In August, I flew home to Maine for a mini summer vacation with my parents. Last summer, we went to Boothbay Harbor, and this summer we went to Bar Harbor, or Bah Habah if you’re a true Mainer. Bar Harbor is a popular tourist destination in the summertime; it’s on the east side of Mount Desert Island, the largest island off the coast of Maine, and it’s home to Acadia National Park - the park is 47,000 acres!
One morning, dad and I rented bikes and biked along the carriage roads in Acadia. This was one of the highlights of the trip for me. John D. Rockefeller built the roads in the early 1900s, and they cover about 50 miles throughout the park. Cars are not allowed on the trails – only bikers, runners and pedestrians are – and the absence of cars made the experience very serene. Although as pretty as the scenery was, it didn’t quite distract me from the burning sensations in my legs as we climbed hill after hill (note to self, need to bike/do lunges more). But seriously, how beautiful is this place!?
Another day, we hiked Acadia Mountain. The hike was pretty short but the view from the top was beautiful even though it was an overcast day. The summit overlooks Somes Sound, the only fjord on the east coast of the U.S. The photo shows the view of the Sound looking out to sea.
Look: real Maine blueberries!
During the afternoon, we took a cruise on the Margaret Todd schooner around the islands in Frenchman’s Bay. Unfortunately, it started raining – and none of us brought raincoats, naturally – but the scenery was still great. On our way of Bar Harbor the next day, we drove through parts of Acadia to see Thunder Hole (TWSS) and The Jordan Pond House. And most importantly, we stopped and ate lobster rolls for lunch; I have a lobster quota to fill every time I go home.
And what post about Maine is complete without cheesy lobster and moose pictures?
As soon as we made it home, my best friend Amanda came to visit from New Hampshire. We went out to Novare Res Bier Cafe, which is my favorite place to go out in Portland, and tried lots of beers, including a chipotle beer. In retrospect, we probably shouldn’t have had so many beers that night, because the next morning we were up bright and early for a bikram class! In case you were wondering, beer does not make for an enjoyable bikram class. But we both enjoyed trying a new studio – even if we did have to take a few lying down breaks.
I love going home to Maine. There are so many beautiful places to visit, and it’s a treat every time I go back. I’m heading back for Thanksgiving (and bringing le boyfriend) so I need to plan an extra special adventure – have any great adventure ideas to share?
).
