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Billings Diesel Marina, our port of call, graces a quaint Moose Island tethered to the expansive Deer Island by a connecting road. A stroll along the shores of this petite island never fails to deliver the delight of small discoveries, each step forging a unique path until the circle is complete. During low tide, the shoreline becomes a haven for observing the intertidal zone’s vibrant life — seaweed forming intricate patterns on the stones, boulders adorned with sea-beards, clusters of mussels both below and above the waterline, and seabirds deftly hunting for food amid the exposed rocks. Every element speaks of the dynamic timeline of life in the tidal zone, a stage filled with both successful pursuits and daring escapes – c’est la vie.

We left Billing Diesel – the best thing they did was change the filters and left for the 4 days Thanksgiving holiday, promising to continue on Monday. We’ve escaped…

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.