Maine’s Acadia National Park

Back in 2006, John and his hiking buddies hiked several trails in Acadia National Park.  So, on Monday, July 30^th, the noteworthy part of our being in this area was John’s chance to show me some of Acadia’s grandeur, beauty, ruggedness, and danger.  We decided to accomplish this by riding the park loop road.  The following photo op came early on the ride . . . try to tear your eyes away from the broad on the wall and take in the absolutely gorgeous scenery in the back . . .

The following photo was at Bubble Pond, taken by a nice young lady who was sitting at the waterside with her husband.  Although we never really saw any bubbles in the water, there was no denying its quiet beauty, as it was nestled right between two rounded mountains . . .

Thunder Hole is the place in Acadia National Park to experience the thunder of the sea against the rocky shores of Maine!  Thunder Hole is a small inlet, naturally carved out of the rocks, into which the waves roll. At the end of this inlet, down low, is a small cavern where, when the rush of the wave arrives, air and water is forced out like a clap of thunder. Water may spout as high as 40 feet with a thunderous roar!  Hence the name: Thunder Hole . . .

And that little old couple just showed up again at Thunder Hole!!  They’re everywhere!!!

The cliff-side Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse was built of brick in 1858 on a stone foundation, and stands 56 feet above mean high water.  Congress appropriated $5,000 for the construction of the Bass Harbor Head Light after it was determined that “sufficient need” existed to have a lighthouse near the entrance to Bass Harbor. There is a keeper’s house that remains pretty much in its original form. The house serves as an actual full-time residence for a U.S. Coast Guard family. When we arrived at the lighthouse, we saw a path on the right side that took us to back side of the tower and lighthouse.

On the left side was a path that appeared to go into a tree canopy. This led to a stairway that followed down the front face of the cliff . . . eventually arriving at a prime spot for capturing a picture of the lighthouse, with boulders and cliffs the likes of which I’ve never encountered.  So, I stayed put somewhat at the top, on flat ground, while John ventured down to the rocks below. There are no guardrails or boardwalks for safety once you get to the bottom. This is just the typical rugged Maine coast with its roughness, loose stones, and slippery spots.  But, my brave knight in shining armor was victorious in getting us the following spectacular photos . . .

And yet, with all its ruggedness and danger, Sand Beach is one of its very special treasures . . .

But, you still see the rugged boulders and rocks looming right at, and above the sandy beach . . .

Early on, I mentioned the ever-present danger of Acadia, which partially lies in its hiking trails.  Acadia is unlike any other area that John has hiked . . . which include the Grand Canyon, Mount Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Yosemite, Haleakala (in Hawaii) . . . Acadia is primarily amazingly huge rocks, boulders, and cliffs . . . very difficult and challenging.  When we came to Precipice Trail, John stopped to show me one of the dangerous parts of Acadia.  John and Charlie did not hike this particular trail back in 2006 (and I’m really glad they didn’t!).  A sign at the Precipice Trail Head clearly warned, “Danger”.  Then, he handed me the binoculars to view some hikers near the top of Precipice Trail . . . they were so high up that I could hardly see them, but what I could see was that they were literally walking on a totally exposed mountainside cliff . . . nothing but a straight-down drop-off from where they were walking!  It was that evening I learned of the cruel danger it really presents when I saw on TV that a young college girl had fallen to her death from that very cliff on the Precipice Trail . . . the Saturday before we were there on Monday.  Needless to say, it caused me to think a great deal about this hiking thing that John loves so much.  It made me more grateful than ever that he had been blessed with good health and safety through all his years of doing what he loves to do!  And, just another reminder of how precious is the time we all have here on earth together.  Let’s be careful out there . . . enjoy life . . . go for the gusto, but be careful!

Much love to all,

Frances