Jani’s older sister Marti, and her husband Paul, moved from Arizona to the coast of Maine during the lockdown period in March. It was a trying drive on roads remembered for big trucks, torrents of rain and few open services. Their goal, besides establishing a new home closer to eastern relatives, was to locate near Marti’s oldest daughter (Ruth) and her first grandson, Marcus (almost 2).

Ruth, Jani’s oldest niece, moved to Maine almost 5 years ago to pursue her profession as a nurse-anesthetist. She met her partner, Chad, established a home in the vicinity of Rockland ME, and gave birth to Marcus in April 2018. This year she delivered a second son, Gavin.

Jani and Gary visited their Maine relatives in September, shortly before departing for their wilderness canoe trip. Austin, Nicole and their sons visited Ruth and Chad’s family later the same month.

Maine Family: slideshow