Acadia

The other day I was riding through Bar Harbor and one thing was sure.  The tourist season has arrived.  The streets were full of people checking out the local stores and amazing scenery that Bar Harbor has to offer.  With the beautiful weather we’ve been having the people that are visiting must be having a great time.

If you are looking for a great retreat from your busy lifestyle, give Bar Harbor and the downeast part of Maine a go this year.  I promise you will not be disappointed.

We went on our weekly hike yesterday.  Each week we do a step up from the previous week in an attempt to hike an overnight trip to Katahdin towards the end of the summer.  So myself and four of the “at risk” girls that I work with took off for Dorr Mountain.

After a few minutes of complaining from the girls of the steep stairs that Dorr Mountain offers they settled in and we had a great trip up and down the mountain.

Dorr Mountain offers some great views of the surrounding area.  The higher you go up the large granite stairways the better the view becomes.  It is only 470 feet to the top, however the weaving trails makes this approximately 1.5 mile hike.  Some of it can be pretty intense and steep.  The majority of the trail is made up of the large granite steps however.

It is great to see the empowerment of the kids when they reach the summit.  There is such accomplishment and joy on their faces.  If you are visiting the area there are several trails up and down that will be just right for anyone interested in hiking.  I would rate this trail as moderate.  It is pretty steep although offers a bunch of steps that are safe for everyone.

Well it is hard to believe but Memorial weekend is here. Memorial weekend can mean a lot of things to different people. Those big camping weekends, remembering friends and family, family reunions, cookout, and the list can go on and on. To us downeastahs it means the kickoff to tourist season.

You will find all the shops and restaurants on Mt. Desert Island and downeast in full swing now. The friendly faces waiting to show you some good ole Maine hospitality.

Also, those who will be arriving this weekend or soon, the weather is cooperating with you. As I sit here in my office overlooking the woods my thermometer reads 86 degrees. My wife is thrilled with this report. Myself on the other hand, I can’t wait for those 60 degree fall days and those peaceful sleeping nights where the temperature hovers around freezing once again.

Soon June will be upon us. June is a perfect time to visit Acadia National Park area. The May rains have disappeared, the trees are fully bloomed, the temperatures are comfortable for most. The park is all prepared in its magnificent beauty. The businesses are all open. The best part is, the heavy part of tourist season has not arrived yet. You will have plenty of chance to walk the sidewalks and enjoy the tranquility of the good down east coastal towns before the mad rush of people.

So pack your bags and fill up that gas tank. Follow Route 1 or 3 north until you arrive in the greatest place on earth, downeast Maine.  The lobsters will be worth it….!!!

This view of the Sand Beach is from a rock outcropping along the Park Loop Road. It is not easy to find this location unless you are looking back as you drive the Loop Road just beyond the Sand Beach parking lots. As you go beyond the Sand Beach parking the road climbs to a high point as the road turns south and you can see the ocean ahead of you (see picture below). Watch for a very small pullout about a hundred yards beyond the turn at the top of the hill. Pull into the small pullout or just park in the right hand lane. Get out and walk across the street and follow one of the small beaten paths out to the ocean - be careful as the paths are rough and you will be climbing down over some rocks to get there (this is not an official Park trail). You will only go out a few hundred feet to get to this spot.

This is the view you will have from the road as you pull off to go out to see the Sand Beach - here you can also see a section of the hiking trail that follows the Park Loop Road.

This is the view to the South from the location where you will be able to see the Sand Beach to the North - spend some time here to “soak up” the vistas before you - take plenty of photos but realize that the photos will not do justice to the views you have live - take time to enjoy it LIVE ………

Some general rules before we begin.

1. Lobstah is fingah food. Use y’hahnds!
2. Be pr’payahd t’make a mess.
3. Wear comfortable clothes.
4. Be pr’payahd t’do some work.
5. F’get about calories, fats, and c’lest’rol.
6. Take cayah not t’get cut on the shell.
7. Most important: Have fun!

Down East Dictionary

lobstah = lobster
fingah = finger
y’haynds = your hands
pr’payahd = prepared
c’lest’rol = cholesterol
nutcrackah = nutcracker
pliahs = pliers
hammah = hammer
flippahs = flippers

Did you know that …..

* A female lobster lays as many as 100,000 eggs at a time, but only 1/10 of 1% of these eggs develop and live past 3 weeks.
* It can take a lobster 7 years to reach one pound.
* A lobster may live 100 years, grow to 3 feet, and weigh as much as 42 pounds.

To allow for growth, a lobster must shed, or molt, its shell. By splitting the back of its shell, the soft lobster is able to squeeze out of its shell, right down to its antennae. Because of its shell-less vulnerability, the lobster hides in a burrow, remaining inactive for 6 to 8 weeks until its new shell hardens.

Soft shell is the term used for newly-molted lobsters. Most adult lobsters near Acadia molt in July or August. At this time of year lobsters are usually sold at two prices. A softshell lobster has a shell with room for growth. The part not filled with its body is filled with water. A lower price per pound reflects this. Six to eight weeks after molting, the hardshell name once again applies. Some markets use the name “medium” to describe lobsters that are midway through the shell hardening process. Prices for “medium” lobsters fall between the soft shell and the hard shell prices.

For one persons guide to eating lobster I suggest you click on this sentance which will take you to a detailed guide on my Acadia Vacations Web Site.

One thing that can be a pain in the backside about Mount Desert Island is the travel. There are two lane roads and really they are not equipped for the three million visitors the area gets throughout the year. The majority of these visitors in a few short months. Parking especially in the town of Bar Harbor is nothing shy of ridiculous. Hold on though, there is now in place a great alternative. Once you arrive in the area you can park your car and enjoy travel aboard our local bus company, The Island Explorer.

With frequent travel to many area hotels, campgrounds, businesses, Acadia National Park, and other areas this is a great means of getting around. The best thing about this, it is completely free. There are several stops throughout the area and they will do frequently scheduled stops and pickups at these locations. This offers you a great chance to jump on and head to the park, town, or back to your hotel without the hassle of driving in traffic, watching for pedestrians, or the hard to do, locate a parking spot.

Many people visit Mount Desert Island in hopes of doing some deep sea fishing while they are here. This offers a great opportunity for those to get out and enjoy some time on the ocean. This will offer some great fishing for those who enjoy this sport, while at the same time give you a different point of view of the surrounding area. The scenery that you will partake of would be well worth the money spent even if you did not land a fish.

In today’s post I want to focus on the opportunities to do some fresh water fishing. With many spots on the island to enjoy this great activity. If you want to land some great native or stocked brookies you will want to check out recently stocked spots such as, Witch Hole Pond, Bubble Pond, and Upper Hadlock Pond. These ponds will give you a great chance to catch a brook trout. Each of them having easy access and fishing from shore very possible, this would be a great opportunity to bring the whole family.

You can purchase a variety of licenses that will meet anyones needs. These range from a one day(24 hour) license to a 15 day fishing license.

15-Day Fishing $40.00*
7-Day Fishing $36.00
3-Day Fishinh $23.00
1-DayFishing $11.00

Junior Fishing (12-15 years) $9.00

You can find out more information pertaining to licenses and regulations on the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife website.

If you are big on fishing or want to introduce a youngster to fishing while your here in the woods of Maine, check out these ponds. They will offer a good chance for a fun and fast filled afternoon of fishing.

Well here it is, the season is upon us now.  With the sure sign of the season coming up, Memorial Day.  So the big question running through the business people and those who rely on the jobs that tourism offers around downeast Maine is: what will this season look like?

What will this year look like?  When I hear this question and talk to local people, towns people, and others there are certainly some concerns.  The first concern being the price of gas.  This I believe came into play last year and gas prices around here and across the country are already higher then high season last year.  My thinking around this issue is some people this will not effect, they will make their annual vacation no matter what.  The higher percentage of people though I believe will travel closer to home.  Families are sure to be hit the hardest.  With all the other daily expenses that come with having kids, $3 plus for a gallon of gas may be too much.  So the compromise to continue with their annual family vacation is to stay close to home.

The second factor and the more important factor in my opinion is the CAT ferry.  Last year they signed a contract with Portland to run a ferry from Portland to Yarmouth.  With only one ferry they had to split their times between the two ports, Bar Harbor and Portland.  The numbers of passengers on the CAT ferry out of Bar Harbor dropped significantly last year.  People that do not necessarily want to spend time in this area but are heading to Canada can save three hours of driving by setting seas in Portland now.  This year the ferry has changed their schedule again to include more port time in Portland but less trips/days setting port out of Bar Harbor.

I saw the effect of the slower amount of traffic first hand last year as I worked in a local hotel.  So the question should be what can the local businesses and Chamber of Commerce due to keep people drawn here.  One thing that I feel is important is for them to reshift their focus on targeting the “people from away” as us natives say.  This is an important aspect and we love to see and meet this people and must continue.  However, lets see what we can offer for the natives.  Those families that cannot afford to travel to those far away areas.

We live in an amazing part of the country that has tons of opportunities for everyone.  So throw a few extra bucks a week away to make up for that extra fuel costs.  If you are traveling the CAT port out of Portland and on your way back come into Bar Harbor.  You will never be disappointed that it cost you a little extra money or time after you experience this great place.  Or as the chamber says on the front page:

The magic of Bar Harbor…romance, adventure, the rock-bound coast and soaring granite cliffs. From the stonewall-lined and tree-covered road leading you into our village, to the sweeping vistas from atop Cadillac Mountain, there is a special mystique to Bar Harbor. Nestled on the east side of Mt. Desert Island, surrounded by Acadia National Park, we have welcomed visitors for over a hundred years. And now we welcome you, too! Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park have a wide variety of offerings for visitors. There truly is something for everyone.

So here you are planning a trip to Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. Due to the busy lifestyle that has overtaken so many of us these days your time is limited. Your looking through brochures, calling places, receiving information from the chamber office, or searching the many avenues that the world wide web has to offer. All the questions of what do I need to do while there? What are the must see places? I only have one day in the area and I really want to see all the highlights of Acadia National Park. So here you go, here is my list of the top 5 must see sites that you will find in Acadia National Park. I am writing this post in order to help bring sites to your attention as well as participate in a project with other bloggers from across the world.

Well let us begin:

1. To top the list would have to be Cadillac Mountain. I would suggest where your time is limited whether you are an early bird or not to set the alarm or have the front desk of your hotel arrange a wake up call for you super early. By early I mean before sunrise. Wipe the sleepy seeds from your eyes and roll out of bed. Stagger around for a few minutes and get that first cup of coffee into you. Throw some clothes on brush your teeth and set off to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Depending on the time of year will depend on how early. You should plan in the heat of the season to have that wake up call somewhere around 4:30 though. Once you arrive to the summit jump out of your car and get ready for some breath taking views. Cadillac Mountain is the first spot on the east coast to see the sunrise. As the day’s sun breaks the horizon you will want to have your camera ready to hold onto this wonderful experience. As the days light shines through you are in for a breath taking sight of the town of Bar Harbor, Frenchman’s Bay, and surrounding areas. After this take the time to stroll back into town for a bite to eat for breakfast.

2. The second place you will want to visit is a drive through Acadia National Park on the park loop road. This 27 mile stretch of road that runs along the coastline will provide a lifetime of lasting memories. You will find many spots to stop and snap pictures overlooking town, water, and a panoramic view of the regions mountains. This is a 25 mph posted road and the people that are taking the time to do this are in no hurry. The majority of this road is one way allowing plenty of chances for people to enjoy and take their time.

3. Number three site to see you will find along your travels while on the park loop road. As you are driving along you will see many signs about Sand Beach. Sand Beach is an amazing spot to stop and spend some time investigating the only sandy beach in the area. For those who are brave you may want to tickle your toes in the Atlantic Ocean. Of course do not expect water temperatures to ever be above 55 degrees even in the heat of summer. The view is amazing from sand beach. It is positioned in the mountains of the park and will offer everyone a great chance at relaxing and enjoying some sun, water, and fun. There is plenty of off street parking, rest areas, and picnic tables for your comfort.

4. Fourth must place you will also find along the park loop road. Just a short way down from sand beach you will come across thunder hole. This will provide you with a great chance to visit and experience the rugged coastline of Maine. On the right day at the right time you will find out why the name, thunder hole. However, most times it is more like a whisper. So what is thunder hole you ask?

Thunder Hole is a small inlet, naturally carved out of the rocks, where the waves roll into. At the end of this inlet, down low, is a small cavern where, when the rush of the wave arrives, air and water is forced out like a clap of distant thunder. Water may spout as high as 40 feet with a thunderous roar! Hence the name: Thunder Hole.

Plan on taking some time to overlook Frenchman bay and experience thunder hole. Again, you will want to make sure your camera is in hand for these amazing views.

5. To end your day through the park I would suggest the fifth hot spot to be Jordan Pond House. Jordan Pond is the only restaurant that is located inside the park. This will be a great place to wrap up your trip inside the park with lunch and the infamous “pop overs” they are known for. With the option to sit inside or out with some more amazing and breathtaking views this would be the perfect end to your day adventure through Acadia National Park.

Yesterday I took the “at risk” youth that I work with on a hike on the Great Head Trail. This trail runs right along the coastline on the east side of Sand Beach. This circle goes just a little bit over a mile. This is a great hike for everyone. You will find some rocks and uneven ground but the incline is gradual and comfortable for hikers of all ages. The group of us started off a little after 2 p.m. and the slowest group had completed the entire hike just shy of 3:30. This of course was taking small breaks to take pictures and look around at the different sights.

If you are looking for a quick hike during your trip to the area this is a quick and rated as “moderate” hike. On the trail there were people ranging in ages from grammar school kids to senior citizens. When you reach the summit of the small incline you will be in for a fabulous view.

While on the hike I snapped some photos to give you an idea of what you will see along your way. I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed this hike.