I’ve been traveling around this small world for the past seven years, revisiting some for a second and third time. But the one I always come back to is the Down East area of Washington County, which holds its own unique beauty.

And I can tell you this from my travels, of all those cherished spots, not one has a pipeline or giant tanker idling in its bay. I hope it stays that way.From where I stand, it looks as though Washington County has been looking to fix its economic woes for some time now with only temporary solutions. How about focusing on what we’ve had for generations, and see how that pans out for the greater good of Washington County? Let’s protect and promote what we have:

. America’s first Christmas, St. Croix Island 1604-05 (predating Plymouth Rock and Jamestown).

. America’s first sunrise; where America starts its day.

. International border with New Brunswick, Canada.

. The woods, lakes, streams, coast and snow that give us a vast opportunity in recreation.

. The East Coast Greenway terminus in Calais. Calais doesn’t even have a sign up to acknowledge the path, which ends 90 miles from Cuba, at the southern terminus in Key West, Florida. You can find info at www.greenway.org

. Kayak enthusiasts and novices are starting to popularize a coastal trail for the islands of Maine. The terminus spot would be St. Croix Island, one of America’s first European expedition settlements.

. And, of course, the heritage of Passamaquoddy natives. Of course, the Washington County community has touched on some of these topics before, but I have yet to see a nicely packaged ad, similar to ones that draw me halfway around the world. We are lucky to be where we are. A couple of signs and a few ads in outdoor magazines, and outsiders that visit will be thinking the same thing.

Christopher J. Manza

Alexander