Month: November 2023

The quest for skilled mechanics steered us toward Billing Diesel Marina, situated on Moose Island, linked by a causeway to the larger Deer Island. On this island lies the authentic town of Stonington—a fishing hub, an artist’s haven, a paradise for nature enthusiasts, and a bastion of well-preserved, traditional living. This locale is a true plein-air for a photographer – enjoy!

The primary motivation behind our journey to Mount Desert Island was the irresistible pull of Acadia National Park. Fortuitously, the weather smiled upon us, and on the second day of our sojourn in Northeast Harbor, the promise of clear skies lured us once again to the mountains for a bird’s-eye view of the ocean and land.

This time, our compass pointed us toward Acadia Mountain, situated on the opposite side of Somes Fjord. The journey unfolded along a picturesque road, with the sea on one side and granite cliffs on the other. En route, we passed numerous opulent estates nestled in the woods, but it was the little village of Somesville that captured our hearts. As the oldest settlement on Mount Desert Island, it marked the initiation of European-style habitation when Abraham Somes arrived with his family in 1761, embarking on a new life.

The focal point of the village was a white, arched wooden footbridge that stole our attention. So captivating was the bridge that we momentarily missed the view on the opposite side of the road, revealing Somes Harbor with Cadillac Mountain as its majestic backdrop (a realization that dawned on us later). We immersed ourselves in the historical ambiance of this village, perusing educational boards and capturing the essence in photographs.

Our next destination was a parking lot where we securely stowed our bicycles, preparing to ascend the steep Acadia Trail. While not as challenging as the climb to Cadillac Mountain, the trail offered its own rewards in terms of breathtaking scenery. The view from the summit was nothing short of fantastic. With the tourist season waning, the trail boasted scarce foot traffic, and Acadia Peak belonged to us, accompanied only by a family of ravens gracefully navigating the clouds above.

Acadia National Park was the prime motivator behind our chosen route. Although it might seem modest on a map, it stands as the crown jewel of the East Coast, boasting a harmonious blend of ocean, mountains, and enchanting historical towns. As the sun heralded a new day, we unfurled our bikes and set our course for Mount Cadillac, the Atlantic seaboard’s highest point and the privileged vantage point for witnessing daybreak in the USA.

Our biking sojourn along the park’s impeccable trails, known as “carriage roads,” was a pure delight. Constructed between 1913 and 1940 under the patronage of John D. Rockefeller Jr., these roads were initially designed for horse-drawn carriages, offering visitors an immersion in nature free from modern distractions. Winding seamlessly through woods and rocks, these roads are adorned with granite dragon teeth along the edges, and the bridges, crafted from granite, stand as art pieces in themselves.

Upon reaching the end of Bubble Pond, we parted ways with our trusty two-wheelers as the trail inclined steeply. The journey became more adventurous (and rewarding) than we had envisioned, the trail was steep and we even lost our way once, but were able to find the way thanks to Google map. Difficulties didn’t bother us at all, and vice versa we enjoyed every step on the smooth granite rocks cloaked in a thick carpet of moss and lichen evoking our admiration. Towering pines and balsam firs on the cliff’s edges provided visual delights as we ascended, revealing a more breathtaking landscape with each step.

However, as we climbed higher, we noticed some peaks around us veiled by clouds. We began to wonder if we were destined to end up in the clouds too. The allure of mountain hiking lies in the panoramic view from the summit, where, exhausted yet content, you can marvel at the world below. Cadillac promised us an almost 360-degree view!

Alas, upon reaching the end of the trail, we were met with the disappointment of fog and a brisk northern wind, obscuring the promised view. Undeterred, our story took an unexpected turn. As we began our descent with the perspective to continue in the darkness (eventually), a little white van pulled up, and a friendly lady beckoned us to join. Gratefully, we accepted the offer, revelling in the warmth of the cozy van. April, our newfound friend, explained that she had come to Cadillac Mountain to witness the sunset but was thwarted by the weather. Meeting someone with a similar mindset is always a pleasure. Soon, we emerged from the cloud cover, greeted by a breathtaking view below: the ocean adorned with numerous islands. Isn’t it wonderful?

April dropped us off at our bicycles, and we pedalled our way back home (to the boat). The final leg of our journey unfolded in darkness, a regrettable reminder of the short days in November.