Coastal Maine Day # 7 - Acadia National Park and Climb Up Cadillac Mountain

Here is a view of the low tide just outside our hotel in Bar Harbor. People can walk over to the island on the right during low tide, but they will be caught there later in the day if they do not leave in time.

Here's a shot of our group on our last day.

Today we headed straight to Acadia National Park. We have a 7AM start time to avoid the traffic - it was wonderful to have the park to ourselves so early in the morning!

Here's an over-the-shoulder shot of the group behind me.

Jett remembers camping and horseback riding here 25 years ago.

A quick stop just before tackling the 3.5-mile ascent up Cadillac Mountain.

On my way. Janie got a head start. Jettie is somewhere behind me.

Success!

Our entire group atop Cadillac Mountain.

View of the Porcupine islands

Our long climb and steep downhill!

After our climb, we headed back to our hotel for a late breakfast, shower, and check out. Then a 3.5-hour drive back to Portland, Maine.

When we return, we check back into our hotel and begin the process of packing up our bikes.

All set and ready to go!

The next morning, we have to say goodbye to Janie the Great.

Besties forever!

Goodbye, Janie, until our next cycling adventure.

This trip was wonderful. Beautiful. I feel I shall always love Maine.

Coastal Maine Day # 6 - Bar Harbor to Bass Harbor, 33 miles, 1850' of climb

Gorgeous blueberry buttermilk pancakes and bacon for breakfast. And this is why we typically gain weight during our cycling vacations...

Here's our little crew getting our bikes ready for the day's ride. Most of us opted for a short day to come back early and better enjoy the Bar Harbor scene.

On the road! This is Jennifer.

We rode near Acadia National Park. It was lovely. The car traffic was not.

Me and Jettie in our matching jerseys. We only got a little teasing by the others for doing this. Jett and I both used to display extreme disdain for those silly couples who always matched up. 

Until we became them. 

Carriage Road House (I think...)

Loved these old bridges.

Jett's stopping for more photos today.

Here's our crew, riding together because it is a short day.

Jett loves the pelicans.

Tiny libraries in these tiny towns.

Lunch stop.

Cool house with golden-tipped stag horns.

Jett preferred the mint condition Studebaker in the garage.

Another lovely lighthouse with a terrific view.

This nice dog was mobbed by the kids at the lighthouse. Very lovely and patient creature.

Back to the Harborside for a shower and change of clothes.

We were glad to have a short day so we could go exploring in Bar Harbor. Here's Jett in the lobby, waiting for Janie the Great.

And here's the lobster jersey I was considering. Eye catching, isn't it? In the end, I opted to buy a scenic lighthouse version. Jett got a matching one (!)

We happened upon an alpaca goods store. I had to go in. One of our tour members is intimately involved with alpacas, and I learned a great deal about them. I ended up buying a lovely sweater.

Pot buoys for sale at a tourist shop. We loved them so much, it was tempting to bring some home. But what to do with them here in Sacramento?

Jett and I goofing off at the Irish pub. This photo was pre-drinks.

Besties

I did buy a little lobster finger puppet for the kittens. It made an appearance at the pub.

These are the old time version of the lobster pot.

We had our last dinner together at Cafe This Way.

During our nighttime walk back to the hotel, we happened upon another cemetary.

Lots of history in Bar Harbor and throughout Maine.

Thus ends our last full day of this wonderful cycling tour.