Day 17, Hermon, Maine

It is Saturday, June l6 and not a very nice day – very gloomy; however, we decided to go to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park regardless of weather.  They are on Mount Desert Island, the third largest island on the eastern seaboard and offer the charm of a small Maine fishing village.  There are huge beautiful houses in the midst of town as well as dispersed throughout the park, hiking trails throughout the park (in the woods as well as along the shores).  You can just drive along the coast or go hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing or just sit back and enjoy a drink, lunch or dinner at a very cozy inn or huge restaurant.  Options are many and varied.  We did some hiking but the trails were not marked as to how long they were so we did just a few miles, drove along the coast line, walked around town and enjoyed a few meals and drinks and headed home.  We would have loved to have been able to spend another day and done more hiking as there is so much to see but we have to get ready for the caravan trip – always something to do. 

Acadia Park was established by Woodrow Wilson in l9l6 and covers more than 49,000 acres - nearly half of Mount Desert Island. 

In driving around the park, we saw such beautiful scenery in land as well
as along the coast.  The towns were filled with unique shops, restaurants,
inns, etc.  Just fun walking around.  The houses along the coast are huge,
as you can see.  Even the houses owned by the average person are large.

The hiking was great fun especially going around the shore but even though the
water was very very cold, I had to stick my feet in it.  After I was numb, it didn't
make much difference so I lasted about 20 minutes.

We had drinks at the Jordon Pond Restaurant.  The best part is sitting
on the lawn and eating w/a view of the ocean.  While taking a walk, we found
this lovely little creek under a bridge.  Every turn was another
scenic view.

There are numerous species of animals on the island; however, we had
to add a few domestic species of our own, but aren't they just
awesome.  Love the horses.

Needless to say the view was spectacular and we could even see the harbor.

There was a town center to just sit and take in the view of the harbor with
all the boats.  I think every family owns a boat of some size.  The houses
are just how I expected them to look - not quite as large however.  I'm thinking
the inn above was probably a private mansion that was converted.

Sorry for all the pictures but it was so gorgeous and it actually turned out to be a very nice and sunny day.  This, I think would be an area that we would love to come back to and spend more time.  I recommend it highly.