The goal for our vacation was to enjoy the “quiet side” of Acadia National Park, exploring trails off the beaten path away from the more popular attractions.  However, it didn’t take long for us to notice no matter how remote the trail, solitary hikers would find us, and inevitably stop to admire Asa and myself.  Let’s face it, no one can resist our Golden charm.  But we were on vacation!  There were summits to reach!  Selfies to take!  Memories to make!  All this stopping to chat was annoying.  However, as I learned more about each person who greeted us, I soon realized our vacation served a greater purpose.

Time and time again the conversations went something like this:

“They are beautiful!”

They prefer ruggedly handsome. (laughter)

“How old are they?”

5 and 2.

“What are their names?”

Chuck Billy and Asa.

“I miss my dog!”

Followed by a whole lot of cooing, petting and some even asked Mom to take pictures of them posed with us!  Which by the way, Mom couldn’t help but notice we’d pose better for their photos than the ones she tried to take for herself along the way!  Sorry Mom, but we didn’t want to disappoint our new friends.

I admit, at first all this chatting was annoying.  This constant stopping was slowing down our hikes.  In fact, it took us almost 3 hours to do one 1.5 mile trail!  However, as we talked to our fellow vacationers, I realized we were there for a reason.  To give these road weary travelers a much needed Golden boost, and to hear their dog stories.  We learned about Hubble, whose Mom cried more when dropping him off at the kennel than when she left her child at college.  Then there was the man from Germany, who happily showed us photos of his Labrador Retriever, named Paul.  He and his wife are on a grand adventure, and during a stop in Newfoundland, they couldn’t help but giggle when their tour guide told them his name was Paul and he was from Labrador!  We also consoled a couple whose Golden Retriever recently crossed rainbow bridge.  This was their first time hiking without her.  I couldn’t help but notice our Mom’s eyes welled up with tears during that stop.  Then there was a couple from North Carolina who marveled at us being on vacation with Mom and Dad.  This couple is planning a trip to Colorado next year, and they are now determined to find a dog friendly rental so that their Yellow Lab and Springer Spaniel can join them on their adventure.  That’s just the tip of the iceberg of who we met!  We chatted with people from across the country and the globe, including France, Japan, and as far away as Australia!  All stopping to take the time to greet us, two goofy Golden Retrievers, hiking in the middle of nowhere surrounded by gorgeous views.  In fact at one summit, Dad had to jokingly remind one man to turn around and enjoy the view he worked so hard climbing to see!

In this day and age we’re all so self-absorbed rushing around trying to see the next summit, pose for the perfect selfie at yet another breathtaking view, wanting to create a “memory,” that we forget that the other vacationers all around us are on a similar journey.  However, by taking the time to pause and chat, we learned so much more about this wonderful world we live in, and that we’re all on this adventure together, no matter how remote the path we take.