It is hard to take a bad photo at Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park but I really like this perspective. It is a bit east of where 90% of the shots are taken here. The main difference is that the Bubble Mountains (North Bubble and South Bubble) in the middle overlap as they are instead of appearing side by side. This is shot low to the water with the rocks in the foreground in focus. For the photographs here, this was shot at 18mm, ISO 200, f/11 and 125th.
Travel Diary 17 /
It is the big day, the hike up Pemetic Mountain. It is the last one not climbed on the shirt CJH bought me a few years ago. It was a gorgeous day and we started up just about 8 in the morning. The ascent was on the Jordan Pond trail and then up on the Pemetic Southridge trail. We started in a nice forest and then up several dozen steps, then again through forest but more rock underneath, gradually the trees thinned and we emerged on the sloping granite at about 1/2 way to the top. Fewer and fewer trees and more exposed rock but you get false tops before the real top and on this hike there were two before the actual apex. We enjoyed the view, had a snack and then made the bad choice to go back on the Northridge Trail. After 1/4 mile we were into a difficult descent over loose boulders and smaller rocks the entire way. It took a long time to get back. We hopped on the Island Explorer, a free bus sponsored by L L Bean. Nice. We picked up a bowl of clam chowder for lunch and, after a brief rest, went for a walk on the rather flat trail at Hunter Brook Cove, a favorite spot. Had a great dinner in Bar Harbor at Galyn’s - always classy and excellent. Then we wandered among the shops and ended with chocolate and buttermint ice cream at MDI, my favorite shop!
Cadillac’s Correct Viewpoint!
Well the big day arrived with clear sunny skies, about the only slight flaw in a perfect plan executed to the ultimate degree. I was up early, thankfully the guides went off to climb another silly mountain. With all the nice ponds to explore they keep going up? Anyway, I finished cooking all the food and still had time to polish my antlers and groom my lush coat. And just barely finished the name tags, we moose are not the most distinctive breed, except for certain excellent individuals. About 11:00 the first cousins arrived from Baxter area, then four more from Mooselake region and even three from NH. By noon nearly 20 moose were ready for the feast, though I thought a few more might come I figured it was just more for those that did. And they loved the food. It was a huge hit. Well, they did not really like the lobster rolls but the salad and the seafood boil were gulped down with gusto. Actually a little too much gusto, they made a mess and still had to go to the pond to eat some reeds and grasses. Not one of them had decent table manners. Also they were not enamored with the baked Maine. I heard one cousin from Aroostock County say he never had ice cream and did not like reminders of winter. Reminders of winter, move to a better climate! I am sure they enjoyed themselves a lot but they did not stay too long after the food was finished except one little runt cousin I had not met before who seemed to see the light of decent dining and he Is hanging around asking all sorts of annoying questions. I guess I can be magnanimous, one of my outstanding qualities - and answer him kindly. I was also a bit miffed that none of my old girl friends were able to come. It seems they managed to swallow their extreme disappointment that I had moved and chose to address their heartbreak by getting married. Married! It has been a long week of preparation and even I get a little tired at times I think I will rest a bit tomorrow if this “cousin” will leave me alone. I need to learn his name. I actually miss home a bit and wonder if any new restaurants have opened since I left.
I did not have time to check my email today, hope the lawyer has my checks sorted out.
Is this not delightfully Moosey
Rare Hileman Sighting on TLT /
At the top!
Travel Diary 16 /
Woke up to some rain today so we postponed the really big hike for Saturday but we still managed to get a hike in at the trail for Upper and Lower Hadlock ponds. We did not do all of the Upper pond. It was very pretty in spite of the rain and the exposed roots that made the initial going slow. The trail follows along a stream that connects the two ponds, large ponds actually. The neat thing was the place looked like leprechauns or fairies or some such creature would live here. Really want to go back some sunny morning. Because the weather was not improving we choose to use this as our “catch up” day. We went into town and set up the computers at the Independent Coffee Shop. They have Blueberry Coffee and we both enjoy it. So we got in about 2 hours of work. Then clean up in the trailer and truck - then laundry back in town. The place we thought we would use by the campground did not actually have washers. Oops. Great to get all that done. We had dinner with a fire at the campsite. Not our usual practice but it was nice that night.
Cadillac’s Correct Viewpoint!
I just had too much work to do today to enjoy perfect Moose weather. Drat. My visits with my aunts went well but I think they may be slipping a bit cause they had a hard time remembering me. I didn’t actually see S. Special either, no one knew where she went but the rumor is that she migrated west to Montana. Montana, that is like a thousand miles to the nearest latte. Just as well she was not the most stable branch in the forest. And as I may’ve mentioned I had work to do. First I am off to catch some lobsters. Not too hard cause they are often gathered in little boxes at the ends of strings. Easy peasy to grab 20 or 30. The real work comes after I cook them because you must de-shell the creature. I then spent the rest of the day harvesting veggies and greens. Plus setting up my dough to rise overnight for the rolls. Everything is coming along so well. I also moved the location to a more remote location. You know what a crowd gathers when one moose strolls into town, imagine 75 or 80! So I found this open super moosey spot just past the Duck Bridge. Perfect. My skill in anticipating problems in one of my more outstanding qualities.
Still no word on my missing checks, I must ding the lawyer tomorrow if I get a chance. And to get a bit of rest because tomorrow is the big day.
Misty Land /
This is a stream between two ponds, Upper and Lower Hadlock. It was a misty rainy foggy day and it felt like this was another world.
Travel Diary 15 /
We finally have nice weather after three days of overcast and / or rain. Mostly rain. We took advantage and first walked the Great Head Trail, a primer for the bigger trails but some of the best ocean views on the island. Then we slipped into town and had lunch at the Morning Glory, a long-time favorite spot for breakfast but it was equally good for lunch, than back to another easier trail, Gorham Mountain. This is made a bit more challenging but going up the south ridge and then down the north side. Part of the way down we took another trail to a bit more remote lake, “The Bowl,” and then back to the parking area near sand beach. On the way up we were passed (only because I am taking lots of photos:) by a couple from Boone, NC who had just received the mailing from Mountainside Church about their move to a new venue. We then went back to the campsite, changed and went to dinner at the The Chart Room - after shooting sunset photos near the campground. CJH said her meal was one of the best she ever had, anywhere. Pretty good recommendation. Mine was excellent too, a mixed grill of three fish. Back to the trailer, it is so dark here, cool. We are warm and cozy in the trailer.
Cadillac’s Correct Viewpoint!
So much to do and only one of me to do it. It is a good thing that time management is one of my outstanding qualities. It would not be such an issue but the guides are going to The Bowl as it is called now, in my day it was simply the Dipper. But I really wanted to do that walk up Gorham and around - first, because I had not been in several years and second, who knows where the “guides” would end up without my keen sense of direction. So we did the trail together. They struggled to keep up but I was patient, as I already mentioned, a sterling part of my character. After, I did the preparation for the big Saturday feast. Lots of chopping and mixing, a delicate task for a well-hoofed animal such as myself, but I have accomplished it to perfection. Also, tomorrow will be lots of cooking after I dredge up some lobsters. However, I am taking time to visit with a couple of elderly aunts, Phaeton 5859 & Series 62, across the bay as they will not be able to swim over for the celebration feast and I know they would be quite upset if they did not get to see me. Understandably, of course. I might also see if Sixty Special would like to go to the movies, we have not seen each other for 5 years and I expect she misses me a lot. Just great to be basking in the blueberry essence of my youth but need to keep working if this party is to be the smashing success everyone expects of my efforts.
Quiet Corner on Great Head /
This is a walk we do most trips, it is only about 2 miles around and not too much elevation but you still have to clamber up rocks so it is a good re-introduction to hiking here. Plus the OCEAN. Views here are always nice and the waves as close as you wish to go.
Travel Diary 14 /
We were up and on the way to Saint Croix Island International Historic Site or Lieu historique international about 8 in a heavy fog with intermittent rain. It is a 90 mile trip one way to see an island you cannot get to from a tiny riverside park and the visitor center is not open on Wednesdays. Somedays I wonder about this quest to visit and photograph all of the parks. It makes for a full day. But Route One is interesting, lots of run down and seemingly abandoned buildings makes some of it sad. There are small towns and villages but none that look too prosperous. We did pass “Wreaths Across America” where they make the wreaths that are placed on veterans' graves at Christmas. Going to see them at Arlington was very moving. You will also see miles of wild blueberry fields. They were harvested in mid-August and then burned back in early September so not picturesque today. After a nice chat with the ranger at Saint Croix, who came out to visit even though they were closed, and a short walk down to see the island, we headed to Campobello Island and Roosevelt’s summer home for many years. Of course you pass through the customs area both going to and coming from Canada. It was a simple process with our passports and general benign appearances:) The house is pretty much as they left it - full of Roosevelt furnishings with the exception of three missing pieces from the inventory done in 1939. After Roosevelt contracted polio he was only here three times but Mrs. Roosevelt came every year even after the house was sold until the year she died.
Back to the campground, dinner in the trailer and getting ready for hiking tomorrow.
Cadillac’s Correct Viewpoint!
Well, I went. It delayed things on this end but was well worth it because I was able to see my French Canadian Cousin (actually 4th cousin, 3 antlers removed) but we were great friends growing up. He had difficulty getting a passport but the guides snuck into Canada at Lubec to visit another moldy house, of course. That allowed me to meet up with cousin Coupe de Ville. We had a great time. He is quite the sophisticated moose now and cooks for a living in Nova Scotia. We traded recipes but he also warned me that I would be disappointed in the picnic suggesting that perhaps my cousins in Maine were not too, well, up-to-date was how he put it. I already know they don’t have internet - how do you live without internet, but I am sure they have developed well past the stomping in the marsh stage or licking salt from the edge of the highway. Egad, how primitive. I could not get a photo of Coupe because of some visa issue, oh well, he promised to send me on via email. A great visit but we got home pretty late, and it is going to be a busy day tomorrow.
Have you ever seen more perfect weather!!!
By the way, this house was Franklin Roosevelt’s summer home, not so moldy because HIS cousin worked with my great-great-great-great grandfather on the Bull Moose party when Teddy ran for president. No finer political party existed before or since with such a fabulous name I am amazed they did not win every year.
Still no word on my royalty checks.
Saint Croix International Historic Park /
Yep, that’s it. 217 miles round trip to add number 206. Brief but investing history including the young Champlain you was here in 1604 when they tried to settle the area for the first time. One half of the men did not survive the winter so the relocated to another site and it eventually was successful. Also Sieur de Monts led the expedition and he is the one who named Mt Desert Island where Acadia National Park is located.
“My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.” Psalm 62:7 NLT
The only structure left on the island is an early 1900’s boat house.
Travel Diary 13 /
Day Thirteen
The KOA at Orland was really nice and a perfect place for a good night with full services before coming to the NP Campground. We took our time the last 50 miles to Acadia with a stop at the Wal-Mart for supplies. Seems to be a requirement. After a stop at the visitor’s center we arrived at Blackwoods Campground and got set up. We walked to the ocean from the campsite, about 250 yards to the shore and then found a trail for about two miles that led along the rocks and back to the campground. Dinner was a wonderful meal at a favorite restaurant, West Side Cafe. They remodeled the place since we were here last and it looks as nice as the food is excellent. Ice cream at Jordan Pond on Main St.
Cadillac’s Correct Viewpoint!
We are not just in Maine but my home territory, Mt. Desert Island, home of Acadia National Park. What a thrill. I thought we might get here earlier but it was a bit late so I was not able to catch up with any of my friends or cousins but I did get the planning for the dinner done. It will be splendiferous. We start with a petite lobster roll, toasted, with clarified butter not that nasty mayonnaise and touched with a bit of horseradish. For salad we are having wild arugula with a clam and mussel vinaigrette followed by some strong black licorice to cleanse the palette. For the main Maine course I plan to serve seafood boil with whatever fresh seafood the shop has that day, potatoes, carrots, asparagus and ducktail reeds but what makes it special is that I have a cask of 1967 Pond Water from a quaint little spot in Northern Maine. Folks will be impressed. And dessert will be Baked Maine, it is a variation - a much better dessert that the original Baked Alaska, because we use blueberry ice cream. What a feast.
I just learned that the guides are headed to Canada tomorrow, I am torn. I would love to see some of my cousins there but so many things to prepare and moose to see. I will decide in the morning.
No word yet on my residuals for the use of my stately visage on the myriad of products. I think I may require a veto going forward. I look good on quality stuff but some things for sale are just tacky. It is good to be in Maine.
Ferns /
The leaves are not changed yet but we see hints that by Sunday or Monday it will be quite beautiful. One of the early changes are in the ferns, we love the soft colors often among the green ones that have not changed. This bunch (highly technical name for more than one fern) was really pretty.
Travel Diary 12 /
We set off for the Saugus Iron Works well before dawn because we knew about the Boston area traffic and we were in the extreme southeast going to the extreme north east and the direct route through town was off limits for us - tunnels and more tunnels. So around I-95 we motored. We arrived after a 51 mile, hour and 47 minute trek. But once in the parking lot, we had breakfast and I started on this post. Plus coffee. Then things went downhill. I talked to a NPS employee at 7:30 about permission to park here until the park opened, fine he said. Restrooms were available. We went in at 9AM, opening time on the sign, nothing is open but two rangers are working outside. What time does the house open? “10 now, she said, but sometimes someone comes earlier.” Turns out there is a 10 AM sign inside not visible from the parking lot but there is one there. Back to the trailer to wait. 10 AM we return, not open. New ranger by the gate said hello to us going in, so back to her, what time is the house open? “We are closed on Monday.” I am not happy. She does tell me that they posted it on FB. Facebook! The web site says they are open in 4 separate places - everyday including specifically the VC and house. Under alerts it says “no ranger tours on 9/17” that’s it. There were four rangers at a tiny park but they could not be open on Monday. Disgusted. I shot outside photos that did include the blast furnace and that will be the extent of the Saugus Iron Works report.
So off we head to Maine. A stop along the way to see the 1700 pound chocolate moose at Len Libby Candies. Really. And I stopped? Chocolates were very good, at least the dark chocolate covered graham cracker that served as our brunch today. Then Freeport and a couple of hours at LL Bean and company and one bad coffee later we hit the road to a KOA in a tiny town called Orland, Maine to spend the night. Nice dinner in house, Acadia tomorrow, if it is open!
Cadillac’s Correct Viewpoint!
Nirvana, we are here, MAINE at last. My cool demeanor, my unfailing patience with the weeks of travel distractions and my general kindness have all contributed to allowing us to finally arrive at Maine. Ah, the joy. We are not too far along but we are in Maine. Also we stopped to see a magnificent statue of a Moose. Simply stunning. I imagine the artist won a Nobel Prize or at least an Espy for the amazing work. It ought to soon replace that guy’s statue, old whats his name who did David? What a great start to the day. Did I mention we are in Maine? Anyway we passed the exit for the area where my great uncle lived before he went “Hollywood.” People still talk about him like he was the greatest thing. Bullwinkle did this Bullwinkle did that - 75 years ago, give it a rest.
Anyhow we are headed to Acadia and I am both exhilarated and a bit anxious. I decided to hold a big picnic at the park so I can see everyone at once instead of trekking over miles of forest. Plus I can see which ex I will go out with again, I am sure they are anxious as well. The picnic is an issue right now because I just can’t quite choose what I want on the menu, culinary arts being one of my most outstanding qualities it is hard to narrow the feast to manageable scale. More on that tomorrow.
The other issue is, properly, the Moose image is everywhere on everything and I cannot figure out where my royalty checks are. I will have to look into that tomorrow as well. But tonight I shall just bask in the Maineness that surrounds me.
Seaman's Bethel /
This is a chapel near the wharf at New Bedford. Herman Melville worshiped here and used this in his most famous work. He added the ship’s prow pulpit to his novel, it was not here. The guests who come here were so disappointed that it was added years ago.
Travel Diary 11 /
Slow day today and that was good after two long days with thousands of steps. We went to an early traditional service for church today at the North Street Community Church. There were nine of us counting staff. It was well done and the later service has more people and lots of kids according to one of the men we chatted with after service. Plus we had communion and the building was constructed in 1806.
Extra plus, the father of the minister is/was a church planter who started over 30 churches with mostly bi-vocational leadership and created a company to employ some of the planters. Neat guy. We were headed to breakfast with him but the place he took us was so busy he could not stay, but we talked for 30/40 minutes before our table was ready and he headed out for the second service.
And we highly recommend Stars in Hingham, more in Eats!
We went to the original Talbots store and one of us was excited, but CJH went anyway. We also went to the headquarters of Talbots and sadly found out they did tours but not at 5:20 on Sunday night. Worked at a cafe for over an hour, did trailer preparation as we are leaving at 5 AM to try and get ahead of some of the traffic. Not much chance we will miss much. Early in tonight after a three mile hike at World’s End. It is an affiliate part of the Boston Harbor Islands.
Cadillac’s Correct Viewpoint!
We went to church today and I know they were thrilled to have a distinguished Moose such as myself in the assembly. In part because there were so few and my melodious bass certainly made the service. Singing is one of my outstanding qualities. We then had a superior breakfast simply because a grateful parishioner directed us, not the hopeless guides I am stuck with on this trip. However, the “game is afoot” (S. Holmes). I actually heard a guide talk about how to get around Boston - that is north AND one of them also mentioned Freeport. That is MAINE. Perhaps we are finally going but I am not texting my cousins, their disappointment would be overwhelming if we changed plans yet again. And they don’t have phones. Don’t they know this is 2018? Good thing I am coming to help move them ahead. Gracious what if they still eat grass? The horror.
More Moose habitat as we near Maine
Road Barely Traveled /
We had this path to ourselves and judging from the underbrush on most of it we were one of the few to use it. Nice views of the salt marsh were the reward. Plus this nice avenue of trees.
Travel Diary 10 /
Wrong! We were the very first people on Georges Island. In fact we were there before many of the rangers. The island is basically covered with a civil war era fort that held confederate prisoners including political ones like the vice-president of the Confederacy. It was a base through WWII. Took a tour but I had a migraine partially into the tour and had to leave. One of the rangers set me up in the first aid room. After a bit of recovery we headed to Boston. Went to the Boston African American NHS. We toured a school than operated from 1835 to 1855 until Massachusetts outlawed segregation. We also went into an African American Meeting house that was used from 1806 to 1897 then sold to become a synagogue and used until 1972. It was restored in 2013. Quite simple and very elegant. We ate at Fiores - an institution on Hanover Street in the Italian North End of Boston. Wonderful meal. Followed by dessert up the street at Caffe Vittoria. CJH had a cappuccino that made me jealous I just ordered a coffee. I may have to go back. Took the catamaran back to Hingham in 40 minutes. That is the way to go.
Cadillac’s Correct Viewpoint!
Of course we did not go anywhere today, again - getting used to the idea, I guess. But we did go on a boat. That was excellent. I think seafaring is in my blood, in fact it is likely one of my outstanding qualities. I should, of course, be captain, not a serf, or whatever everyone else is called. I need to get a book on the lingo so I can take over this vessel. I like the fact I get a great, hooting horn that tells everyone else to back off. Sort of like antlers for the sea. Sailing is fun. Still want to get on to Maine, but the siren call of the sea is enticing. Wonder what the captain can order for lunch? I guess anything or else he makes the cook “walk the plank.” Not sure exactly what that means but it sounds ominous like it ought to go with a ruined omelette. I really need the book on sea talk.
Quiz /
Yet a third day with light in the theme. So where have you seen this lighthouse? Don’t forget to enter in the comments section, win great prizes. (Sort of great, well, maybe Ok, at least it is definitely a prize)
Travel Diary 9 /
We arrived at the visitor center at Cape Cod National Seashore just after opening at 9:00. Two days in a row we were at the park when they opened. A record we will not add to tomorrow. Anyway, it was a spectacularly splendid day. Warm enough, sunny, breezy and just delightful. Glad we did not make this trip yesterday. We did the whole park from the first trail at Fort Hill to the last spot of land at Herring Cove Beach, both visitor centers, 8 hikes and gentle strolls on beaches, cliffs, woods and marsh trails along with six lighthouses. We got back to the trailer 13 hour after we left. Oh and dinner at Captain Frosty’s Fish and Chips in Dennis and a small ice cream at the Smuggler. As the name Frosty suggests not fine dinning by the standard of how many utensils they put at your place setting but FINE as in excellent fish, large portions, cooked well and not too expensive. Go there.
Cadillac’s Correct Viewpoint!
Massachewshoots is a sneaky state, treacherous really. As any proud graduate of the third grade can tell you when you are at the Atlantic Ocean you are east. Not in this place. They snuck a long bicep of land out into the ocean so, once again we are going east. Ugh. The nice thing about this though we were at the beach several times and I am, as you would presume, an accomplished swimmer. I placed third in the 100m four-hoof gimbal at the YOTA (Youth of the Antlers) swim club in 09. I should have had second! The guides hiked a lot so I got good naps when we were not at the ocean. And we had fish for dinner. Finally, I was starving. And it was fried the very best way to have cod. Plus some malt vinegar and horseradish sauce. I think I need another nap.
Selfie before I hit the surf. Wish I had a waterproof camera.
Another Perspective on Light /
This is mid-morning in one of the meadows of Weir’s Farm. The fields are crisscrossed with solid stone walls. There are flowers and grasses and trees that create intimate spaces to just look and breathe in the place.
Lovely Light /
Like the Roosevelt room, a wonderful place to read and listen to music. Maybe we are missing something. This is the Weir farm main room. The whole place is atmospheric - peace, tranquil and sense awakening. Easy to see why it attracted painters and other artists.
