American Pie — Don McLean

Our campsite tonight is rather unique. Located on the back of a parking lot for Echo Lake on the Cannon Mountain Ski area. There are seven sites for full hook up and a nice view. We dropped south to arrive here and set up in time to go to Polly’s Pancake Parlor - a real treat. We enjoyed five different kinds of pancakes all with real maple syrup or maple creme or maple sugar. Major decision dilemma. It was a day of off and on rain, usually on but we did get a few breaks, one of them no weather related:) My glasses broke and a lens fell out. I did not lose it and called a local eye care place and they fixed it in five minutes. No charge - thanks! At a weather break we hiked a four waterfall trail that was pretty even in a light mist. Talked with nice folks, camped next to us, from Georgia on their way to Acadia for the first time with their son and meeting some friends. I tend to offer too much advice cause I love the place so much and want others to enjoy it as well. Don’t think after seeing the crowds that is really an issue. The leaf change over the last three days is visible and they are just reaching the “stunning” category. Hope we will see even more as we move to a couple of miles from Canada in Vermont tomorrow. 

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

This is my last official day of protest. I am sure everyone has learned an important lesson. But tomorrow I am back, so it will be a monsterful day.

What Kind of Fool Am I - Newley et al

Looking for Moose is reminding me of a snipe hunt I was sent on as a new Cub Scout. “Here, Dave, hold this bag and we will chase them to you.” Highly amusing, apparently. We have had advice from 5 or six people on where to go to see Moose and they vary by scores of miles in every direction. I don’t doubt the good will and expertise of those we asked, but no two were even close. So, I conclude that you sent someone where you saw a Moose (2007 was a good year) or someone you know saw a Moose. Perhaps we shall not seek a Moose and one will randomly appear. We are in very Moosey habitat. Meanwhile, we have driven a lot, in the rain again but still gorgeous leaves and neat places. No regrets with or without the elusive Moose. Photography has not been great today. The skies are leaden, the colors are flat and the drizzle only stops to rain hard for a bit. But we Press On Regardless. We did come across a neat, still in use, covered bridge in a hamlet called Stark somewhere between our campsite and Vermont. 

Dixville Notch, Balsam Lodge (closed, sadly) site of the first votes of the Presidential election.

The Androscogan River

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

I should be still on strike but I had to report today that here in the heart of my relatives’ country, with me giving exact locations of my cousins, aunts and uncles, the Driver has yet to find a single one. You are trammeling me.

The Pink Panther Theme - Mancini

Leaving Maine we entered into New Hampshire and set up at Umbagog State Park. We must have missed Maine cause we were back in about 2 hours. We went off on a short hike along the Androscoggin River, quite nice and we saw a flotilla of Wood Ducks. Cool. We were searching out potential Moose sites but later were told by a local couple who are birders and live near the campground that the Moose population has been serious reduced by a disease spread by ticks. Some estimates are that 60% have died. So, they said you can see them but much more random. We didn’t. But will try again tomorrow. We were on the wrong side of the mountain to see the sunset but had a wonderful reflection in cloud and stream. As an aside, we couldn’t find a moose and the irony is we travel with one we can’t get rid of. 

Thanks to Shelly at Dunkin in Colebrook, NH, for figuring out how to allow me to use Wifi inside to get this posted.

Androscoggin River

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

I heard that but I am still on strike and will not respond to that slander. You are being a bit of a fardel.

Working on the Highway -Bruce

We have had a few calls from friends who were checking in on our vacation. It is difficult to make the adjustment but this is not really vacation - it is just a slice of the year on the road. And when we have a day like yesterday with lots of rain and this one - lots of errands, waiting and not much “excitement” it feels ok cause we have those days in abundance at home as well. You cannot travel for two or three months and not have regular stuff to attend to - in fact if you get a week straight with little of that it would be the exception. Today was one of those days. Mostly. We still had a nice walk to the seawall near our campground before checkout time, the sun was out and warming, the ocean a brilliant blue and the birds active all around. We also stopped in Bar Harbor for our lunch that would do for dinner today, so, lots of fun in the midst of the errands. The car wash was a necessity and we had a two hour plus wait to get the oil changed, also needed. The time was way better than the Toyota garage who said they could get us in late October! We got new maps at AAA, cleaned up a lot of stuff in the trailer, emptied tanks, filled the propane (Tractor Supply is great for this), stopped at a bakery, checked tire pressures and worked on the upcoming week. I am writing this while they finish the oil change and then off to a maple farm for the night. Then tomorrow we are off in search of leaves and moose in the northern reaches of New Hampshire and Vermont.

Seawall Surf

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

(Ed Note: Since he is still sulking, day two by my count, I will set the record straight for real. It is not an announcement gong, it is a wind chime, it is not an award and if he uses a word like simulacrum again I am going to take away is “Word of the Day” calendar.)

Have You Ever Seen the Rain? - CCR

The rain began at 3 AM on Saturday and with brief respites continued until 4:00 Sunday afternoon. We thought we had a window in the morning. We hit Bass Island Lighthouse and then took off on the Ship Harbor trail. The trail is named for an Irish schooner, the Grand Design, that wrecked here in the late 1600’s. It is a figure eight through deep forest then out on the rocky shore. About the time we hit the cross over on the eight it started to drizzle, about the time we got to the shore it was raining, heading back it poured and the trail filled with water. You could not go around some of the puddles so we waded through them. Soaked! Our shoes are still drying and everything else went through a dryer at the local laundry. After lunch we poked through a shop or two and took a ride to both Long Pond and Echo Lake. Then we went to the Hinckley Yacht builder and saw a cottage nearby where we stayed about 30 years ago. Seemed like a nostalgia tour.  Dinner at the trailer and a moderate sunset capped the day. 

Just a bit off the rain soaked trail in a deeply forested park of Acadia National Park

Storm surge on the rocky shore at Ship Harbor.

Hinckley harbor with clearing sky

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

I am not sulking. I am protesting. As an all-American Moose and former Bull Moose Party Presidential Candidate it is my inalienable right. You hid my beautiful award statue and announcement gong. And provided me with a suspect photo. My protest will last three days, not counting this one cause I had to un-protest to set the recored straight. I need my simulacrum and the announcement gong that shall ring each time I enter a room. The protest in reinstated.

Back in the Trailer Again -apologies to G. Autry

Today was move back day. Our friends departed for Virginia at 5:30 this morning. Cindy and I had taken one load of stuff to our trailer that is stored about twenty minutes away and finished that job this morning after completing the requirements of the house rental. We are at Seawall campground in the National Park located in the Southwest portion of the island. Lots of rain today. Since it was not conducive for hiking we chose to get re-stocked on groceries. We tried twice to take a walk but just could not dodge the rain so, short dashes and back to the car. Dinner was in the trailer tonight and it was great. Plus we still have blueberry pie for dessert. The rain makes the trailer seem very snug and cozy.

Rain and fog on a small pond

Walking to a spot on the shore I spooked this heron, wrong setting on my camera and a couple of seconds to shoot so I panned with him with the wind and rain blowing hard and got a result I like.

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

Ed Note: The Moose is sulking. He wants a better picture of the “crown & statue - award” but I told him it was put away. He is not speaking or writing.

The Times They are a Changing -Dylan

Preparation day for moving back to the trailer. First a nice, leisurely walk on a carriage trail on the south end of the island. Pretty morning, warm with a steady breeze off the ocean. Then lots of packing, laundry, trips to the car and one to the trailer to get the fridge back to cold and take extra cloths and food. After as we planned to go for one more dinner together was stopped at the Bar Harbor Cellars to buy a bottle of blueberry wine. Dinner was at a place we have never been before, Mama DiMatteo’s - as you might guess an Italian place where I still managed to have haddock. By the way it is owned by a Norwegian man:) At the house we are fixing some coffee and waiting for AAA to come and see why Dave Faith’s car will not start. Important as they are set to leave by 5AM. 

“I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness.” Psalm 55:7 NLT

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

I was chagrined by the photo from my PR person, the crown is much more amazing in person and the statue is magnific. I think I may be needing a new PR team.

Meet Me in the Morning - Dylan

Morning came early today as the whole crew piled into the Toyota shortly after five for a trip up Cadillac Mountain to greet the sunrise. It was mild but very windy with lots of fog drifting in and out while we waited. The sky was colorful early and the sun made its appearance right on time. Everyone should see this at least once. This time of year this is the first light on the continental US. We immediately drove to Bar Harbor for breakfast sandwiches at the “Slice of Eden.” Not a replacement for the Morning Glory but maybe nothing will be as unique. A walk on Jesup Path in the morning light was more conducive for photos than early evening from the night before. Another half hour spent on the Steamship Dock at Seal Harbor was rewarding. Cindy and I then spent an hour on Schooner Head watching eiders and waves. Mesmerizing. An early lunch at the aways good Galyn’s preceding a two hour shopping and looking at Bar Harbor before heading back to the rental house sated with seafood and ice cream. Cindy and I made coffee and sat on the chairs on “our” beach for a while till it got chilly.

Moments before sunrise

Shortly after dawn the fog intensified.

Eider

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

I was up early, full of vim and vigor (Ed. Note: Being drug out out of the comforter and pushed into the car is not vim nor vigor) to see the mountain named for me in all its morning glory. I was not disappointed. It is good to have your expectations met and the high quality of the things associated with my name can only enhance the future film roles I will be offered. Although they are slow in coming and only two - very average - suggestions have made the way to Nearly Canada. I did not have my photographer in time because of my morning duties - so the spectacular crown will have to wait till tomorrow. 

An Easy Plan, Foiled!

The intent was to park at the South Bubble parking lot to get to the top of the small mountain. Well, that did not happen because there were no parking spots there or at the little pull-off 1/2 mile away. So we drove to Jordan Pond House where we did find a space and so choose to hike from there. It appeared to add about 3/4 or a mile each way to the hike but there was the added factor of more height from the pond plus we chose poorly. We did the straight up the bubble. That included lots of very steep clambering over rocks, up some vertical shoots, an iron bar to two and lots of cliffs to work around. From our hiking book: “This hike challenges the well conditioned hiker.” It was a feat and Cindy did it very well. I would say a casual look around at others on the same route that all appeared to be three or five decades younger. For the way back, we chose to head toward the parking lot and then on an oblique trail that led more gently to the pond’s trail and then back to the parking lot. We did meet some interesting people on the trail including four women friends who travel to a National Park each fall to spend a week together. Very neat idea. 

After showers and lunch we did venture out for a walk on the very level Jesup Path for a nice evening walk. Dinner at the house. 

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

One of my many fans got me a prize today. It is a Moose with a crown, to represent my achievements. I plan to get a PR team to get a photo tomorrow.  

On the Road Again

Took a long but easy hike this morning on a portion of the extensive carriage road system. We began at the Brown Mountain Gate House and continued to the two bridges we could not seem to locate on the other hike. The bridges were, as they all are, cleverly built to enhance the scenery and often frame a feature, like a waterfall. Not sure how many bridges are on the 49 miles of trails but more than a dozen would be close. I could look that up but then so could you. Very light lunch today as we were headed to Bass Harbor for an early dinner at the Seafood Ketch. Turned out to be nice on the deck and the food was pretty good. We poked about in the area, stopping at Seawall and Bass Harbor Lighthouse before ending the day at MDI for some excellent ice cream. 

Potential prince

A light tall waterfall

Daybreak at the rental house

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

Another film project arrived today. To Infinity and Beyond - a Moose odyssey. I like the concept of the featured antlered one on a great adventure but neither of them seem to be the right one just yet for me. I imagine more will come tomorrow. Off tonight to visit some cousins and eat water lillies. I don’t think they quite understand stardom. 

Buzz Buzz

Up early and off to hike the Bee Hive. It is one of my all time favorite hikes and Rusty was still here so it was the two of us. The Bee Hive is a lot of up with ladders, open rocks and cliffs but the reward - great views. It is a popular hike so watching the trail from below looks like a hive both in the shape of the mountain and the number of people criss-crossing the rocks. We hiked over the top and then took a brief side trail to The Bowl, a neat, nearly hidden lake with deep blue waters. Back to the house, I had blueberry pie and coffee for lunch, the trip is getting better. Late afternoon the five of us walked Hunter Brook Beach trail and watched the waves lap at the shore, then headed to town for dinner. A new place featuring cheesecake opened in Bar Harbor and they offer sample sized flights, the reviews of the four cheesecake eaters were mixed. My review was not. 

A view of the Bee Hive as you process back down. There are at least 10 people visible in this shot.

Sand Beach and Great Head from the Bee Hive

Cindy enjoying sun and ocean with a favorite view.

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

Still whirling with my celebration. My future board chairman and my financial advisor brought me a gift today, I will share with all of you later after the emotion of the moment allows me to reflect on their joy of giving. My first script idea came in today. Moose Tracks: The making of a hit album. Sounds more like a documentary and may not test my acting skills enough

Too much party!

"Celebrate, Celebrate, Dance to the Music"

When the day begins with a loon sighting from your porch, it portends a good day. We also spotted an eagle soaring over the adjacent island. Cindy and I set out mid-morning to take a walk on a nearby carriage road. We walked to one of Mr. Rockefeller’s bridges and then set out to find two more bridges off a trail. We did intersect the carriage road but could not find the bridges, so we came back on the same route to the Brown Mountain Gatehouse where we parked. About a 3.4 mile trip in perfect weather. We met a mushroom hunter and asked a lot of questions which she patiently answered. We had to take some freshly laundered items back to the trailer when we finished the trail and pick up a couple of things we were missing. When we got back to the house we found out that Tom bought a blueberry pie from the Sugar Bakery and we forced ourselves to try some of that for lunch. All seven of us went to dinner at the Side Street Cafe in Bar Harbor. The consensus was the meals were very good. My haddock was the best of the trip. Then, of course, a stop at MDI for ice cream. Tonight’s selection was a combo of Maine Sea Salt Caramel and Girl Scout Thin Mint. Wow. It was also the celebration for the 300th Park. 

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

What a day of accolades for me and my acting debut. Many of my fans came north to celebrate with me and have been providing me with great food. They have also provided an appropriate Star Level lodging for me. I have a marsh right outside my door, there is a fresh (Ed Note, was a…) blueberry pie and lots of super food type items. In the late afternoon, my fans piled into the transportation pod and we went to a elegant restaurant in Bar Harbor. They had flowers on the table! I had trouble choosing my meal but ended up with sauerkraut on mac and cheese. Of course someone else picked up the tab, another benefit of fame. We then strolled around the corner for a second celebration at an ice cream shop that has moosey flavors like basil. What a delectable frozen treat. I was appropriately humble and was able to appear surprised. Still have not had any scripts to review but the mail is slow up here in Close to Canada. 

Ice cream means celebration.

Trying not to drink excessively is hard at a big party

Some of my fans and proto-staff for the celebration. Tickets were limited, obviously. Some of these folks drove more than a thousand miles to be here tonight.

Transition Day

We moved today. Our friends Dave and Jean Faith and Tom Light arrived for the house we rented. You would think it is easy to move from the trailer to the house, you would be wrong. First we had to secure a place for the trailer. I found one but it was neither easy nor inexpensive. So everything we needed had to be unloaded from the trailer and the trailer prepped for storage. We also needed to handle our food and that too was tricky to not lose any of the food Cindy prepared for us to use on the road. But we did. With the trailer stored, I drove to Bangor to pick Tom from the airport. We stopped for groceries, gas and lunch. Got back to the rental house, which is located on a private 150’ pebble beach. We unloaded lots of stuff, left Tom to get a rest and I went to pick up Cindy who spent the day with the Harmans. We are in tonight and all is good but no hikes at all on this beautiful Saturday. 

There was the start of a sunset but the fog rolled in fast and thick so it disappeared. The photo is shot from “our” beach.

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

The plan is afoot. I will soon be rolling in new opportunities for my new vehicle. Vehicle is not a car but movie talk for a new film. My fans will shortly be sending me scripts and film suggestions. Oh, and I think the party might be tomorrow cause I saw a party hat in a bag. Stay tuned. 

Sublime Day

The morning began with a strategic plan to get to Jordan Pond,and find parking, take a hike and be in position to get lunch at the 11:00 start because otherwise you wait and wait. And wait. The hike around Jordan Pond was so nice. The temperature, the scenery, the call of the loons, the mile plus boardwalk, just all too cool. We got back about 10:45 with Cindy and Janet already in the sign up line, then at 11:00 in for an early (but earned) lunch with the 3.3 mile trail done. After we rode around the whole Loop Road, great views and then to Thulya Gardens, as always lovely. After a bit of preparation for moving on Saturday, Cindy, Rusty and I hiked Gorham Mountain. The views for the effort are the best on the island. Back to the camper for dinner and we have blueberry pie for dessert. What a day.

Every year I take the Bubbles with a rock foreground at Jordan Pond. This year I found a new perspective about a half mile north in a little cove. Still same idea.

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

Well, I did find out through un-named sources that there are some celebrations in the offing for me. I am sure pleased that they are planning something - as an accomplished actor, it will not be hard for me to “appear” surprised. I hope there are hats! Not that that completely changes my adjustment for the future. First of all - there will be more to come - I have decided to follow the advice of my old friend, Clint Eastwood, (Editor Note - Cadillac is not a friend of Clint Eastwood, he has never met Mr. Eastwood - please refer all potential law suits to the Cadillac Legal Fund.) who is an actor AND producer AND director. So, I too, will now be all three. How hard can it be? To launch the project I will need a script worthy of my debut effort as A/P/D and that is where hundreds of my aspiring writer fans can submit ideas to me. They do not have to be fully fleshed out just a working title and a few words or a line or two about the idea you have. Wow, sometimes I just outdo even my expectations. 

The Quiet Side of the Island

We met and talked with two of our camping neighbors this morning. I feel like the McSherry’s. They were nice folks one set from Rochester, NY and the other from Chicago. We talked about trips and camping and our trailer experiences. Then after a trailer errand, we were off to the Southwest side of the island. We hiked the Wonderland Trail, an easy mile out and back for a great view and to Seawall for the rocks and waves. We also visited the Bass Head Light House in mid-afternoon. The rest of the afternoon was spent at Southwest Harbor’s small stores and checking on blueberry pie options. We had dinner at Seafood Ketch on Bass Harbor and then finished a game of Train that, predictably, Janet won. We usually play for closest loser. Finally a quick trip to Bar Harbor to MDI, an excellent local ice cream. CJH had Oat Cranberry and, surprise, it was quite good. 

Two ships leaving Southwest Harbor

Small “display” along the trail

The lighthouse that launched 10 million postcards. Serious photographers don’t shoot this at 2:15 in the afternoon. Still pretty.

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

Sadly, disappointment is setting in. No parade, no hoopla, no keys to the marsh. I just don’t get it. Ol’88 managed to fall into a swimming pool and got his photo in the newspaper and they made a big deal out of that but not a full fledged movie star in their midst. Well, I won’t let it get me down. I have a plan. It will be brilliant and I will detail it tomorrow. No parade, we’ll see who has the last gulp of grass.

A Slow Day

The trip down Cadillac Mountain did my back in, which was not doing well after doing something stupid getting the generator out of the Toyota. Limited stuff today. Short walk to the ocean from the campground and trip off island for a few errands and a stop at a pottery shop and a leather photo album place. We ate lunch in a little shop in Ellsworth called, Flexit. Then after our second walk about the shops at Bar Harbor we had a very good meal at one of our favorite places, Weststreet Cafe. Spent the evening hanging around the campground. 

Marsh Reflections

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

Ok, ONE MORE day, that is it, one more. I am losing my good natured demeanor. One day.

Mostly Down and Down and Down

Things are very busy here. We tried too late to walk Jordan Pond, no parking left and that also meant no popovers on the lawn. So, plan B. We drove to Northwest Harbor and ate a nice lunch at The Colonels. We then walked around a residential portion of the town past massive old mansions that were very well kept - some of them on the ocean. And then poked around some of the shops. All the while waiting for our Cadillac Mountain reservation. You must now reserve a time (and pay) to get to the top. The plan was for Rusty and me to walk back to the campground. It was just under five miles and felt like a lot more. While down seems like it ought to be easier and perhaps was, it did not appear that way to me. My knees and legs were sore by the half-way point and there was a lot of mud and enough rocks to build several castles and each one was a step up or down. But it was a neat experience and we enjoyed the scenery and being deep in the forest. We also expected after we got back to the road across from the campground that we were nearly there, but no. And instead of the flat walk through the woods I expected we were again going up and down and huge boulders were abundant. It certainly does take up your afternoon. 

Couple passing the slow guys on the way down. What a view.

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

Well, the celebration simply must be tomorrow, it must. I can still ct surprised and humble. Yup, that’s the key, humility. 

Short Hikes

The ocean was rather calm today. We were out at sunrise and with quiet water and overcast skies there was not much color. DIdn’t matter still nice to be out there. Our first hike was just a mile or so on the Jessup Trail, a flat, half boardwalk trail that leads through a marsh area. Later we also did the short but very pretty Hunter Brook to the sea. This is a pebble beach with a stream rushing into the Atlantic making a different experience. The sounds of the small rocks shifting in the surf is unique. After lunch we hit a new trail along Little Long Pond. This was not hard but had some significant muddy spots to negotiate. A beautiful place just a short distance from Seal Harbor. Three shot hikes still add up as we did nearly 7 miles. We have just finished dinner and clean up so we are in search of ice cream.

Sunrise, Otter Point

Hunter Brook racing into the Atlantic

Little Long Pond

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

Well, the celebration must be tomorrow. I’ll get a good sleep and be ready. 

Acadia Arrival

Acadia National Park is my favorite spot. Shortly after arriving at Blackwoods Campground and getting the trailer level we set off for a walk on the shore. There is a path from the campground. It is past most of the familiar landmarks, Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, The Beehive and Otter Point but that does not matter, you are on the rocks, on the shore with waves crashing and lobster buoys bobbing in the wash. I know you can’t really swim here and there is very little sand to sun and build castles but for me this is the ocean. I’m sure we will find something to do tonight and a hike or two tomorrow and maybe ice cream, but it really is about the shore and the rocks for me. Worth the trip if that is all I did.  

Tidal Pool High on the Rocks

Looking across Otter Cove to Otter Point.

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

We have arrived at home base so, I’m heading out in the morning to see friends and relatives. And maybe there will be a parade. I bet there is a parade with floats and a band. Maybe a TV morning show would be there do. I’ll try to act surprised. For now I have a lot to prepare - so excited. 

“…destination Bangor, Maine”

Crossing Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine on Route 2 is a wonderful way to see amazing country and find joy in every bend. Highly recommended.  We stopped in Gotham, NH and turned off of Rt 2 and drove a bit past the Mount Washington access road to Wildcat Mountain. A nice walk in the woods led to Thompsons Falls, a cool waterfall that was set in a nice little bowl, quiet place to visit with few people about unlike many of the hiking spots.

The majority of the day was spent enjoying our drive but also making the goal of arriving at Acadia at a reasonable time on Sunday. We are in a stunning orchard (again) on a farm where the hosts are so gracious. They have a farm store and we were given a nice package of tasty food from the store and free access to corn, tomatoes, apples and anything else growing near our RV parking. The farm store is open 24 hours on the honor system and the choices are extensive.

Tomorrow we arrive in Acadia National Park. 

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans

My antlers are past tingling but are positively vibrating - we are close to my home and the mountain named for me, Cadillac. (Editor Note: Cadillac was named for a rusty, abandoned 59 Coupe de Ville in the marsh near where he was born.) My homecoming will be epic, I imagine the mayor and the President (maybe President Garfield, cause I just endorsed him you know and not the obese cat) plus the owner of Tasty DoNuts will be there to honor their homewoods boy who made good. Not to mention but I will anyway - all the old girlfriends will be vying for my attention. It is good to be me.