Fall Foliage Trip 2017 - Bar Harbor, Maine

Day 8 - Bar Harbor, Maine, Acadia National Park

It was a beautiful drive to Bar Harbor.  It is a quaint community right on the water outside Acadia National Park.  We stopped at Hulls Cove visitors center to get oriented and acquire hiking information.  Then we drove up Cadillac Mountain to take in the views.  Beautiful fall color!

We arrived at our Air b&b and were pleasantly surprised!  It is an old Victorian home built in 1890 and has been well maintained.  It was 3 stories, with a tenant on the first floor, we had the second floor with living, full kitchen, bath and bedroom.  Then the owner lived on the 3rd floor.  All floors accessible by an outdoor stairway and deck but also on the inside.  We were relieved to stay somewhere this clean with nice furnishings.  Most things here are walking distance or you can bike,  which makes it easy to get around.  A packet information was made available with everything from where to eat, shop, hike or any other services we might want or need.  We took a suggestion and ate at "Cafe This Way" which was artsy and quirky with a great menu.  Options such as, sweet potato quinoa cakes and spiraled zucchini.  And of course chowder and a "lobstah roll!"

Day 9 - Cadillac Mountain, MDI

Today we decided to take the Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail. This should be a 7 mile round trip hike with some elevation change, but nothing drastic.  There is quite an array of hiking here that also requires climbing ability and iron rung ladder work for very steep trails.  We opted for our feet on the ground today with a hike that began with a gentle ascent through the forest with paths of granite.  When we reached the exposed ridge it required moderate climbing but just here and there, not continuous.  The ridge line hike was scenic with plenty of photo opps.  The weather was perfect in the mid 60's, which was so pleasant.  Once we reached the top we looked for the survey monument indicating the highest point of elevation and location.  You can also drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain, which many people obviously did, because we found a crowd when we arrived at the top.

Our trek back down the trail was nice.  We ran into a couple from Vermont who are avid hikers and told us about a trail that we could have taken to reach Katahdin, the highest point of the Appalachian Trail in Baxter State Park that had eluded us while we were there just a day ago. Oh well, maybe next time.  But the husband had also hiked the Greenbriar in West Virginia.  It is always nice to hear that others enjoy the state that I love.

Later we drive towards the coast south of Bar Harbor to hike Great Head Trail to take in spectacular ocean views.  This is a small 2 mile loop around a peninsula with a beach perfect for lunch or another fun activity. Great photos.

No swimsuits, just boots!

For dinner we went to Beal's Lobster Pound, a suggestion from one of our Air b&b hosts, which in known to have the best fresh Maine Lobster.  Since it is mid-October, they were actually closed for dinner, but they had fresh lobster so we picked a couple out took in the scenery while we waited.  They had every size lobster imaginable, with corn on the cob and coleslaw of course. I thought I was back in Maryland for a minute eating fresh Chesapeake Bay crabs.
















Day 10 - Lubec, the Eastern most point in the US.

This was a drive from Bar Harbor and the Mount Desert Island area, but we were on a quest to see this eastern point and the lighthouse located in Quoddy State Park along with a marker.  Many businesses were already closed here but we found lunch at the Fisherman's Wharf in Lubec.  Of course we had chowder and lobster, again. Our waitress is a lobster fisherman so we joked that we wished we could swap out our venison and beef for all of their seafood.  After lunch we drove to Mark Island Lighthouse off Scoodic Peninsula.  It is privately owned but in a beautiful area in the eastern part of Acadia NP.

Our cell phones kept "pinging" here with Canadian charges. We worked it out, but it was annoying.

Side Street Cafe was the dinner suggestion in search of the elusive Maine blueberry margarita.  Not really a margarita drinker, but heck, we are in MDI, so we wanted to taste the local fare.  It was a bust, no such thing as a blueberry margarita here, but dinner was decent as we opted for salads tiring (hard to believe) of chowder and lobster.


Day 11 - "first light" in the US from Cadillac Mountain

When we arrived there was already a crowd at 5:00 am.  It was cold but exciting even though it was cloudy.  As the sun game up over the horizon it was quiet with only  hushed whispers.  Then as the sun fully appeared everyone was eating, drinking and talking just like in a cafe.  Excellent photos!  Then we drove off the mountain for brunch at 2 Cats Cafe at the recommendation of our host.  Maine blueberry pancakes, Yum!

Today we hit the trails at Dorr Mountain, Gorham Trail, a 10 mile hike.  Great hike in mostly shade.  This trail is well traveled but in a good way.  We were ready for a longer hike since the weather was nice.

We reached the summit of Dorr Mountain via the Kane Path, Schiff Ladder, Dorr South Ridge and Cannon Brook Trails.  This was a magnificent day of hiking!

Fall Foliage Trip 2017- Baxter State Park, in search of Katahdin

Day 6 - Road trip to Millinocket, Maine

After a nice breakfast at the White Mountain Cafe and Coffee Shop we hit the road heading to Maine.    A beautiful drive on a nice autumn day on long winding country roads.  This is a tiny town with a dwindling population, but had once been thriving when logging was king. Our next Air b&b was in an old home that unfortunately was not well cared for or clean.

We decided to head out to Baxter State Park to get some details on hiking here and in our hope to reach the end of the Appalachian Trail at Katahdin peak.  There is a decent restaurant here called River Drivers.  Excellent lobster bisque and seafood.  We are hoping to get our fill of seafood on this trip.

Our waiter was well traveled yet a local, so he gave us good advice on not only food selections, but hiking in Baxter.

Day 7 - Baxter State Park, Katahdin

We decided to wait until the temp was above freezing before heading into the park.  After our experience hiking/climbing Mt Washington in NH, we were more careful selecting a hiking trail here.  The northeast is very rocky and we took that into consideration before starting out.

We had hoped and planned to hike to Katahdin peak which is the highest point of the Appalachian Trail.  We selected Chimney Pond Trail which was a moderate 7 mile hike.  Again the terrain was rocky with an increase in elevation of 1,400 feet (totally different from the 4,200 ft elevation change going up Mt Washington).

The trail was well marked and easy to follow and we made it to the campground at the Chimney Pond rangers station (we had passed the ranger on our way up, she was on her way down; end of season).  This was a nice area with 3-sided lean-to's for camping and water access.  We had decided by this point that due to the weather and the suggestions from other hikers that the Knife Edge trail to Katahdin was not in the cards today.  Snow and ice were coming in at the peak making for fierce conditions. So we viewed Katahdin from Chimney Pond trail, mostly in the clouds, but it was a spectacular sight. (Later we found out that earlier in the fall is the prime time to try to attempt this peak.)

Hiking Chimney Pond Trail.

Leaving Baxter State Park.

Fall Foliage Trip 2017 - Boston, MA & Gorham, NH

FALL FOLIAGE TRIP 2017

Day 1 - Flew to Boston MA.

This New England trip has been in the planning for quite a while. So many suggestions, so little time. Boston was the first order of business to get some good clam chowder and seafood to kick off our trip. We stayed at the Hyatt on Lafayette, great walking location. Had the best clam chowder at Legal Crossing (LX) along with stuffed squash blossoms (what?) and scallops, another fav.

Wow! Rich clam Chowder! Yum!

Day 2 - We hit the streets of Boston.

We spent a day walking the city around Boston Commons and the Massachusetts State House but eventually found our way to the North End for some Italian food. It was interesting to see the diversity in another time and how it has evolved. 




This chart reveals the detail that I find so interesting.  No, I have not researched my family ancestry, at least not yet.  But I am mesmerized by historical information that I should know, but do not know because I didn't pay attention in school.  Oh well, at least I read a lot of novels and enjoyed them all!








Later we headed to the North End of course.  We could smell the Italian food long before we arrived.  Most restaurants had their doors and windows open to the street making it really nice to feel the cool air and to people watch. Went to Bricco for wine then Mother Anna's for home cooked Italian. Manicotti's and Chicken Viennsa (artichoke/mushroom) was delightful! We ate here on our last trip to Boston 10 years ago and still has the best homemade red sauce I have ever had. Its really best to make a reservation here in the Italian district, but we tend to just take it as it comes. Then on to Modern Pastry for dessert. We waddled back to our hotel.

The desserts here looked like art!  And tasted even better.  We had a lobster tail, but the sweet kind (not the savory).

Day 3 - Walked the streets of Boston for breakfast at Au Bon Pain

Thursday, October 12th, 2017 after walking to breakfast we packed up to drive to Gorham, NH.  Using Air B&B, we rented a loft (garage apartment) in a beautiful wooded area with custom homes and fall foliage.  We are getting excited for our hiking adventure there in the Mount Washington area.  According to the locals we may missed the peak color time, but it was still inspiring. Had dinner in town at Mountain Fire Pizza and it was decent.

Day 4 - We awoke to a beautiful day of sunshine

Friday, October 13th, 2017 we visited the ranger station to plan out our days here. We decided to drive the 8 miles up Mt. Washington which is considered the most spectacular color in the New England area this time of year! We agree. Took more photos that I can even count on the way up (and back down).

Spectacular color! Arrival at the top was surprisingly cold due to 30 mph winds with major gusts that could know you off your feet. We toured the Tip Top House built in the 1850's, and it was a resort back then.  Everything is so small in size.  even though other buildings have been built, this small house is still used from time to time.  It sleeps 12 in 3 tier bunks. Presently there is a Summit building with a snack bar and museum and a weather observatory. You  can ride round trip on this mountain on a cog rail that looks intimidating.  There are also cars you can rent to drive down once you have hiked up this rocky 6,288 ft peak.  But make a reservation.

Sights along the way up Mt. Washington.

This drive was even a little scary, and not for the faint of heart.  You could actually drive right off the mountain if you are not paying attention.  And you absolutely have to cool your brakes!

This isn't even peak autumn color, we missed it by a couple of weeks.  But still beautiful.

This scenic 112 Route has beautiful waterfalls as well.  We finally took in our first hike, a 3 mile trip to Mount Willard with stunning views at the peak.  Thankfully we brought our hiking boots for traversing the rocks.

After dinner we drive into town and had dinner at The Red Parka, a steakhouse and tavern.  Good dinner with seafood, steak and a southern waitress!

Day 5 - Mount Washington

We decided to get out early so we could hike Mt Washington today.  It is 8 miles round trip, or so we thought.  It was 48 degrees when we began, so we bundled up preparing for the cold. The trail was steep and rocky but definitely well traveled. After about 2 miles in we noticed a change in terrain. The rocks became larger and larger, even boulders.  We climbed and scrambled on all fours just to stay safe on this trail.  There were ledges and overhangs that were intimidating, but we either had to go up or back down.

After 4 miles I was wondering why my fit bit mileage was off because we were not approaching the exposed mountain top with no end in sight to this trail due to fog.  We stopped numerous times from exhaustion but kept going as other hikers were passing us.  This is one of the first times I felt like quitting, which is funny since there is no such thing on a mountainside in the wind and fog.  I love fog and the way it slowly settles in around the landscape.  But today it was almost annoying.

This "hike" was really more of a climb.  Maybe we got off the trail somewhere a long the way, but eventually we made it to the top.  With the cold weather setting in and the wind, we knew there wasn't enough time to hike back down before dark.  So we found a nice family who had driven up, and they graciously let us ride with them back down.  We were disappointed, frustrated and even a little embarrassed, but our hiking research skills will improve after this hike.

Our Air b&b loft.  It was wonderful!

 Our trail (or not) on the ascent up Mt Washington.

This cairn was the only indication that we were on the right track.

Hiking Utah's Mighty 5 - Zion National Park 2017

This is the last stop on our tour/hike of Utah's Mighty 5, May 2017.  This time we were able to take the scenic route from Bryce Canyon along Mount Carmel highway to Zion.  The landslide from two weeks ago had been miraculously cleared. A gorgeous drive through a long mountain tunnel with views on the other side were spectacular. It was a hot day when we arrived, 99 degrees. Brunch, our favorite meal of the day was our first order of business at Me Me's Cafe. Delightful.

We headed to the visitors center to get the scoop on a short early evening hike. The Watchman trail looked good with panoramic views.  It started out good but the heat zapped my energy.  I had become accustomed to the cooler weather. This was a well traveled trail and we met a lot of people on the way down which was a nice break.  My husbands focus kept us on track.

The Watchman Trail

On Sunday morning we hit the ground running early to avoid the heat. We caught the shuttle up the mountain to Weeping Rock. It was already 8:00 am which is late for mountain top hiking. It will be 100 degrees today.  No, I won't melt but it sure felt like it.  Observation Point trail was our 8 mile goal this morning with over 2,000 ft elevation change. We huffed and puffed but made it to the top along with a few other people. So we ate while overlooking the canyon panorama that seemed to go for miles. A lot of people were taking photos, so we waited our turn before heading back down the trail. The chipmunks here almost seem domesticated as they beg for food.  Of course they shouldn't be fed in order to preserve their survival, but many seemed to ignore this.  We find people who love to travel very interesting. Most surprisingly are not wealthy, but like us they have made travel a priority, so therefore they make it work. Last summer we met a nice English couple in Wales and we have remained friends and correspond from time to time.

A slot canyon in Zion.

At Observation Point. We are actually standing near the edge of a cliff overlooking the canyon.

Today is our last day on this trip.  It has been an experience to travel and see amazing scenery and to witness what God has created and provided. There have been so many spiritual moments throughout these days and weeks. My husband has commented on it constantly with his pics and social media posts. I have found myself humming and singing "The Majesty and Glory of His Name" repeatedly. It is a reminder that we are humbled by creation and awestruck by its power to touch our hearts and minds. I pray that we never take any of this for granted.

Heading to Texas tomorrow. Home.

Hiking Utah's Mighty 5 - Bryce Canyon 2017

On June 1st, 2017 we left the mostly unknown gem Capital Reef NP and headed to Bryce Canyon. It was another scenic drive.  We didn't get out on the trails until mid-afternoon but what we observed upon arriving were multiple observation points.  I am impressed with the amount of observation areas in many national parks here in the US.  It makes these scenic areas accessible to many people to enjoy. From the main observation area the "hoodoos" just seem to jut out from the ground everywhere.  It is a sight to behold. These magnificent geological formations really bring a crowd of tourists even in the rain.

We hiked Navajo Loop Trail (which I had just hiked two weeks prior on my girls trip) and Queens Garden Trail. It was an amazing experience to be among the hoodoos.  But as the rain began to pour we headed to Bryce Canyon Lodge for a warm meal. Afterwards we hiked along the rim from Sunrise to Sunset points, then around to Inspiration Point. It was quite a climb, or maybe since it was evening by then we were just tired. So many photos, so little time.

Bryce Canyon hoodoos. A phenomenal site.

Me and the hubs just keeping it real.

So, I have this interest in trees and how they survive the environment.

I just cannot say enough about Bryce Canyon.  It is such an experience to see such a transformation in the landscape that has been here for many years. On our second day here we decided to undertake an 8 mile hike around Fairyland Canyon.  The elevation change is 1710 feet but gradual. And it was remarkable. So many hoodoos and the Tower Bridge was much nicer from a higher elevation. (I had experienced it earlier on my girls trip but not from the same vantage point.) Some of this trail trail actually narrowed to a very slender path on the rim which had extraordinary scenery.  We hiked past the Chinese wall and the Sunken Ship and more hoodoos than we could count. We were mesmerized by Fairyland Canyon.

Thor's hammer.

A canyon of hoodoos.

The rim trail.

Tower bridge.

Just another group of hoodoos under a beautiful sky. Amazing.

We actually squeezed in another hike suggested by our ranger through Swamp Creek Canyon which was a nice leisurely 4 mile hike.  Heading to Zion National Park tomorrow.