A Maine summer is the best summer. I don’t know if anyone can convince me otherwise. It is something I look forward to every year. It is something that when you get a taste, you think about it forever. I crave Maine summers for so many wonderful reasons. Summertime in Maine is about freedom, fun, sometimes hard work, and the summer breeze that blows through your car while you have the windows down, driving past your local lake under the sunset.

After growing up in the state of Maine for most of my life, I have come to realize that summer time is the best time of year. The Maine summers that I have experienced have produced the best memories and the best experiences. It has shown me true freedom and has let me grow up as a bit of a country kid. I have had the privilege of roaming through my neighborhood and the privilege of even causing a bit of harmless trouble with my childhood friends. As I have grown up, I learned how truly amazing those experiences were, but also realized that they could get even better.

Through my teenage years, I had the camp experience. I watched fireworks go off above my local lake while sitting in a boat. I sat on the beach endlessly, played badminton randomly with my friends and explored the woods too. I also eventually got a car, which made a world of a difference in the summertime. I could load up with a bunch of friends and go on a mini road trip. I could go shopping and again, could spend some time at a lake. The water is a hot spot during Maine summers everyone gravitated towards the beach and spent as many of these warm days possible in the sand or dipping into the cool water.

When I got old enough to work, these experiences became more of a luxury, but with the hard work, the moments I did have spent in the outdoors of Maine were cherished. I would enjoy every sip of iced tea and lemonade when it was made for me. I would take a hike through the mountains with my friends, and yes, I even was rebellious and went skinny dipping a few times, but what teen doesn't do that? I grew up, and these summers were shortened, but here and there, I get that taste of freedom that I knew so well as a child. I have gotten to live those moments again occasionally and they mean the world to me. The Maine summer that I know, is a summer spent rolling around town with your windows down, music blaring and breeze blowing through my hair. It is a summer full of love, laughs, happiness and joy, and after living through all the wonderful moments in my Maine summers, I couldn’t be convinced that they weren’t the best summers.

As spring comes around the corner, and the snow starts to melt this year, I can’t help but wonder what adventure or what new memory I will make. I am excited and anticipate the moments I know so well. I am ready to experience more of the summer I love so much.