Wonders of the Homeland
Friday,
October 7, 2016
Monhegan
Island, Maine, United States
Wonders of the Homeland
October 4-7 finds us traveling
south through New Brunswick, we enter the U.S. of A. (remembering that Canada
is also in North America). So much to experience, so many places to go, such
wonders abound … now to the homeland and discover more marvels.
Maine
So many people recommended Acadia
National Park on Mount Desert Island, we made it our goal and we are not
disappointed. An unusual combination of ocean and mountain scenery, the largest
part of the island, the park is crowded for the beginning of October. The
locals say it is the "peepers" coming up from the 'big' cities. The
colors of autumn lure everyone outdoors. The highlights of our three-day stay
are the trails, the shore, and a four-mast schooner. 
Choosing the sailing of the
day that includes a park ranger for entertainment and elucidation, we find a
day of clear skies, gentle winds and cool air. Perfect! Sailing on the Margaret
Todd Schooner. The four main sails of
the replica of a 150-year-old schooner have to be physically hauled up with
ropes threaded through pulleys. Dan joins in, as these massive sails require
many hands … he’s in the picture … center withready and white jacket. Such a wonderful
experience sailing out into the Atlantic Ocean and so much fun to take part in
the way schooners traveled in the last century. The crew included young people
and we enjoyed watching them work when it was time to turn the sails. The young
girl’s name was not Jackie, but we named her that after the series of books
“Bloody Jack”, the stories of a young girl who, disguised as a boy, became a
ship’s boy on 18th century sailing ships. Visiting with this 23 year old,
we discovered she is taking a gap year from college, saving her money and plans
to go, with other young people, to Thailand and the seas thereabouts to travel,
explore and hopefully work on some ships. Talk about carpe diem … these
youngsters are grabbing it. 
Bike with a Ranger in Acadia
There are 127 miles of hiking
trails and 45 miles of graded carriage trails (no autos allowed). Built in the
1930s by John Rockefeller, Jr. the carriage trails wind through some gorgeous
valleys, lakes, ponds and low mountains (there are 15 peaks on the island
forested with spruce, fir and pine). Which one to choose? Then we found a
program called Bike with a Ranger. Perfect! We met the rangers and eight other
bicyclists at Duck Brook Bridge. The bridge was built in 1929. 
We circled Witch Pond for
about 3 miles stopping along the way for interpretive discussions and photo
opportunities. There are some serious beaver work in this picture. This
entire pond was dammed by the beavers and all the deciduous trees removed,
eaten, or built into a beaver home. (They don't like pines and firs). See the
home in the center-left side of the picture. The bike ride revealed much color
and autumnal splendor.
The shore of Acadia Park
The village of Bar Harbor
(ba-haba) is set at the wharf and is a shopper’s delight. However, we do not
shop. However, we did explore some and walked along the shore at the edge of
the Atlantic Ocean (actually Frenchman’s Bay). Huge mansions, opulent hotels
skirted the beautiful rocky shore. We did stop for lunch before sailing the
schooner and had such delicious Lobster Rolls and Fish and Chips. 
Another Island in Maine – Monhegan Island
As we live in land-locked
Colorado, islands and shores, lakes and oceans have been our theme this trip.
Recommended by our friends Randy and Kristi, we headed out to Monhegan Island
off the coast of Maine, north of Portland. As an added pleasure, we met with a
long time friend, Gloria Kelly who moved from Woodland Park to Maine some 12
years ago. We joined her and two friends, Judy and Susan, on the ferry bound
for the island. Vicki finally found her puffin (The rest had migrated and
left this fella behind) 
This is a prime island:
Isolated, with not much in amenities (not even public restrooms); no cars or
roads, an artist’s haven (Andrew Wyeth); and replete with rocky shores, high
cliffs, crashing waves, a lighthouse and wood shingle houses; and
cathedral-high trees on the walking paths. We spent the day, hiking, climbing
rocks, skidding down slopes and taking pictures and collecting island dirt. In
the cathedral woods, we discovered many little fairy houses (look to the right
of the tree). The fairies were peeping out at us, I am sure, but we missed
seeing them.
A special sunset as we left
the island.
Next: 400 miles of highways …
leaving the Atlantic shore behind … avoiding major cities … pointed west!
