Hike 8/4- Cadillac Mountain, Maine

 Cadillac Mountain, Maine                            2.2 miles hike

Cadillac Mountain is the largest and tallest mountain in Acadia National Park.  We went to the ranger station and figured out our route.  We also learned from the ranger that Acadia National Park is the most visited national park and the visitors are the most dense of all parks.  There are buses that go all around the park in an effort to cut down on the traffic within the park.  We found the parking lot and started our trek.  It's a strenuous hike to the top of the mountain, but you're constantly rewarded by beautiful views of the harbor below.  Along the way, we found Maine blueberries - very plentiful, small and tasty!  At the top of the mountain is the Cadillac Summit Loop.  This is a VERY popular route. There were lots of people at the top that either arrived by hiking or by the buses.  It's also important to say that the hike down the mountain is just as hard.  It can be tough on your knees when the descent is as steep as this mountain.

Scotty's phone died at the top of the summit so this map only shows our route up.
It took as long coming down - it's always just as hard hiking down a steep path
as it's hard on your knees.

Kayak 8/4- Jordan Pond, Massachusetts

Jordan Pond, Massachusetts                                        2.8 miles kayaking
1 hour 20 min. paddling time, 2.6 mph avg speed

Jordan Pond is within Acadia National Park.  It's surrounded by a 3.3 mile walk around the pond.  But, we had our kayaks and kayaked the outskirts of this pond.  Across the pond are the mountains called "Bubble Rock".  Along the way, there are a few houses along the shore.  The water was too cold for us to swim, but it was a beautiful day to paddle.

After a day of hiking Cadillac Mountain and kayaking on Jordan Pond,
this was the best part of our day!  (I forgot to write down the name of this restaurant,
but honestly - anything after this day would taste good!)

On Saturday, August 3 we had a tent only campsite at Hadley's Point.  We moved to a site with electrical hook-up for the nights of August 4 and 5.  It's important to make reservations way in advance when camping in or near Acadia National Park.  They fill up quickly with so many visitors coming to this park!

Assistant Lighthouse Keepers 8/3- Thacher Island Views

Thacher Island Views

We left the island on the morning of Saturday, August 3.  It was a sad day as we had grown to love this wild and isolated island.  So my last post for the week will include some of the abundant and spectacular views.

Taking a stroll.

Nice day for a walk.

This view is from the south tower facing west, where you can see
the lighthouse keepers' homes and the city of Rockport.

This view is from the south tower facing north.

This view is from the south tower facing south.

One day when I was out walking, I saw this kayaker in this cove.  The cove
is not far from the house, south of the south tower.  Later in the week,
we figured out a way to get down in the cove, not an easy task
as you have to maneuver over rocks and through poison ivy!

Birds, bird poop and rocks - lots of this on the island.

There are some eclectic and quirky views on the island, such as this bus stop bench!

This is NOT a favorite view.
This is poison ivy and it looks different than the poison ivy that I know.
It grows like a bush and of course, I ended up leaving with a rash.
Next year, I'll definitely wear long pants, long sleeves and gloves when I'm out trimming the trails.

There are walking paths all around the island and across.  This is a view
facing the mainland and you can see the city of Rockport.

One day a sudden rain came up.  It was funny because we all had to run back to the house
and we all ended up getting wet.  Scotty was soaked as he was farther out on a trail weed-eating.

I saw these boats off the eastern side of the island and ran to get a photo.  There were several other sailboats.

Seeing the sunset through one of the western lighthouse windows.

Very weird walking in this water.

We're happy when we're exploring.

Uhoh!  It was deeper than I thought!

Nature, in all of it's glory!

Stand in the mystery water and smile!

This is the pavilion at the campground.  There are picnic tables here, some chairs, horseshoes and the privy.
I think we had 2 parties that camped here during our week.

This is the helicopter landing pad.
I'm not sure when (or if) has been used.

Let me find the bus schedule for my return trip!