Jordan Pond

Ever wonder what Jordan Pond looks like during the winter season? You're welcome...

"The Bubble Butt" in the distance

I'm pretty sure I found .the. best place on the island to snowshoe. But, here's a little bit of advice for you, folks... don't forget your snowshoes at home. Actually, I technically didn't "forget" them, I had just decided there was no way I would actually "need" them. Oops. Big mistake! I mean, ok, yes, we have had a few feet of snow dumped on us within the past few weeks. I should have known better...

Hmmm, perhaps snowshoes would have been smart?

Pheebs and I made it almost to the other end... before I fell knee deep into a culvert. Yes, I heard the running water. Yes, I knew there was one in there somewhere. I misjudged the width, assumed there was a step in the middle, like many others, and .sank. .right. .in. Surprisingly, my feet didn't get as wet as I thought they would. At least I know now that my new hiking boots are (indeed) waterproof! ...the gaiters, too. Never go anywhere in the woods during the winter without a pair of those. After taking that little swim, I made the genius decision of the day to turn around and call it a day.

Phoebe

Phoebe, of course, enjoyed every moment... moving like a gazelle on top of the deep snow drifts. What she would easily skip through, barely leaving a paw print, I would get caught knee deep in. As I struggled to pull myself out, she would get impatient and shoot me a look, as if to say, "Really, human? You're pathetic".

Next time... I'm bringing my showshoes. We'll see who's running gracefully like a gazelle then, huh, Pheebs?

Duck Brook/Witch Hole

With a little break from work for the next couple weeks, I'm really hoping to get out into the park with my new free time. Due to the newly reinstated Winter Wonderland that was once MDI, hiking the peaks is on hold this week. We'll see what the weekend brings. There may be a Great Head snowshoeing adventure in the near future...

The temperature has been bitterly cold the last couple of days, with an estimated 6-10 inches of snow that was dumped on us yesterday. The conditions are perfect right now to get out on the carriage trails, whether you prefer skis or snowshoes.  This afternoon I just couldn't pass on the opportunity to get out on my snowshoes! I mean... my mother's snowshoes. But, she's never used them!

There are many places to go in the park with snowshoes. A few weeks ago, I enjoyed an adventure in Northeast Harbor along the carriage trails by Sargent Mountain. The waterfall was completely frozen over... There's also the carriage road that takes you up and around Day Mountain, and of course, there's always Eagle Lake and the carriage road off of Duck Brook Road. We settled for Duck Brook today, and what an afternoon it became!

Megan, leading the way

If we had known beforehand that the carriage road was fully groomed for the cross-country skiing community, perhaps we would have chosen a different route to follow. However, we made the most of it by walking along the sides of the road, trying not to ruin the trails for the skiers (we're nice like that).

Thank goodness we kept going...

Witch Hole Pond

After taking a few minutes to really turn our thinking caps on and consider the possibility of crossing Witch Hole Pond, we decided to go for it! The snow was untouched (except for one trail left by fellow snowshoe wearing folk), perfect conditions for our poor snowshoes; itching for deep, powdery snow. Here was our thought process; it had been cold all week, it hadn't hit above freezing, not to mention, the snow was fresh, as of yesterday, and there was a trail already going across the pond. Would you have braved it? I'm glad we did! Just to be on the safe side, we stuck to the outer edge of the pond.

 

I love fresh, untouched snow... 

 It makes it much easier to leave your mark!

After three miles and a new blister, we made it back to the bridge. Megan broke her new snowshoes in quite nicely this afternoon. What a beautiful day!

Beehive

Hiking buddies: Krista, Rachel and Becca

Mountain: Beehive (Acadia National Park)
Elevation: 520 ft
Trail up: Beehive Trail
Trail down: The Bowl Trail
Miles of trail: 1.5

Total miles this year: 12.7

I have been waiting very patiently this Winter for the perfect opportunity to scale the cliff face of Beehive. With a weekend full of warmer weather, this was the day! The air was warm, the sun was peeking through the clouds, and there was just a light sprinkle of rain... nothing too threatening. Of course, I was also happy to bring out the clamp-ons again, not going to lie.

There is nothing more exciting in the hiking world than taking a newbie on one of the cliff trails on the island. Beehive is the easiest of the cliff trails, in my opinion; an excellent place to start. Becca is only here for a semester while attending COA, and this was only her second mountain hike in Acadia National Park! Hmmm, perhaps we should have given her fair warning about the trail, I'm not quite sure she realized we would be venturing out on ledges along the face of the cliff... Warning: This trail follows a nearly vertical route with exposed cliffs that requires climbing on iron rungs. Yeah, we might have forgotten to mention that.

And, here we go!

It may be short in length... but, it's straight up!

You are very quickly rewarded with the first wonderful view of Sand Beach. The view keeps getting better and better the higher you go. From here, and especially during the off season, the little cove looks so serene. We could hear the waves rolling in, what a peaceful sound to listen to while enjoying the day and hike.

Rachel

 From this point on, get ready to see some iron. Bridges, and railings, and rungs! Oh, my!

Krista looks a little worried...

Becca, what a champ!

Trail companionship!

We kept the conversations going, took in the views, and had a great experience climbing. I always feel like I'm back in elementary school -out on the playground, hanging out on the monkey bars- while hiking this trail. Seriously, Beehive is Acadia's very own jungle gym!

Living on the edge

Almost to the top! We took some time to enjoy the view of the bay, facing south, before continuing through the trees to the summit. Feel like a kid again and climb the boulders, snap your scenic shots and shameless selfies; take it all in before moving on.

Time for a group shot!

For one of the smallest elevations on the island, the Beehive cliff trail is certainly strenuous. You're hiking 520ft in only 0.3 miles. What a thrill to reach the top!

I have hiked Beehive numerous times at this point, I was absolutely terrified the first time around. Although I am quite comfortable with the climb now, and often venture off the trail for a little rock climbing (shhh...), the only thing about the trail that scares me now is the thought of climbing back down the rungs and ledges. No, thank you! I highly suggest taking the less exposed trail down the north side.

The Bowl

Besides, you never want to miss an adventure at The Bowl! If you saw my post from yesterday, you can tell how warm it has been. You would not catch me out on that ice today! It's hard to believe that skaters were gliding away out there just yesterday. Venture out today, you just may go crashing through! 

On our way back to the car, I had to snap a shot of Becca at the cliff's trailhead. She is quite proud of her accomplishments for the day. Let us see how she fared against the park's rules for the trail:

Hikers should comply with the following:

• Dogs are prohibited
• Stay on the marked trail
• Avoid hiking in dark or wet conditions
• Avoid climbing down - use alternative return route
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes
• Do not throw or dislodge rocks

You've got your hiking boots and clamp-ons, no dog in tow, and you didn't succumb to the urge to throw rocks at your friends. Check, check, and check... Excellent job, following the directions, Becca! You pass. Two thumbs up!

Since we were already on Ocean Drive, and we had a newbie to the area, we just had to make a pit stop at Thunder Hole. It was slightly disappointing for those of us who have really heard her thunder, the time and conditions weren't ideal. However, the views of the coastline and open water are simply breathtaking, and worth the stop any day. Excellent finish to a wonderful hike with great friends. Can't wait to step out into the park again, soon. Stay tuned!

Champlain; South Ridge/North Ridge Trails

Hiking buddies: Dan and Krista
Mountain: Champlain (Acadia National Park)
Elevation: 1,058 ft
Trail up: South Ridge
Trail down: North Ridge
Miles of trail: 3.4
Mileage for the day: 5.6
Total miles this year: 11.2

All week I had had a longing to hike the south ridge trail of Champlain. I figured, for a winter hike, this trail would be perfect; long and easy, nice sun exposure (less ice!), and a great, rewarding view from the top. I wasn't disappointed!

We drove to the start of the Beehive and Bowl trail, off of Ocean Drive, and went on from there. I was very excited to give my new crampons (stabilizers) a go on the icy trails.

My hiking compatriots slipped and slid their way along the trail, while I was able to walk freely and at ease on top of the ice. I felt invisible!

Of course, I had to take a peek at how Beehive was looking for this time of year. The cliff side gets excellent sun exposure! Does it look ready to hike? Is it safe? Stay tuned! I will make an attempt tomorrow...

Wasn't too enthralled by the bright red appearance of the new crampons, unfortunately I didn't have much of a choice! However, a friend shared these words with me, pertaining to the eye-sores above; "red is bold and adventurous." I like that... I will take each step of the trails, this winter and beyond, boldly and adventurously. Quick shout out to True Value in Bar Harbor, if you're looking to snag a pair of stabilizers for your winter adventures. Best investment for winter hiking!

Dan and Krista enjoyed taking a risk on the frozen tops of the water along the way to Champlain.

The Bowl is actually a hidden gem for skating enthusiasts. After a brisk hike to the spot, enjoy the quite and solitude while gliding on the ice. Whether your choice of footwear are skates... or sneakers! Oh, Dan...

You'll see a view of Dorr and Cadillac in the picture above. The south ridge trail is quite well known for it's false peaks with a scramble or two in between. Exhaustion is easily quenched with the glorious sites to be seen. The ridge takes you along the backside of the mountain, which provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the coastline.

For the hike down, we decided to follow the north ridge trail back to the park loop road, and continue with a walk along the loop road back to the car. Now, I LOVE hiking down. To me, the sweat and effort that goes into an incline is immediately awarded with, of course, the view from the top, but also the wonderful decline! I thoroughly enjoy a nice jog down a mountainside. This is not possible during the winter months, and today's hike was excellent proof of that. Snow and ice made the hike down slow as you thoughtfully needed to plan the best route and place your feet accordingly. But, when you're with great company and the weather is nice after a reign of bitter cold, the slipping and sliding down is truly worth it.