Acadian Reflections

We checked out of the Blackwoods Campground this morning, but had decided yesterday that we were not yet ready to leave Acadia National Park.  Blackwoods Campground was beautiful, and we enjoyed our stay, but we decided to check into a private campground on the other side of the island.  Maybe I’m becoming soft, but three days without electric and water hookups is about my maximum.



Our Campsite at Blackwoods Campground

With the computer, phones, microwave, etc., it’s much more convenient to be able to hook up.  Yes, we have a generator, which we used very sparingly in the park, and, yes, we can charge our electronics as we drive, but it’s just not as convenient.

Having to conserve our fresh water supply can also be trying.  Plus, we wanted a cell phone signal, Wi-Fi or a Mi-Fi signal, cable TV for Tim, showers and a laundry.  The campground in the park had none of those, so I was not able to make blog postings while there.  I prefer to do my postings at night so as not to take time away from daytime activities.

So we moved to the Smuggler’s Den Campground in Southwest Harbor and now have all the comforts of home.  We are spoiled.

In order to truly experience Acadia, you need to get out on the water.  This afternoon we took a cruise on the Sea Princess from Northeast Harbor to Little Cranberry Island.  The weather was perfect as we headed out to sea.  We sailed past Bear Island Lighthouse, saw an osprey nest, took in the views of Cadillac Mountain and docked at Islesford.



Bear Island Lighthouse



A Working Lobster Boat and Lobster Buoy



Islesford Harbor

Islesford is an unspoiled island community with simple Victorian buildings, a general store with yummy gingerbread and a National Park Service museum that unfortunately had closed for the season.


Church in Islesford



Tim In Front Of a Typical Victorian House in Islesford



Too Bad the Museum Was Closed



The Sea Princess Departing the Islesford Harbor

On the return trip we sailed into Somes Sound for wonderful views of Eagle Cliffs.  My favorite part, however, was cruising past the nineteenth century “cottages” along the coastline.  These cottages, which were occupied for only two months during the year, were built by the wealthy “rusticators” who called Mount Desert Island their summer home.  It was these individuals who were responsible for donating the land that created Acadia National Park.


Sailing Away



Along the Shore



I'll Take This Cottage



This One Would Also Do



The Entrance to Somes Sound



Photo Opportunity In Somesville, the Oldest Town on Mount Desert Island

I’ve been amazed at how many Class B RVs I’ve seen during the past week or so.  Especially Sprinter vans.  We’ve been waving at the ones that we pass on the road but have not been able to talk to and compare notes yet with any of the owners.

Acadia On My Mind, And Stomach

This morning we slept, and slept and slept.  Sleeping late was pure indulgence for both of us, and we didn’t feel the least bit guilty. 

We decided to explore the quiet side of Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island and headed toward Southwest Harbor.  As we drove south from there, I began my search for one of the lobster pounds that I remembered from previous trips.

I found it – Thurston’s Lobster Pound in Bernard, near the tip of the island.  We looked at the lobsters swimming in the tanks and then placed our order for crab and lobster rolls.  I happen to love crab as much as lobster, and savored every mouthful.  Have you noticed that we are placing quite an emphasis on food so far?  I don’t think that’s a bad thing.



Get That Paw Back In the Tank



By Law, Maine Lobstermen Are Allowed To Set No More Than 800 Lobster Traps



Bass Harbor



A Foggy Harbor

On our way back to camp, the rain that had been threatening finally started, and the temperature dropped, but we are snug in the RV.

The Promise of Acadia

Tim and I arrived in Acadia National Park yesterday afternoon.  Acadia is what we consider to be the true start of our big adventure.  The weather was perfect, and we settled into our campsite at Blackwoods Campground in the park.  Linda, you would love this campground – lots of trees, good separation between sites and very natural.  It’s a huge campground, but its size is cleverly disguised.

Tim accused me of having spoiled the cat during the three weeks I was on the road.  HA!  He turned around and insisted on taking her for the longest walks she has had to date.  Kitty is really getting the hang of walking on a leash.  Of course, she is usually the one leading the way.  Kitty has also forgiven Tim for abandoning her to three virtual strangers and is now sleeping on his legs at night.



Is This Table for Me To Sit On?

Today we began our exploration of the park.  I’ve been to the park on several occasions, and I was looking forward to touring one of my favorite parks with Tim.



Tim Puts On His Best Interpretive Pose

The views from the Park Loop Road are glorious – the rocky coast and leaves just starting to turn shades of orange and red.  There were no crashing waves today; the surf was amazingly calm.  We were able to take our time, sit out on the rocks and enjoy the warm sun, gentle breeze and view of the waterfowl dipping for their lunch.



The Rocky, Blocky Granite Coastline of Acadia



Interesting Rock Formations



Tim Enjoying the View and the Sunny Day



Will I Fit?

Tim suggested visiting the Abbe Museum, an early collection of archeological artifacts from Maine’s Native Americans.  It was interesting to hear Tim’s take on the exhibits.  His specialty is western archeology, but he pointed out some similarities, and differences, between Native Americans of both regions.  For example, several projectile point styles look similar.  And of course here there was a heavy reliance on sea resources that are not available in the intermountain west.


Sarah At the Abbe Museum



Tim At the Reproduction Wigwam Made Of Birch Bark
Applied With the Inside of the Bark Facing the Outside of the Wigwam

Afternoon tea at the Jordan Pond House was as good as I remembered.  The restaurant is known for its popovers served with butter and strawberry jam.  The popovers were to die for, warm and melt-in-your-mouth.  I easily could have eaten more than the two that came with tea, but I restrained myself.



Enjoying Afternoon Tea at Jordan Pond House



Tea and Popovers



Jordan Pond With The Bubbles in the Background

Tonight we entertained company.  Jane’s youngest sister Lizz and her husband Paul happened to be camping in Acadia in the same campground where we are, and we asked them to join us for happy hour.  Lizz is the third Caporelli I’ve seen on this trip.  First Jane, then Mary, now Lizz.  Who would have thought?  Good conversation was enhanced by wine, local blueberry soda, Cabot Creamery cheese and fig and pecan dip.  We do eat well.

Tim, Lizz and Paul