Leaving Acadia

Thursday, June 21 was all about hiking through Acadia National Park, which was what I was most excited to do when we got there a few days prior. And the trails did live up to my expectations. While my dad and brother went on this more daring and dangerous trail, the Jordan Cliffs trail, which goes across sheer cliffs and uses ladders at several places, my mom, sister and I went on the 3.2 mile loop around Jordan Pond. And after hearing my dad's account of his trail, I must say I am glad I didn't go. I can handle heights, but falling I am afraid of, so that trail would not have been compatible with my sensibilities at all. Yes, Jordan Pond Loop was more my speed. The worst we experienced was clambering over some boulders and a super long rickety boardwalk near the end. As a bonus to the great exercise we were getting, there were scenic and picturesque vistas abounding. Yet, even stopping every few feet to take a picture, we still managed to get to Jordan Pond House faster than my dad and brother. When they finally did arrive, my mom was craving some iced tea and popovers, so they got a table. In the meantime, I sat outside on a chair, just taking in the scenery (and perhaps getting a little sunburned...).
Since there was no good place to picnic nearby, we ate our packed lunch in and around the car before starting off on another trail. This time, our goal was to see a bunch of the famed carriage road bridges built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in the 1920s and 30s. Hiking around on the carriage roads was surprisingly good cardio, in addition to the great views all around. And with all the horse manure on the roads, I was reminded of Mackinac Island, but without all the pooper-scoopers to pick up after the horses. My favorite bridge that we saw was the Cobblestone Bridge, which is faced with a bunch of cobblestones rocks, instead of carved stone. With a little brook running underneath it, surrounded by trees it was everything I imagined Acadia to be. It was truly beautiful and peaceful, a breath of fresh air.  The only downside to the trek out there was that we had to take some of the private carriage roads, which are not part of the park, and thus are less well-maintained. After snapping a bunch of pictures, we decided to trek along the stream on this rough hiking trail through the woods, instead of returning to the carriage woods. Though it was difficult at times, the hike there was definitely worth it.
Returning to our car after that adventure, my feet felt like lead, like I had walked for days. Luckily, all that was planned for the rest of the day was to finish the Park Loop Road, which we did with a flourish at Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard until Rio de Jeniro. From that vantage point, you could see everything for miles around - Bar Island, which we had walked to previously; the Porcupine Islands, which we had gone around on the boat tour; Bubble Mountain, and more. It was a nice wrap up of everything we had done on Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. For dinner after finally finishing the tour, we went to the Side Street Cafe. The food there was delicious, the people friendly, and atmosphere inviting. What a difference from our first dinner in Bar Harbor! And since it was their third anniversary, they had live music coming after we ate, which my brother and parents stayed to listen to. Me, I was just tired and went back to the room.
For today, there is not much to say. We ate our last breakfast at Acacia House, which was wonderful, as usual. I had the blueberry pancakes, which was fitting, since it was our last day in Maine. I would have to say that that bed and breakfast was one of the best on the trip - the people were friendly and helpful, and the breakfast and afternoon snacks yummy. It was a nice stay. I will miss the beautiful scenery of the area and refreshing walks through the woods. After finally packing up, we left for Jackson, New Hampshire. We ate at a roadside stop, where it was hotter than blazes. Then, near the end of our trip, it started pouring, as it always seems to do when my mom takes the wheel of the car. After a while, the rain let up, and we arrived at Carter Notch Inn, where we are staying two nights. It is a nice area, and the owners are British, which is always amusing to listen to. Also, it is right near a stream and a covered bridge, which New Hampshire is apparently famous for. As it was getting late, we tried one restaurant that was recommended, but the service was horrible, so we left. We ended up at Red Fox Bar and Grill, which was a complete change from the previous place and everyone enjoyed themselves. Tomorrow we go up Mount Washington to see the observatory, but for now I must go to sleep. Good Night!