Maine 2016

August 24, 2016

Arrived at Bethel Outdoor Adventures campground around 11.   This campground is located on the Androscoggin River, where they offer kayak and canoe rides.   Not sure if we'll have time to do these activities.

After lunch we drove to Grafton Notch State Park, I had read they have wonderful waterfalls, so off we went.   Our first waterfall was Screw Auger, since they are short on water, not much was coming over the falls, but it was a nice area to walk around and enjoy the pools that  were there.

The next fall was Mother Walker Falls, again it was barely running, so we didn't spend much time.

Our last fall was called Moose Cave, it's a great 1/2 mile walk that you get to look at the cave where the water would run had there been any, but there wasn't.  There was a nice pond at the end of the trail, but no running water through the cave.

August 23, 2016

Played Palmyra Golf Course, nice course that's attached to the RV park.   Many trees and narrow fairways that you have to navigate, however we did not.   Lost many golf balls!!!

After golf headed into Newport, ME, not much to see.  This is rural Maine but reminds me so much of eastern Oregon.   Fall is coming, crisp air at night and leaves are starting to turn color.   They say they won't have much color this year, since they've had very little rain.

August 22, 2016

Washed the coach, boy did it need it!!!   Afterwards we drove to Skowhegan, ME, home of New Balance Shoes, but they were closed.   Apparently they had a big sidewalk sale this past weekend and were moving all of their inventory back into the store.  Might stop on our way to Bethel, ME on Wednesday.

Took the back roads back, beautiful drive.

August 21, 2016

Left Trenton around 9 and headed to Palmyra, ME.  It was about a 2 hr drive thru rural Maine.   We drove hwy 2 and part of I-95 to get here, not much traffic which is always nice.   Arrived at Palymra Golf and RV resort, which is about 30 miles west of Bangor, ME.  We have finally turned west and will slowly head to AZ expecting to arrive in October.

Spent the afternoon just looking around the area, took a walk around the golf course, will play it before we leave.

August 20, 2016

1911 Model 50 American

Last day in Acadia, so we take advantage and head to a town called Seal Cove (not on a bus route) to see the Seal Cove Auto Museum (Bobby was in heaven).   This was the private collection of  Richard Paine, which displays cars from the Brass Era (1895-1917).   The array of autos you see is absolutely eye-catching.   I loved reading all the notes they printed either about the car itself, manufacturer or the owner.   Truly one of the best collections we seen of this Era.

1934 Ford Luxus Cabriolet

Over 50 vehicles tell the exciting story of early automotive history, the years when men tinkered in their barns and yards experimenting with steam, electricity and gas powered engines! The Seal Cove Auto Museum shares this story — the innovation, ingenuity, and the power of imagination — that created these vehicles and transformed life in America.   Many of these cars are one of a kind, including the 1934 Ford "Luxus" Cabriolet, made for and owned by Edsel Ford.  It was a concept car!!!

While here, you also learn how the autos came to the island and how many resident didn't want autos, as they felt it would ruin the beauty of the island and injury many residents.  However, auto won and today, they are trying to limit the number of autos that are allowed on the island.  Parking is a premium and find a spot inside the NP is extremely difficult.  Thank goodness they have a bus system, as it certainly allows more people to view the NP and enjoy it's amenities.

Gilley Museum was our next stop.   This museum showcases the works of Wendell Gilley, who used to live at Southwest Harbor.   He's a famous bird carver and sold his work to Abercrombie and Fitch, which later lead him into becoming one of the leaders in the bird carving world.  

The museum also teaches individuals how to carve and/or you can watch a carver at work, which we did.   We talked extensively to Steve Wormer, you teaches plus sells you art at the museum.   I'm telling you, Deb's birds would bring many dollars if she ever decided to sell her collection.

Took a new route home, think we've covered at least 80% of this island during our stay.  Believe me, if you like the ocean, mountains and exploring, this is a great NP to explore!!!

August 19, 2016

Roosevelt center

Long, very long day but so much fun and beauty that we saw was

spectacular!   Started out by leaving park around 8, caught the bus into Bar Harbor.   Had breakfast as the ferry didn't leave until 11 to Schoodic point, a part of Acadia NP that's not located on Mount Desert Island.

Once we caught the ferry, it took us 45 min, in which we passed many islands along the way.  As we threaded through Frenchman Bay, we finally arrived at Winter Harbor, where we caught the local Island Explorer bus.    The bus makes a 1 hr loop around the park, but we decided to get off at Schoodic Point.    Here we captured some great shots of the waves breaking against the granite landscape.   I could have spent all day watch the ocean and playing on these huge pieces of granite.

Minke Whale

However, we have much more to see, so we took a hike down to the Schoodic Institute, where they research the ocean.   Here is the home to the Roosevelt Visitors Center and museum.   The building is the prior home of one of the Roosevelt's, it's stunning from the outside, inside is your typical NP museum.

From there, we walked to Blueberry Park, about a 1 to 1.5 miles down the road.   Along the way, capturing great shots of the Atlantic and off in the distant, Bay of Fundy (it divides USA and Canada.

We catch the bus at Blueberry Park and take it to Prospect Point, where we have lunch at the Pickled Wrinkle (got the name from whelk snail that they pickle).   Sorry, but we did not see any pickled wrinkles nor did they sell any, however love the name.   Had a

great club sandwich, then caught the bus to winter Harbor.   You
must catch the 4:30 ferry, otherwise you have to hire some to drive you back or spend the night.    Not many choices for hotels either!!!

Arrived back in Bar Harbor around 5:30, looked through more shops and then caught the 6:00 PM bus for home.   Long but wonderful day.


August 18, 2016

 Decided to play golf at Bar Harbor Golf Course.   Not exactly what we had anticipated but a nice little course.  All of the sand traps were horrible and they allowed a free drop out.   To bad, as otherwise the course was in fairly good condition but certainly not worth the $56 a person it cost.

This afternoon we'll stay home and goof around the coach.   Bobby took way to many swings and his feeling it!   I shot really well, in fact I got a 92 and even took a nine on the last hole!!!




August 17, 2016

 I wanted to see Thunder Hole and the waves that it creates, once again however, we get there to close to high tide (even though it's 1.5 hrs before).   We did however get some great shots of the waves breaking on the nearby rocks.  

On the way home, we took a trip through the park and found a few more things to look at.  Honestly, I'll never get tired of seeing the ocean!!!!

Got home, thought about playing golf, however the wind and clouds have moved in, so we decided to play tomorrow.

Had a great sunset and the moon rising over Eastern Bay (that's the bay we are parked on), was magnificent, especially since it reflected in the bay.


August 16, 2016

View from Cadillac Mt

Today we took the truck and headed up to Cadillac Mt, it's 1,530 and gave us incredible views of Mount Desert Island.   You can see forever from here, no wonder everyone wants to come see the views.

Thunder Hole at slack tide

This is the highest peak on the east coast and one of the first places where you see the sunrise.   Tonight we might come see the sunset, but rain is expected, so might have to be another day.

We take in all the views we can, looking at Schoodic peninsula plus the many islands that surround Bar Harbor, truly is a fisherman's paradise!

Next stop was Thunder Hole, it's slack tide so no action, will have to return another day, then onto to Otter Point.  Beautiful pink rocks in this area.

Jordan Pond is next, you can see this lake from Cadillac Mountain, it's a beautiful deep blue lake.  You are not  allowed to swimming but they have a great 3 mile hike around the lake.  The restaurant

Bar Island, we walked to it yesterday at low tide

here is famous for it's popovers and strawberry jam, we did not have one, there was a huge waiting line to get a table.

After that, we headed into Bar Harbor, wanted to take a few more pics of some of the moose statues.

We then headed to Ellsworth to do some grocery shopping at Walmart, rest of the afternoon, I'll spend catching up on the blog and playing at the ocean, only 1/2 block from our coach.






August 15, 2016

10,000  yr old boulder

Land bridge at Bar Harbor

It's time to catch up on chores once again, so we spent the morning to them.  Around 12:30, I decide to head into town to do the island bridge walk.   This is only possible at low tide, as when the tide goes out, it creates a natural bridge from Bar Harbor to Bar Island.

I would say it's about a 1/3 of a mile across, but easy walking, unless you want to explore the sea life, then you have to climb across the walks and wade into ocean looking for starfish, etc., as we did!!!

We spent a couple of hours goofing off, then headed into town, went to find the ferry that will take us to Schoodic Island, another portion of Acadia NP but it's about 1 hr from here.

Cairn's on Shore path

I wanted to walk the Shore path, so we took a about a 1.5 mile hike along the ocean.  Beautiful views of the islands, Frenchman's bay and homes along the route.   We then headed back into Village and look at more shops plus got our mail.

Got home at around 5:30.

August 14, 2016

Another day in Arcadia, today we took the bus (rose colored number 7) to the westerly side of the island.  Once again, you stop at many small towns (SW Harbor, Bass Harbor Echo Lake, etc), hiking trails, picnic areas, etc.   The last stop is a town called Bernard, so we took the bus all the way and then on the return trip, got off at the Lighthouse area (Blackwoods campground).   Had to walk about 1/2 mile one way, but it was an easy hike.

Once you arrive at the lighthouse, you can see it from all sides, but on the ocean side, you have to walk down several steps and over big boulders, which are right on the ocean.   Cool for us, but not for the faint of heart!

Views were spectacular from here, you can see for miles and miles out into the Atlantic.

Took the bus into Bar Harbor, walked around some of the shops and had lunch at a 50's/60's dinner.  I had fish & chips (haddock) and Bobby had shrimp.  It was delicious.

Took the bus back to the coach, standing room only today (it's after 4 PM) and everyone is trying to get home.

August 13, 2016

Ocean Path walk

It's cloudy and supposed to rain but we leave on the local shuttle bus determined that it will be a great day, after all, we are in Acadia National Park.   We get to the visitors center for Acadia and transfer from the campground bus to the park loop bus.  They have 7 routes that run around the park and/or Bar Harbor area.  

We ride the bus until we get to Sand Beach, then we decided that we'll walk the beach path, where we'll catch the bus to continue on our route.   This hike is about 2 miles long, on a path that allows you to capture view of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.

We took several opportunities to walk out on the rocks, to capture that special shot.  The path took us to Thunder Hole, where at high tide, you can hear the roar of the ocean as it enters the cave plus

Thunder Hole

splash up to 40' waves.   We'll hopefully see it later this week.

Our next stop is Otter Cliff, here you see climbers scaling the rocks.   Braver than I would be.  It's starting to rain, so we head up the path to next bus stop, just in time.  Once we got on the bus, it was pouring.  Do to this, we took the bus back to the visitors center where we caught the campground bus back to the coach.

Tomorrow, we'll explore another route!!!


August 12, 2016

Hope to see one of these

Travel day, left Rockland around 8:30 and arrived in Trenton, ME (about 15 miles from Bar Harbor and 6 miles from Acadia National Park) at Narrows Two Campground (Thousand Trails park) around 10:30.

Once we got parked, we decided to drive into Bar Harbor Campground to look at that park.   We were supposed to move on Monday, as it's about 6 miles closer to Bar Harbor, but it did not impress as much as the current park, so we've decided to stay here until the 21st.

View of sound at our campground

Drove into Bar Harbor, what a zoo that was, we knew it would be crowded, but it was crazy.  We'll take the free shuttle in tomorrow, so much easier than trying to fight this traffic.

Went into Ellsworth (about 6 miles west of our campground) and had a wonderful lunch.  Ate at Pat's Pizza, excellent and I'm sure we'll go there again before we leave.

Took a walk down to the sound (we can see it from the motorhome), very rocky and will be great to explore tomorrow.   Right now it's raining, so back in the coach.  Hopefully the weather won't keep us from doing everything Acadia National Park has to offer.

August 11, 2016

This is probably our last day here in Rockland, ME area, think we'll head to Bar Harbor tomorrow, weather is going to turn raining, so want a few good days to see Acadia National Park.

Pemaquid Point Light, which is an hour south.   We have light fog but when we arrive it's incredibly beautiful with no wind.   The temps are going up and so is the humidity, so we want to get back before the high temps come.   My body doesn't like this humidity!!!

Pemaquid park is unique, in that once again the rocks look like petrified wood.   I just love looking at these rocks!!!!   We climbed around the area for about an hour, then headed to the lighthouse.   It was built in 1827, I'm sure it's been remodeled and/or replaced but did not find any information on

that.  

From the rocks, it's a stunning view looking back up at the lighthouse, I can't imagine the view during a winter storm, nor do I want to stay and find out!!!!

We then drove into Bristol, very small costal town, looked around and went thru a few shops.   We did stop at the Pemaquid State Historic Site, home of Fort William Henry.   From here, you get a great view of the bay and off in the distance you can see the town of Bath, home of the Bath Iron Works, where they make naval ships.

Drive home was beautiful, some of the trees are starting to turn colors, think it's from lack of water!   Like most of the country, they are in a drought.

August 10, 2016

Marshall Lighthouse

Owls Head

Owls Head Lighthouse & Marshall Lighthouse are our destinations for today.  Owls is fairly close where Marshall is about 1 hr to the south.

Owls head is a wonderful lighthouse located on a point about 5 miles from us.  Stunning views of the bay, you can see Samoset Golf Course off in the distance plus the town of Rockport, which is one town to our north.  We walked around the area, including the swimming area, no, still to cold for me to swim in!

Next we drove to Marshall Lighthouse, about 40 min to the south.   Beautiful area once again giving us spectacular views.   This lighthouse is very small but stunning.   It has a museum attached but was closed until 1 PM, so we decided not to wait the 3 hrs.

Inn keepers house at Owls Lighthouse

Drove into the town of Port Clyde, very small coastal town with a few interesting shops and museums. 

We then headed back to Rockland (no way to get to another lighthouse since we are on a peninsula.

Found a place to park and then walked up and down main street of Rockland looking in almost every store.   Love window shopping!!!

August 9, 2016

 Started day by taking a 2 mile walk out to the Rockland breakwater.   Great views of the bay and Samoset Golf Course.

We then drove up north on Hwy 1 to a town called Camden.  It's another coastal town but has a nice wharf area that we look around.   Had lunch at a nice restaurant called Mariners, had a wonderful club sandwich but the clam chowder was too clammy and watery for Bobby.   It definitely was not my type of chowder, which would be more like thick potato soup!!!

Earlier in the day, we drove up to Mt Battie, which is just north of Camden.   You get the most incredible view of the Atlantic and the surrounding islands and cities.   We had the perfect day for viewing as it was crystal blue skies.   The views were breath taking, post card perfect situation.   Also at the summit, you see this tower, which is dedicated to military.   They are in the process of remodeling, so we could not climb it.

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On the drive back home, we took in many sites of the ocean, even though the beaches are nothing like Florida or even Oregon, it's magnificent.    All of the beaches so far are rocky, nothing that we'd call a beach.  Also, we've found only tiny shells, nothing like I expected, might be because the water is extremely cold, not sure how kids swim in it.   Burr!!!!

August 8, 2016

Moving day, drove from Portland to Rockland, ME, which is about 2 hrs but we had traffic so took us about 3 hrs.    We expected that, since this is like being on hwy 1 in Oregon.   Lots of tourists!!!

Arrived at the Rockland Elks around 11:30, went into town and found the visitors center.  Picked up brochures then headed back to Elks.

Went to club for dinner, only have on Monday nights.   I had fresh Haddock and Bobby had the meatloaf special.   Both were wonderful.

August 7, 2016

Took the mail boat ride thru Casco Islands!   This ferry goes to about 7 islands taking the mail, supplies and people to the various islands.   While we just paid to ride, many were getting off at various islands to spend the weekend, etc.  

Some islands are extremely small (only two couples lived on one full time) while others had hundreds living on them.   Two had schools for kids up to the 5th grade, after that, the ferry picks them up and takes them into Portland for their schooling. 

More than one island is privately owned, so you can't get off at those unless you're renting a home from one of the owners.   We were allowed to get off the ferry at two islands for about 15 min. each time.   You can't really see much but we could have stayed and caught another ferry had we chosen.   Most owners have golf carts but some have cars (another ferry will transport your car), otherwise you walk.

August 6, 2016

The AC at the dash is not working, so we went to find an rv repair place but everything is closed until Monday.   We then decided to take today and just watch TV, extremely hot and humid here today.  94 and 70% humidity.

I went shopping while Bobby stayed home and watched TV.   I got home and made fried rice with the leftover lobster, it was delicious!!!


August 5, 2016

Dropped south along the hwy 1, stopping at Old Orchard Beach first.   They have a board walk here, so we went to see it.   It was closed, guess it doesn't open until after noon.   We walked along the beach, taking in the sites and realizing that the sand here is nothing like anywhere else we've stopped.   Hard as a rock, even in the water.

Next we headed to the lighthouse, you have to park near the ocean and then take a trail around the golf course to get to it.   Beautiful area with tons of rocks to explore.   The lighthouse is on an island, so you only get to take pics, however, I really enjoyed walking around the rocks.

We then headed to Goat Lighthouse, which is near cape porpoise, great area.   When you get out to the lighthouse, once again, it's on an island, you have to find a place to park, extemely difficult.   Only a limited number of spots and most are there to have lunch at the Chowder House, which we did also.   Had an excellent lunch of shrimp and chowder. 

You get a great view of the lighthouse plus learn about these islands.   One is named after President Bush, as they have their summer retreat in the next town of Kennebunkport, which was our next stop.  Since it's a presidential summer home, you can't get anywhere near the home, but did get a few good shots.   Apparently this was Mrs. Bush's childhood summer place and inherited it from her family, it's actually called Walker's point, after them.

August 4, 2016

We played golf at the Sable Hills Golf Course in South Portland.  Met a single guy named Peter and he played with us, great guy from Montreal.

Afterwards, we found a local laundromat and did our weekly duty.   While doing the laundry, I found a place to order to lobsters, so after laundry we picked up the two cooked lobsters (cost us $5.99 lb) .

Once we got home, I cleaned the lobster and then we had them for dinner....delicious but very rich, only ate one between the two of us.

August 3, 2016

Drove to Augusta, capital of Maine.  Took the tour, which was nothing special.  They have a few pics of important individuals but that about all you really get to see.   In the senate chambers, you are not allowed to get near the desk, who knows why?   They are in summer break and nothing on them.   The House of Reps was being remodeled, so you don't even get to go inside that area.

LL Bean's flagship store is in Freeport, ME, so we headed there.  It's something that everyone should see, you can't imagine how big this place is.   First off, it's four buildings and three of those are 2-3 stories high.  It has everything a person would want to look their best!

The rest of the town is basically an outlet mall except it's individual buildings up and down the street.  Very different but cool in its own way.  Stopped at the Whoppie Pie store, had an oatmeal one, delicious.  Also we found a few things we needed (lol) and then we headed home.

August 2, 2016

Was hoping to get pictures added to the blog, but the wifi system is just to slow for adding them, promise it will get done soon, however you can see most of them on our facebook pages.

Today was a road trip looking at 6 lighthouses, five of which are on land. 

The first two are located in Twin Light Park, but both are on private land, so you're not able to get close to them.  However, the park is wonderful and a great place to explore the Atlantic Ocean.   The rocks in this area look like petrified wood, very interesting and unique.

Portland Head Lighthouse was our next stop.   It's the most photographed lighthouse in Maine.   It's magnificent.   Located on a point that allows ships to see it clearly.   Very stunning.

Also near by (but out in the bay,) is Ram Lighthouse

Spring Point Lighthouse is our next stop, it's a spark plug design, very unusual.   You can walk out on the breakwater to get a close up view, which we did.  Huge boulders, but easy for us to navigate.

Our last lighthouse was Bug Light, it's located at the entrance to Portland Harbor.

We then headed into old town and walked around, looking in some shops.  Stopped at Gilley's for lunch, had my first lobster roll, I liked it, Bobby thought it was tasteless.   We then did some more looking around and went to a local fish market.    Lobsters start at $5.99 lb and they'll cook it for you.  Takes 20 min, so we'll do that tomorrow night.

August 1, 2016

We finally made it to Maine!!!!!   Arrived at the Portland Elks around 12:30, we stopped at Cabela's (about 15 miles from here) to dump our tanks and then traveled to here.

Met Carol (secretary), lodge is closed until Wednesday.   Nice lodge, however they are going to start a major remodel any day.  It will make this look like a totally new lodge. 

Went to Border for lunch and on the way back, it started to rain, so we'll just stay inside for the remainder of today!