The two keywords in this flat, MARINE and MAINE stand for two answers that differ by a single letter - just as they do. The answer for MARINE is one letter longer than the answer for MAINE - again consistent with the keywords. The extra letter in the answer for MARINE is also placed in the third position - just like the R in MARINE. Hint: MARINE is two words.

I'm pregnant - good news! There's no

   time to lose!

Before I'm a parent, let's take in some

   views!

We'll draw up a plan, then hop in the 

   van,

Then travel a much of the road as we

   can.

Alaska's, I hear, the last great frontier,

And Cali is golden at this time of year.

The Washington scene remains

   evergreen

Drive east for a bit, then you'll hit the

   MARINE.

The lovely terrain, the Snake River

   Plain .........

I'll see all the beautiful sights while I 

   MAINE.

Answer:

 

MARINE =  GEM STATE

MAINE =     GESTATE 

 

Credit:

The Enigma 

March, 2021

LADY MONDEGREEN