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An Unforgettable East Coast Camping Adventure

The Journey Begins

At the crack of dawn, Beth and I embarked on an epic road trip in her brand-new car, loaded to the brim with essentials: a mattress from my trailer, a massive tent, and enough supplies for a week-long adventure. Our destination? The East Coast, where we planned to camp, explore, and soak in the coastal vibes. The 14-hour drive was fueled by excitement, with dreams of lobster rolls, whale watching, and the vast Atlantic Ocean.

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Setting Up Camp: A Comedic Struggle

After a grueling 14-hour drive, we arrived at our campsite, only to be greeted by swarms of mosquitoes and pitch-black darkness illuminated solely by Beth’s car headlights. Wrestling with our oversized tent in the dark was like starring in a comedy sketch. The tent barely fit, and inflating the mattress felt like bouncing in a castle—fun but chaotic. We discovered our campsite was on a slope, leading to some hilarious midnight slides down the sleeping bag. Despite the dirt biking noises in the distance, I managed a surprisingly comfy sleep, thanks to the trusty trailer mattress.

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Exploring Minister’s Island

Our first full day took us to Minister’s Island, accessible only by driving across the ocean floor at low tide. The island’s historic charm blew us away—a grand estate built in 1898 for $20,000 (a fortune back then!) required 50 trainloads of lumber. We wandered through the estate’s remarkable interior, marveling at the stairwells and rustic barns, imagining life in a bygone era. The island’s pig and sheep pens caught my eye, sparking ideas for my own farm back home.

Coastal Adventures: Paddle Boarding and Tides

Paddleboarding became the heartbeat of our trip. Each morning and evening, we glided across the ocean, marveling at the dramatic tides that transformed the landscape. One minute, we were paddling over deep waters; the next, we were walking on the same ocean floor, now exposed with jellyfish and crabs scuttling about. One memorable paddle took us an hour and a half to a stunning viewpoint, where we floated with the current, spotting fish and seals. A forgotten paddle forced me to use a short one, making for a wobbly but hilarious ride.

The tides played tricks on us. One day, I misjudged the route back due to the low tide, adding an extra kilometer to our paddle. Beth, waving from the shore, saved the day. Another evening, we paddled out to spot seals, linking our boards to avoid any dramatic flips. The seals didn’t disappoint, popping up playfully around us, though we kept our distance to protect our gear (and pride).

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Culinary Delights and Small-Town Charm

No East Coast trip is complete without a lobster roll. We split one at a local spot, and while Beth found it underwhelming, I savored the fresh, briny flavor—a far cry from anything we’d get back home. The nearby town, with its touristy charm and oceanfront Subway, felt like a postcard come to life. Dinners ranged from seafood feasts to simple eggs and toast at the campsite, often followed by late-night guacamole and apple snacks under the glow of solar lights I’d brought from the trailer.

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Whale Watching and Unexpected Hikes

Beth and the group ventured out for a whale-watching excursion, while I opted for more paddleboarding. Sadly, the whales were a no-show—the first time the retiring captain had ever returned empty-handed. Meanwhile, I hiked up a rocky trail, hoping for a view but mostly getting a workout. The effort was worth it for the glimpses of bays and the thrill of exploring the dense woods.

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Deer Island and the Whirlpool

A ferry ride to Deer Island revealed a quieter side of the coast, with abandoned houses and a glimpse of the Western Hemisphere’s largest whirlpool—a mesmerizing swirl of ocean currents. The ferry ride itself was an adventure, with seals greeting us and a nail-biting moment as we barely made it onto the boat. Ice cream and a leisurely drive rounded out the day, though the island’s understated charm left us eager to return to our main camp.

Extending the Adventure

By day six (or was it seven?), we couldn’t bear to leave. The daily rhythm of paddleboarding, seal spotting, and soaking in the coastal beauty was too good to abandon. We extended our trip by three days, savoring every sunrise paddle and sunset glow. One evening, the water was so still, reflecting the sunset like a mirror, with seals dancing around us—an utterly perfect moment.

The Final Day and Farewell

On our last day, we squeezed in one more paddle, navigating choppy waters and spotting seals galore. The low tide revealed the ocean floor we’d paddled over hours earlier, a mind-blowing reminder of nature’s power. We spent the day relaxing, reading, and hiking before a final dinner with the property owners. Packing up Beth’s car at 8 a.m. felt bittersweet. The 14-hour drive home loomed, but the memories—of seals, tides, lobster rolls, and new friends—made it all worthwhile.

Reflections and Next Steps

This East Coast adventure was a whirlwind of laughter, exploration, and connection. From wrestling with tents to paddling with seals, every moment was a story worth telling. If you want to keep up with my adventures, follow me on Instagram (@living_different) for daily snippets and check out www.living-diff.com for more. Sign up for the weekly newsletter if you’re curious, or just browse the site for inspiration. Here’s to more road trips, more oceans, and more unforgettable weeks.

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