Acadia - Biking, Hiking, Birding

One can't help but notice immediately within the Park, the striking diversity of the surroundings. Within the first days drive to explore the island we were greeted with visual treats at every turn in the road. http://www.nps.gov/acad/photosmultimedia/index.htm

Perhaps the most striking sights were the postcard views of the many small harbors and marinas. Clear blue waters dotted with lobster boats, dinghies, sailcraft and powerboats, against backdrops of quaint fishing villages.

We even spent an afternoon placing our orders for new boats at the home of the rich & famous yacthbuilers: Hinkley....Bob managed to snap this shot of his new "Day Sailor" prior to launch!

(oh well, maybe in his dreams!)

http://www.hinckleyyachts.com/

The shorelines varied from flat tidal pools to large rocky cliffs, ending in either sandy beach or rocky pools with seaweed waving elegantly with the rolling tides.

Just outside of each bay, lobster boats carefully worked their traps, hoping today's catch would bring a large reward at the nearby wharf.

Lobster traps line the wharfs, and reminders of the past fishing days are scattered throughout the villages.

Inland, the eye is greeted by endless stretches of lakes & marsh, laid against subtle mountains, just starting to show an array of fall colors. Perhaps our timing was a bit early, the locals saying that they would not peak for another two weeks. We were a bit surprised at the mild temperatues, with a touch of that Louisiana-like humidity.

No trip to Acadia would be complete without a bike ride on one of the many "carriage roads" that were the brainchild of Rockefeller. http://www.acadiamagic.com/carriage-roads.htm

We sampled two loops one quite strenuous, climbing and circling Cadillac Mountain, and the other, a gentle flat peddle around Eagle Lake.

As we climbed higher, more views of the surrounding mountains & islands met us at every switchback.

But the true beauty of the area can only be appreciated on a climb to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the Park's highest peak. Since the peak was only 1532 ft and the climb roughly half, we elected to take the "moderate to difficult route up "The Ladder" trail.

It didn't take long for us to find "the ladder", but perhaps "boulder stairs" would have fit better.

The trail was fun and interesting, just challenging enough to feel like "mountain climbing", yet nice rest ponts & views of Bar Harbor along the way, including a surprise....a large cruise ship at anchor between the islands near the Harbor.

Joy was anxious to reach the top, the day was beautiful, and we wanted to join in on the hawk watching which takes place daily on Cadillac.

As we paused for a view of the crest, Joy gets that "are you sure?" look on her face as she realizes that we have only reached the top of Dorr Ridge and to go down through a valley and back up before we get there!

I must say that the hike was worth it. We were greeted by a group of birders that included "expert rangers" that helped identify each species, along with a narrative on their behavior and migration habits. We were lucky enough to take part in breaking a Park record for Harrier sightings, 23 for the day, along with numerous Kestrel, Merlin, Goshawk, Sharp Shinned, Eagle and a few Vultures. http://www.nps.gov/acad/naturescience/hawkwatch.htm

Bob & I left the ladies to the birding, and hiked down via the "South Ridge Trail" and through "Cannon Brook". The going was much easier and our first glimpse over the western part of the summit showed the many, many small islands that Maine is known for. As we rounded the intersection at the Brook Trail, we got a final view of Bar Harbor.

On the way "home" (Seawall Campground), a look across Southwest Bay at sunset brought a beautiful view of a lone lobster boat heading in under the rising moon. We stayed on the shore 'til dark, Joy & Kim exploring the moonlit tidal pools (handheld in darkness, pardon the shake), and Bob & I photographing the awesome light above (Panasonic FZ-30 @ 420mm braced on truckbed!).