The Northeaster Dory JR built at the WoodenBoat School in Brooklin, Maine is holding up securely on top of the Jeep. It has been christened with rain, fog, and bird droppings so far to date. Acadia is the only national park in the Northeast and quite different from other national parks we’ve visited. Set on Mount Desert Island the rhythms of the ocean waves are its heartbeat, granite rocks the irresistible and immovable skeleton, and lighthouse fog horns are its indomitable voice.
Acadia NP was established by Woodrow Wilson in 1916 with 6,000 acres. Today it covers more than 49,000 acres of donated land thanks to the remarkable dedication and philanthropy of wealthy private citizens such as Charles W. Eliot, the president of Harvard University, George B. Dorr the tireless conservationist and founding father of the park, and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. There is lots to experience in Acadia. Early risers can drive, bike or hike up Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the east Coast, to watch the sunrise.
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| Foggy on Cadillac Mt. on Day 1 |
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| Day 2 Cadillac Mt gave us some grand views |
Motorists who drive the one-way Park Loop Road enjoy a 27 mile ride along oceanside cliffs and through mountain forests, stopping at scenic turnouts and notable attractions along the way, like the mighty Thunder Hole and Sand Beach. There are 130 miles of interlaced hiking trails and 56 miles of carriage roads for biking and horse drawn carriages to enjoy off the beaten path away from motorized vehicles.
Rain and thunder showers dampened our chances to get outdoors during the first few days while camping in Acadia. Making the most of it we spent time by having Metal Magic in Trenton cut a custom piece to extend a bar off the back of the Jeep in order to be able to mount our bike rack, purchased mountain bike tires for Christa’s new bike, visited the Hull’s Cove Visitor Center for Acadia, tracked down a UPS Store to ship a few items home, did the tourist scenario in Bar Harbor popping in and out of various shops and galleries while strolling the sidewalks, enjoyed art and photography displays at the Legacy of the Arts Festival on the Village Green,and savored a delicious lobster roll and cup of clam chowder at the Thirsty Whale for lunch. In camp JR replaced new tires on Christa’s bike so she could ride the gravel carriage roads safely in the park. Browsing through Acadia NP brochures, working on our laptops, reading and relaxing in the Chateau filled the time while we waited it out for the weather to improve. The cold dampness was starting to get to us. As soon as the weather cleared we were able to get out to hike a few trails and bike some of the carriage roads.  | |
Jordan Pond gave a good hike along narrow boardwalks and some rock scrambling boulders |
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| "Okay Christa, no whining over this part of the trail ahead," said JR. |
There were lots of candid photo opts during our hiking and biking ventures.
We rewarded ourselves after a 3.2 mile hike around Jordan Pond by having yummy freshly baked, warm popovers and ice tea at the Pond Tea House.
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| Jordan Pond House popovers, iced tea and strawberry lemonade hit the spot after hiking. |
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| The following day it was foggy at Jordan Pond when we stopped by to see a birch bark canoe built. |
Being in the great outdoors is the primary reason two million people visit this wonderful national park every year. Fortunately we arrived early enough in the season to beat the hordes of summer rusticators.
In Maine you just have to go with the flow of weather changing day by day.
