Acadia National Park day 1

 

Armed with our yearly National Park Pass we made our way to Acadia National Park. We were well read and prepared for a fun weekend of hiking surrounded by beautiful scenery and fun trails. But what we experienced on day 1 at Acadia surpassed all expectations. 

We arrived under cloudy skies and 50 degree weather hoping that the rain would hold off. The rain never came but fog and damp made for an unusual atmosphere that was no less gorgeous than a 70 degree and sunny day. The cloudy skies also kept many tourists away so most of the day we were alone on the trails which made us feel like we had the park to ourselves.

We were met at the entrance by a Park Ranger named Emily who couldn't have been nicer. She mentioned that she had started at Arches National Park in Utah and I let her know that we would be going there in 3 weeks. Emily was so happy  for us and admitted she was jealous and gave us some inside information about little known sites to see at Arches so I have a few places to add to our June itinerary. 

Our first hike was The Great Head Trail. It started on Sand Beach which is a small patch of , you guessed it, sandy beach but turned in to quintessential Maine rocky shores. It's a very small climb and the entire hike was 1.9 miles and the stormy day lead to larger than normal waves and incredible views. 

 

 

 Here is our video

We then left the beach to go a few miles inland and a different hike altogether at Jordan Pond. It's a small pond , 3.5 miles in circumference, but the limited crowds gave it such a serene feeling. According  to the info signs, it is the clearest lake in Maine with visibility down to depths of 45 feet. To keep it so clear, no swimming , fishing or any activities are allowed. There was no elevation gain and just a little rock hopping so it is an easy walk at 3.5 miles. So peaceful. 

 

 

 

Here is our vid of Jordan Pond 

It was such a great day and we finished it off with dinner and a few selections from

Atlantic Brewery in Bar Harbor at the Thirsty Whale. I had some Clam Chowder that could not be beat and told Cassie she had to have a taste , totally forgetting that she had given up potatos for 2016 for her yearly challenge with herself. After taking a bite she realized what she did and pushed the bowl back at me dejectedly but agreeing it was damn  good chowder. I consoled her with the Robin Williams speech from Good Will Hunting "It's not your fault,it's not your fault!"

Tomorrow the weather should be the same but we are going to tackle Cadillac Mt. the highest peak on the eastern seaboard.  We couldn't be happier here.