May, 2014. Mother’s Day started with a visit to the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells, Maine. We were in New Hampshire visiting our son and decided to drive up the coast to Portland, Maine for lunch. Part of the appeal was the chance to stop at this U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Wildlife Refuge. Rachel Carson is one of America’s heroes — her book Silent Spring greatly altered our awareness of pesticides and their effects on wildlife and the environment. She and Sig shared a special connection through their literary agent, Marie Rodell. The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge includes a 1 mile trail, deciduous and pine forests and a salt marsh. Our hike through the refuge was quick, but surprisingly meditative and peaceful. It was a perfect way to begin the day.