Acadia Day 4

Now that we have left the state of Maine, I should recap on some of the things we did the last few days. On Wednesday, we actually got to sleep in for the first time this vacation... to the late, late time of 8 AM! This was because we didn't really have anything concrete planned for the day, at least not anything that had a definite time. So, after dropping off my brother and dad once more at a golf course (this one less snooty than the last), us girls decided to visit these famous gardens in the area. First we went to the Asticou Azalea Garden, which was this nice mix of eastern and western influences, and was very peaceful, despite being right off the road. What impressed me the most about this garden were two things: one, that they had meticulously raked pathways in intricate designs, and two, that they had this gigantic version of a zen sand garden. It was like one that you would have on an office desk, but life size, which I found very amusing. Also, since it was a flower garden, it did smell very nice. From there we went to the Thuya Gardens, another famous garden in that area that is located at the top of this really high hill (mountain?). We did have the option to walk up there, but decided against it since it was uncommonly warm for Maine, and humid, as well. So while these gardens were equally lovely, I found a shady pavilion and spent most of my time there trying to cool off. After picking up my dad and brother, we had a picnic lunch on the pathway leading up to the Thuya Gardens. We didn't walk up the entire way, but instead stopped at this terrace that had chairs and a nice view of the harbor below.  It was quite peaceful up there, just sitting and eating our lunch, even if it could have been cooler, temperature wise.
After a slight break back at the hotel to download pictures and charge batteries, we continued on the Park Loop Road around Acadia National Park, determined to finish it that day. At Sand Beach, which is apparently one of the only sandy beaches on the island, we climbed part way up this rugged hiking trail up to the cliffs that were overlooking the bay and beach, something (the rugged hiking, that is) that I wanted to do as soon as we got to Bar Harbor. When we reached the peak of the trail, we turned back to the beach and spent a few minutes removing our bulky hiking boots and "frolicking" in the icy cold water. For the people there in swim suits, actually wading into the waves, I applaud you. I do not know how they could stand the freezing temperatures. I finally wrangled up the family, knowing that the day was coming to an end and we weren't even close to finishing the tour, and we continued on the road. Along the way, we stopped at the Otter Cliffs, which were quite beautiful lit by the setting sun, and Thunder Cover. There, water rushed into this small cave and then came thundering back out. Apparently you don't always hear the thundering sound (and I wasn't sure that we were, in fact, hearing it, but my dad assured me we were), so we were quite lucky to come at the right time. At the Bubbles, two nearly identical mountains at the edge of Jordan Pond, we hiked up all the way to see Bubble Rock, this gigantic rock that looks precariously perched on the edge of the mountain, but is quite secure. Apparently, it was left by the glaciers that came through this area during the Ice Age. The hike was refreshing and everything I was looking for in Acadia National Park, and the view from the top beautiful. And since we had come so late, we were the only ones up there.
By the time got back to the car, we must have looked and smelled disgusting, but we still decided to catch a movie and get some pizza at Reel Pizza, which is this movie theater where they have tables and you order pizza to eat during the movie. I thought that was pretty unique. We saw Rock of Ages, one of two movies being shown (the other being Madagascar 3), and I found it quite entertaining. Yes, it lacked in plot, but the singing was all good and I found it humorous. I ordered the "Play it Again, Sam" Pizza, which had pesto and red peppers and other tasty goodness on it. The idea was to share the three pizzas we got among ourselves, but I was sad when I reached for a slice of my own, and it was all gone. Still, while it lasted, it was tasty. And that is all for Wednesday, June 20 - which, if the my passing glance at the newspaper is to be believed, was the first day of summer. So, let the summer begin!