Little changes in the state of Maine. Forests and lakes still cover 90% of the land, just as they did when Leif Ericson and his band of Viking explorers first set foot on the coast. The 8,530km (5,300 mile) Maine coastline from Kittery to Lubec still testifies to two vigorous traditions: fishing and shipbuilding.

The landscape is the by-product of massive ice age glacial action, which cut bays, inlets and harbours into the mainland, and left over 2,000 rocky offshore islands.

Lobsters are plentiful here, with lobster pots dotting every inlet, and 64 lighthouses guard the state's wildly beautiful coastline. Quaint coastal villages come alive after the winter thaw and tourists flock to enjoy New England charm and hospitality.