davies Herd loaded into the car and headed north. We stopped for the night in New Jersey before finishing the drive to Acadia National Park the next day.

Acadia did not disappoint.

The kids spent hours climbing over massive granite boulders, squeezing through rock formations, skipping stones, doing handstands, and exploring every inch of coastline they could reach. The scenery felt almost unreal. Mountains, forests, rocky cliffs, and the Atlantic Ocean all packed into one place. Every turn seemed to offer another view worth stopping for.

Most importantly, Dax officially checked Maine off the list.

After a day of exploring, we made our way to Bar Harbor for dinner. If you’re ever there, we highly recommend Geddy’s. Every member of the Herd loved their meal, the quirky decor kept the kids entertained while we waited, and the kids’ meals are served on frisbees, which was an immediate hit. Zoe was particularly impressed that their Shirley Temples are roughly the size of her face. It is exactly the kind of place a family hopes to stumble upon while traveling.

The trip wasn’t just about crossing a state off a map. It was also an opportunity to spend time with family before the move. On the way home, we met up with Zed’s brother Jeff, #5 in the Davies boys lineup, and his family. As military families know, distance often dictates how often you see the people you love, and we were grateful for one more visit before Alaska puts a few thousand miles between us.

Looking back, the timing was perfect. The house was packed. The next chapter was waiting. The chaos of PCS season was in full swing. But for one weekend there were no turnover binders, no moving logistics, and no debates about which kid gets which bedroom in Alaska.

Just family, rocky coastlines, lobster rolls, cousins, and one more adventure before heading west.

Maine ✔️

Only Hawaii remains before the kids can say they’ve visited all 50 states. Not a bad place to save for last.