The Maine Attraction

Acadia National Park may be one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen, and with that being said, it rained 3 of the 4 days we were there--go figure. However, this was the first test of living in a primitive setting! Well, not exactly. There was still running water, toilets, access to the car and access to the town of Bar Harbor. I should say, it was the first test of getting used to sleeping in a small tent, in our stellar sleeping bags (from Gear to Go Outfitters!), on a foam pad, in damp and chilly conditions, and of course not showering for days on end. I still can't figure out if you stop stinking after day 3 or if you just think you're not stinky.

The Steven King novelesque fog did eventually dissipate and the breathtaking scenery was finally present. That is not to say that the 9.2 mile hike up the highest Atlantic Coast mountain in the misty fog was't a cool experience. Once the weather did get nice though, the sunset and sunrise, which could be seen from the top of Cadillac Mountain, were absolutely ridiculous. And I can officially say I was one of the first people to see the rays of the sun in greater North America. Another great achievement, was climbing the beehive, which is a trail comprised of sheer ledges and iron rungs. Not exactly a trail for someone who is scared of heights, thus I had to grow a pair to do it.

Aside from the magnificent nature views, campfire food was great. Of course by campfire I mean using a Colman stove while looking at a campfire. The trick is $1 packets of the Knorr pasta sides, some fresh produce, a little $.50 can of evaporated milk--boom--delicious dinner for two for $3! One pot wonders ya can't beat. 

During the Acadia trip, we also went to the town of Bar Harbor. Since touristy towns as such tend to hike up prices up in the summer, you have to walk around looking for good happy hour deals on side streets. And a deal we found--half price local beers and lobster nachos! Spots where locals hang out in small towns are the way to go. You hear great stories and don't spend as much money.

 

As the grand finale, and the last stop in Maine--sailboats and lobsters in Cutler! But before we got there, my oh my, "Wild Blueberry Land." Home to blueberry jam, blueberry pies, blueberry ice cream, blueberry soda, blueberry knick-knacks, all of course in a structure which resembles a giant blueberry. 

Arriving with a blueberry pie in tow, we were hosted by one of my favorite guys and his family in the quaint little town on the Atlantic coast. After being welcomed with a lobster roll, we hit the water by motor boat (which I got to drive) and later by sailboat! The good times rolled into the night with an incredible lobster dinner, fireworks, a bonfire. 

And of course, what would seeing my high school buddies be without an aggressive round of flip cup! 

See ya' Maine, hello New Hampshire!