**Somehow, using the drone, we are able to show just a bit better the incredible beauty that lies along the Maine Coast.**

GST Season IV - Chapter 9

Mardi Gras to Maine

“Hold dear to the BEST of times, unforgettable Maine.”

Ecclesiaste 3:1 says: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under Heaven.” For us, our Season IV can be summed up in 1-8 of that classic verse or just listen to “Turn! Turn! Turn!” by the Byrds, “I swear it’s not too late.” 😃

Hopefully, these words provoke some thought as they were meant to. The twenty third state deserves it. Maine’s State Flag has the latin phrase “Dirigo “ embossed above it’s Pinetree and Moose Seal. “I Lead” is the translation... Maine leads, in many ways.

Let’s start with her coast: 230 miles line the Atlantic and 3500 miles, indeed 3500 miles, are its tidal coastline, giving it the name “America’s Bold Coast.” We did our best to explore this treasure from Kittery to Lubec and still only scraped its surface. The forests of the “Pinetree State” are as dense as you will ever encounter, with 80% of the land covered. It is the “Most Forested State.” The only National Park in all of New England lies in the heart of Maine... Acadia. My words can’t do justice to its beauty. Wind, rain, and the sea have shaped it beyond description. Take it in yourself... thank me later!

Finally, the people of Maine. “Mainers” as they proudly proclaim, are as rugged as the Cutler Coast and as warm as the granite of Cadillac Mountain on a sun drenched day. I believe the same environment that shaped this land, its cold long winters, brilliant spring and fall, and a short but dazzling summer create a persona that is unique to “DownEast.”

And so, for everything there is a season. For us our Season IV has come to its end here in Maine, which is indeed under Heaven... at least a part of it.

“Hold dear to the BEST of times, unforgettable Maine.”

Thank you for traveling along.

Travel safe and we will see you… out on the trail, road, or coast!

John and Caroline 🍀

***There are so many options of things to do in Maine. We stopped in at the visitors center and found several “must do” activities!***

Our Points of interest while visiting “DownEast” Maine:

Hike:

Acadia is known for some memorable hikes with views of the surrounding coastal areas and Bar Harbor. Be sure and stop at the Visitors Center, grab an Acadia National Park map, and head to find the trail that fits your needs. There are so many to choose from and most have some challenge to the climb as well as the reward of views and accomplishment at the end!
We were grateful to have taken in the following hikes on the Mount Desert Island area:

-Bald Peak, Parkman Mountain, Gilmore Peak, and Sergeant Mountain (5.5 Miles)

-Beehive to Gorham Mountain and the Ocean Path Loop Trail (4.0 Miles)

-Penobscot Mountain and the Bubbles (6.0 Miles)

3. Cutler Coast: This hike was enjoyed with our son Duncan and his girlfriend Aviva. After several days of rain the rocks and tree roots were quite slippery but we so enjoyed the challenge and we in awe of the coastal views. A definite recommend. While in the are, be sure to continue the short distance to Lubec and the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse.

4. We found a hike on a rainy day near the town of Blue Hill. Be sure and stop at “Pug Nuts” in the town of Surry for a scoop of delicious gelato along the way!

Bike:

Schoodic Peninsula was recommended by a kind couple that we met at the RV Park, and with good reason. Schoodic is part of Acadia National Park and has a one way road that is welcoming to bicyclists, has spectacular views and several locations to stop and enjoy the coast of Maine. Continue on and you will connect to some carriage roads that are fun to ride. We parked at Frazier Point and spent a few hours enjoying the area. There is the option to hike the Schoodic Head trail in order to get an elevated view of the bay.
We had not heard of the Carriage Roads in Acadia NP but were fortunate enough to bring along our e-bikes and ride several miles within the park with over 45 miles of rustic carriage roads as an option. It can also be a good way to get to one of the many trail heads if that suits your time frame.

Ride: The Most Scenic Motorcycle Routes in Maine:

Our first motorcycle ride: Head North along the coast and end at the most Northeastern Point of the U.S. and visit the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse. The ride, the views, and the towns along the way made for an incredible day! If you are interested, you can cross the bridge, riding into Canada! Bring your passport and visit a small portion of N.
Riding in a National Park is almost a guarantee that the roads will be well maintained with lower speeds that allow for low stress and beautiful scenery. Acadia National Park does not disappoint as you travel to the highest peak of Cadillac Mountain* or following the one way road to Otter Point. (*During high season Cadillac Mountain requires an additional pass that can be obtained on recreation.gov)
Heading South along the coast will take you through several small towns including Bucksport, Belfast, Camden, and Rockport. Just stop along any bay, port, or lighthouse and enjoy the sights, the smell of the ocean, and the peace that goes with these coastal towns. We found this experience to be immensly satisfying.
Lastly, our time here would not have been complete without riding through the Southwest Harbor. There are several stops along the way that are actually part of Acadia National Park.
There were two other areas that we would have loved to ride the motorbikes to: Baxter State Park and Moosehead Lake. We are fair weather riders so with only 5 days of sunshine in the month of our visit we were happy to have traveled the coastal roads and nearly all of Acadia National Park. We will have to catch those experiences on our next trip back to Maine.
(Now… where is my moose? :)
Please leave a comment on your experience In Maine or if your have been inspired to make plans to visit.