At the beginning of 2021 I took an epic East Coast coastal road trip driving to northern Maine to Portland, and then down to Rhode Island. I shared my travel tale of adventures in Maine in the first part of this post, check out Part 1 here.

After leaving Portland, I traveled to Providence, RI because I’d found an affordable Airbnb and the location was central to a few destinations I planned to visit. Next on this trip, Cape Cod, and Newport, RI.

I discovered that Cape Code National Seashore was only a 2-hour drive from Providence and planned to spend an entire day driving and hiking on the beach. The drive alone was worth the trip, but when I arrived, I was just blown away by how beautiful it is there. After getting my National Parks Passport stamp, I headed out to check out some trails. I discovered a trial right behind the park office, and started out down a hill, taking me down steps towards the ocean. The trail was long, but really enjoyable.

Along the way I found a lunchbox with a pen and paper, with notes from travelers who’d taken a moment to sign the book. I also met a man who lives in the area and he told me he comes to this park almost every day. I couldn’t imagine living so close to something so beautiful, hopefully one day I’ll be able to set up in a beach house and enjoy these views.

“A man may stand there and put all America behind him.”

-Henry David Thoreau

Newport, RI

Newport is a delightful town over bridges that I discovered while searching for travel destinations in the area. It was only about a 45-minute drive from the Airbnb in Providence and after spending a bit of time in the city, and struggling with traffic, and too many people, I escaped to this charming town filled with unique shops and yachts. I headed for the Cliff Walk and enjoyed the views.

Ending with this destination, my road trip done, I set out the following morning to travel back home. Over the past two weeks I’d been able to connect with friends, discover beautiful coastal towns, and connect to myself.

As I look back on this time, it was so important for me to have taken this time to recommit to self-love. I worked through this Self-Love workbook, which really helped me gain clarity around who I am, and what makes me unique, special, and valuable. Things that I’d forgotten.