Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park

By Glen Bruels
From sunny Kennebunkport, we headed up to cloudy, cold, and often foggy Bar Harbor. Despite living in New England, I had never been to this area, so it was a new experience for both of us.  Our primary focus was visiting Acadia National Park, but we also wanted to see the rest of Mount Desert Island and the “new” mainland section of the national park (more later). Because it was before the season, there were very few crowds and we felt we had the place to ourselves. To me, Acadia is a very special park, both in the sense that this was really the first Eastern National Park and because it was created through the donation of about 5000 prime acres of land that were acquired by a local group of citizens to ensure this jewel would be preserved.

As we enter Bar Harbor, the clouds rolled it, the temperature dropped, and the fog started to settle.
Most people come to Acadia to enjoy the rocky granite coasts beneath the craggy rocky mountains
So many cool formations!
But, Acadia also has lots of ponds, streams, etc. that are equally beautiful.
You never know who (or what) you will run into.
Do beavers actually climb or is there something else out there we should be worried about?
And, of course, there are the lighthouses. Picturesque and critically important.
“You looking at me?”
Sand Beach. In the midst of the granite mountains and rocky shores, is this small inlet with a beautiful sandy beach. Not many of these in this part of Maine;
Picturesque bridges and archways.
The Asticou Azalea Garden — on the way into Northeast Harbor.
I think we hit the peak time. The colors were amazing!
Northeast Harbor. We had hoped to take the mail packet boat out to the Cranberry Islands, but the wind was too strong — so, we decided to eat!
If you are in Maine, you have to have oysters. If you have oysters, why not an oyster po’ boy — a really big oyster po’ boy!
The Bass Harbor Light Station. One of the Acadia iconic photographs. Those Coasties need to pick up the pace; lots of peeling paint going on here!
Right by the Bass Harbor Light — okay, I have to admit, I have never seen purple pine cones forming…
… or red, for that matter. I’m sure they change color, but this was pretty amazing!
Southwest Harbor.
One of the new Coast Guard Motor Lifeboats. This thing is self-bailing and self-righting. Things probably get pretty exciting in this baby!
Jordan Pond. Those little bumps in the back are called Bubbles (North and South). That was not the first thing I thought of…
On the road up to the top of Cadillac Mountain (apparently the highest point on the Atlantic Coast at 1530 feet). You can probably figure out why Cadillac Mountain was originally called Green Mountain.
Of course, the views of Bar Harbor and surrounding areas from there is spectacular.

I’m sure many of you have been to Acadia, but if you haven’t been in a few years you really need to go back and check out the new Schoodic Peninsula park unit right outside of Winter Harbor, ME. This was the site of a former Naval Security Group Activity base which closed in 2002. Luckily, a wealthy anonymous philanthropist purchased the property and donated it for addition to the national park. This is the second year it has been open and very few visitors go there. There is a six mile loop that you can drive around, a beautiful interpretation center (old NSGA headquarters building and former Rockefeller property) and lots of great bike and hiking trails. You should definitely check it out. Anyway, we had a great time here and will definitely be back.

It took about 2 hours from Bar Harbor to get here, but totally worth it. Great park unit, with great facilities.
Lots of beautiful coastline…
… as well as inlets, islands,…
… and the obligatory lighthouse (Mark Island Light)
Love the ground cover.
Amazing views from Schoodic Head. Lots of trails from there. I only met two other people on this walk!
Amazing plate granite formations out on Schoodic Point.
Color rampant everywhere!
This is the interpretative center. It used to be the headquarters building for the naval base, but it was originally designed and built by Grosvenor Atterbury who also designed the Jordan Pond Gate Lodge on Mount Desert Island.
Commemorative mug from NSGA Winter Harbor. Of course, the mission of the Activity was classified, but some of us served in another base with a similar mission…
… and one of these guys — affectionately know as the “dinosaur cage.” A few of the concrete guy wire piers are all that’s left in this location.
Deb, intimidated by her fish sandwich!
A sign, right outside of Winter Harbor. Yes, we often get caught up in arguments over the politics of the day. But then that Maine pragmatism “boils down” the issues of the day to some pretty fundamental choices!
Of course, as is often the case, the weather clears just as you are getting to leave.  We were thankful, though, that we had the place to ourselves.  It’s so much different (and better) than fighting the crowds in peak season.  From here, down to Cape Cod for a few days relaxation before heading back!
Of course, on our last night, the weather cleared, sooo…
… time for ice cream. All homemade and really awesome!
This entry was posted in Maine, National Park/Monument, Travel, United States
Glen Bruels

I am a traveler and sometimes clay sculptor, following a long career working in consulting. My work allowed me to travel the world extensively and I was hooked. Today, I travel with my wife/best friend to explore new places, meet new people, and learn new things.

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