Maine's Bar Harbor, a Mount Desert Island holiday

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Although looking forward to our trip, we didn't give it a whole lot of thought as to exactly what we would find in Maine. We were invited to spend time with some family up there, and figured it would be a good reason to also see Bar Harbor. The dates snuck up on us and by the time we realized it was time to pack our bags, we were making our descent to the small airport. A friendly passenger was filling us in on where to eat and what to see, when the clouds gave way to a body of water dotted with islands. They are The Porcupines Islands in Frenchman Bay.
The small airport is staffed with welcoming personel, bringing to mind the bare-bones airport in Marsh Harbor Bahama. As we drove off to find the inn, the sun came out, and we were back in tourist mode.

The folks we know that have traveled there have all said basically the same thing - it's beautiful, stunning... And when we see it for our selves, we have to agree. The landscape here is "stunningly" beautiful. I'm not sure that stunningly is a word. On the last morning in Bar Harbor, I am stopped in my tracks at the fog creeping over the islands in the distance, it mists the camera lens, and I can feel the moisture as it reaches for my face! I took dozens of photos of that fog bank. But still it doesn't convey the feeling of being enveloped in the mist. The fog traveled over the water as if it were a live creature (So yea, stunningly is a word - stunningly beautiful fog)

Coming from our flat beach, to the forested islands of Acadia, was like landing on a mixed up planet, the "Christmasy" smell of Pine trees, boulders instead of soft sandy beaches, tiny protected harbors of icy cold water. Not the coast line that we are used to!
But now I agree with the bumper sticker that reads Maine - the way life should be

The light and the air, sometimes a place is just perfect. Back in the 1760's when this spot was first settled, "Eden" is what they called it. Those settlers must have first seen it in the summer, I don't think winter would be quite so inviting.


The inn is one of those old turn of the century "wealthy summer homes", situated on the water along the Town Shore Path. Walking in through the front door you get a straight-out-the-back-view of the bay and islands. And when the bellman informs you that you have a drink waiting for you during happy hour, the holiday begins. The pool is lined with canopied lounge beds, that I thought were more for looks, since the area has so many outdoor activities. But in the following days the pool was circled with sunbathers. Not us, we were up and out, seeing as much of the island of Mount Desert that we could.

Early morning on the town pier was busy with the lobster men readying their pots and loading the dingys. I still find all this boat commerce fascinating, and regret that we didn't take one of the made-for-tourist-lobster-boat-tours. The fellows that I zoomed in on, were watching me as much as I was watching their every move. And right before they puttered off through the anchored boats, I waved and he threw up his hand in a friendly reply!

We took in the recommended spots and stuffed ourselves with homemade ice creams, lobster pie, and lamb burger with feta. Heard some fantastic fiddle music at the Public House, and strolled by the bay.

For a unique walk in the woods, we lucked out with the tide and crossed over the "bar" to Bar Island. Only stone foundation ruins of an old home to see, and a great view of the town across the bay, it was a taste of the wooded trails we will find in Acadia National Park.

(Warning: This is the first of 4 entries for Maine. While you are here, click to the other two pages of photos, I love my new camera..!)

p.s. on our flight home, we were traveling with the daughters of our former President George W. Bush. Evidently, news reporter Jenna, did a story for television about Acadia National Park. And now I understand our currrent President Obama and his family vacationed there, the week after we were there.

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Photos

Balance Rock
Bar Harbor

sundown seal
this seal was lying on a rock just off shore of the Inn. He kept adjusting himself with the falling tide and the setting sun.

morning jog
along the town's shore path

Comments

[Katie]

Great pictures mother. Why weren't you in any pictures?