Once I was paddling with my wife and two other couples along the Maine coast, offshore from Acadia National Park. We had covered a long open crossing, following lots of morning coffee. After hours of holding it in, we rounded Schoodic Point and made a dash for the nearest cove. Slipping into shallow water at the head of the cove, we were climbing out of the kayaks before they came to a stop. Three guys and three women, totally focused on the need for relief. Wetsuits dropped to the knees as quickly as we could get the zippers down. Not a rash guard in sight.

Soon after the splashing sound of pee meeting ocean could be heard, a loud round of applause erupted from the bluff above our heads. On our way ashore, our only thought had been to get out of the boats. We had neglected to notice that we had chosen a spot below one of those national park scenic overlooks.

We waved. They all got a good laugh (and probably some pictures as well).