Day 4
Monday, October 11, 2021
Ten years ago, I came to Acadia National Park. It rained both days. Ever since, I've wanted to get back here. The plan for the day was to tackle a few smaller trails, as well as one they call the Beehive. Numerous sources mentions that you shouldn't do this first thing in the morning. It's best to let the morning dew dry off the rock face.
A few months ago, I came across a group where people share photographs from the national parks. A week before I left, someone posted theirs from the Jessup Trail. That's an easy mile and a half loop trail along the forest floor. It seemed like a good place to start the day.
It was only 7:30A when I started up the trail, with a definite chill to the air. By now you know, I prefer it that way.
After driving through the park entrance, I ditched the car at the Sand Beach parking lot. I was already feeling pretty good about the day and decided to take the mile and a half round trip walk down to a place they call the Thunder Hole. From the walk down the coastline...
As the waves come in, they get channeled into an enclosed area and make a loud slapping sound. During high tide, it makes for a big splash. This wasn't exactly high tide.
Back at the parking lot, it was time to hit the big one for the day. That rock in the background is the top of the Beehive Trail.
Sure, the trail up the Beehive and around the Bowl loop is only two miles. It's also one way. You really don't want to encounter people coming down as you're headed up. The trailhead is right across the street from the parking lot and starts innocently enough.
You quickly arrive at the split in the trail. Both trails will get you to the top. Go left and it's a lot of stairs. Go right and you get a briefing from a park ranger. He warned us of what was in store. Anyone carrying trekking polls, cameras or anything else without a pack, he suggested they leave it in their car. You'll would need both hands free.
The magnificent views were only minutes up the trail.
This is the point where the camera went into the pack and stayed there until I was up top...
And finally, the view from the top of the Beehive...
The trail back down begins on the back side of the Beehive. Great views here as well.
Eventually, you wind up at an alpine lake simply named The Bowl.
Walk around the lake and it's mostly stairs back down to the split in the trail by the park ranger.
I asked the ranger how the Precipice Trail compares to this one. His reply, "Three times more of everything."
Back at the car, I still wasn't thinking about food yet. So, I drove down the park road a bit and did the easy trail out to Otter Cove.
It was time to leave the park and drive into downtown Bar Harbor for lunch. I realize it was a beautiful fall day, and a holiday. It was packed. After thirty minutes of driving around, I gave up looking for a parking spot and left. So, lunch was from the deli counter at a local grocery store. Great staff and a really good sandwich.
After lunch, it was back to Bass Bay for another attempt at the lighthouse. Everything seemed nice and orderly at the parking lot. Everyone waited their turn.
When you were in the front of the line, you simply waited until you saw someone pull out. From the parking lot, it's less than five minutes walk to the Bass Bay Lighthouse.
Not ready to call it a day, I drove just up the road and hiked the easy mile and a half of the Ship Harbor Trail.
Groups of photographers were already settling in for sunset...
It was a little early for me, so I simply drove out and killed a little time over some ice cream at a local place I had passed. The Seaside Dairy Bar is quite the local hangout apparently, occasionally even having live music.
For those of you have asked, this is why I didn't have any lobster rolls on this trip...
It was about that time. Having passed a sign for the Swans Island Ferry, I figured it might be an interesting spot. It was!
I couldn't have asked for a better ending to my day.
Coming Up,
A hand is offered, accepted and it made all the difference
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