In the last twenty years, we've chosen Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island in Maine as our hiking destination 4 times. And, as much as we feel we thoroughly explore the island each time we're there, its magnificence amazes me again with each return visit.
The Island, though small is packed with over 120 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of carriage roads, now converted to bike trails, crystal clear mountain lakes, pink granite peaks and rugged, rocky ocean shores. There is beauty around every corner--stunning ocean views opposite glassy blue lakes, the scent of balsam in the air and hermit thrushes as hiking partners. The air is light and the sun, bright (usually). And every time our week is finished, I regret having to leave this most perfect place.
Lobster boats in Bar Harbor, Porcupine Islands in background
Tide going out to reveal the bar, connecting Bar Island to Mount Desert Island
Sand Beach in fog, as seen from Gorham Mtn trail
Waves off coast near Thunder Hole
View north on Long Pond, between Mansell Mtn and Beech Mtn
Water lilies at Witch Hole Pond
Pickerel-weed in Beaver pond off carriage road
Afternoon sun on moss through spruce-fir woods
Hiking trail marked with blue blaze
Pink granite with lichens and wild blueberries
Low-bush blueberries amidst reindeer lichens on mtn summits
Summit of Sargent Mtn, 1373 ft.
Barren top, Sargent Mtn summit, family in the distance
View from Sargent Mtn over ocean and Cranberry Islands
Cadillac Mtn, most heavily traveled of all, reminders for careless feet
Sun rising over Atlantic from Cadillac Mtn,the highest point on the eastern seaboard and first in US to see the sun rise.
Porcupine Islands off Bar Harbor covered in clouds.
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