Apparently Maine is the most forested state in the Union, and we witnessed that from the water today. Kayaking around the islands off the coast near Stonington, we battled the waves and saltwater splashes while eagles and ospreys soared overhead. Every island, of which there were dozens, was packed with pine trees. It was eternally beautiful.

Here in small town America, surrounded by nature, I feel as though I’m across the country. And it feels good. This beautiful state exists in a beautiful country. Visiting here has reinvigorated my pride in ordinary, friendly, law abiding, tax paying Americans. We’re not the jaded political mudslinging we see in the news; we are a kind, hardworking people that can change the world.