Penobscot Mountain Trail

Hiking buddy: Just me!

Weather: low 70s 

Mountain: Penobscot (Acadia National Park)
Elevation: 1,194ft
Ascent: Penobscot Mountain Trail
Descent: Penobscot Mountain Trail
Miles of trail: 3.2

Total miles this year: 107.0

What a morning! 

Thank you, to my boss, for changing up the work schedule... it may have taken me out of my "ordinary" lineup for the week, and I may have been a little hesitant about having all this free time to myself today... but, instead of freaking out, or laying around at home being lazy, I stepped outside the box. I went hiking... alone. 

Completely alone. No Phoebe. No music. No familiarity except the trail and the mountain. Just me, my thoughts, and nature. And, you know what? It was absolutely wonderful. 

The park loop road was craaazy busy today. Most of the side pull-offs and parking areas were full. Lots of people walking, hiking, running, biking, enjoying the beautiful morning. I guess I can't really complain about that. I was luckily able to snag a spot in the newly renovated Jordan Pond parking lot. Looks good, guys! 

I walked along the nature trail to the Pond House, and then connected with the carriage road and hiking trails. I passed an older couple, tackling the trail with their hiking poles. They were looking rather determined, but not in any rush to get anywhere too quickly. I hope I am that awesome and fit when I'm their age.

Now, the trail looked entirely different than the last time I was out on it... back during the lovely extended winter months, only in Maine. Check out the entry here. We're talking snow, ice; the works. And now, the trail is green and buzzing with life. Literally. You will be so proud, there was one moment on my hike down where I stopped to do some reading at an overlook... and a bee started buzzing around my feet. Normally, I would leap up and scram! But, I'm learning to be still. So, I did... I was still. And the bee went on its way. Funny how that works. 

Anyway...

The first overlook is always worth a stop, there's even a little granite bench to perch on and take in the sights. 

Just around the corner, I hit the blueberry motherload...

They're ready to be picked! I saw many hikers squatting in the bushes today... to pick the blueberries, of course. 

The wonderful thing about this trail? The last mile is completely above treeline. The sun was beating down on my face and back as I climbed up the open granite face of the ridge. Thankfully, there was a wonderful, cool breeze to offer moments of refreshment from the heat. The sky was a clear blue, without a cloud in sight. I could see for miles in all directions. 

Looking towards The Bubbles and Cadillac

Looking back towards the south end of the island

Now do you see why it is mornings like this that I love? To be alone, yet not entirely alone. To see for miles, yet only focus on the two feet in front of you. To feel the hot rays from the sun, yet feel the tickle of a swift breeze across the back of my neck. Ahh, I want to go back already. Who needs to work?

After a quick selfie at the top, and one banana later, I started my trek down the mountain. I love hiking this ridge down, it's almost as if you could just keep on walking straight toward the ocean. Instead of just seeing piles of granite boulders in my way (when hiking up), I am able to look out over the ridge, see the surrounding islands, the enormous body of water and the horizon (on a clear days such as this). That puts a little zip in my step. 

Just a little glimpse through a cairn. 

I soon came upon the older couple I had seen earlier. They were slowly, but surely, making their way to the top. I stopped to chat for a few moments. The gentleman asked if I had already hiked my way to Sargent and back... now, there's an idea! I've gone from Penobscot to Sargent via the East Cliff Trail of Sargent, holy butt-buster... never again. However, there is another route that connects to the South Ridge Trail of Sargent. A hike for another day!  

When I reached the first overlook, just before the trail dips below the trees again, I decided to sit awhile and read. I've just started reading a book called Doing Life Differently; The Art of Living with Imagination, by Luci Swindoll. She's a southern lady with gumption! Completely living her life differently than what was expected of her from her family and even from herself. A little tidbit from what I read today;

"Whether adventure takes us to our own backyard or to a distant continent, 

the spirit of adventure is all about staying on the lookout-

keeping our eyes and our hearts open 

and participating fully in the moment we've been given as a pure gift. 

We have a part to play, a song to sing. 

Each experience life serves up is an opportunity to savor a moment we will never taste again."

So many of us have forgotten what is means and what it takes to be still. To stop rushing. Why are we always in a hurry? It's as if we are afraid of missing something, or we're always in a hurry to move on to the next item on the agenda for our lives. Or, how about those electronic devices and social media outlets? Can we "unplug" ourselves from those? Get out from behind the screen and step out into the world. An adventure is waiting for anyone who truly wants it. All it takes to get the momentum going is a simple step out the door. And then, it's as easy as being still and savoring the moment. Look with your eyes at the textures and colors of nature. Listen to the music of the birds, the grasshopper's symphony, buzzing of the bees, rustling of the leaves and grass, running water and hustling waves. Smell the sweet scents of flowers, or the poignant aroma of pine. Taste the blueberries! Touch the granite, tree trunks, leaves... Savor the moment. And that's all pretty easy to do when you're out enjoying the park, so give it a go. 

Happy Hiking!

Great Head

Hiking buddies: Jamie, Arnie, Dan and Xin

Weather: low 70s 

Mountain: Great Head (Acadia National Park)
Elevation: 149ft
Ascent: Starting at the Great Head parking lot, taking the Great Head Trail clockwise.
Descent: Completed the Great Head Trail loop, hiking clockwise
Miles of trail: 1.8

Total miles this year: 103.8

Half way there! Woot, woot! Reaching my goal of 200 miles this year doesn't look too far off...

Side note: I did my first semi-solo hike in a long time the other day, I had to take Phoebe with me, of course. Friday morning she and I set out for the South Ridge Trail of Pemetic Mountain. We covered 3.2 miles under our boots and paws. About a quarter of the way up the mountain, a lovely bee decided to buzz in my ear and wouldn't leave me alone. Bees are not my friend, usually. And this guy just wouldn't leave me alone. So, of course I panicked and bolted up the trail until the little bugger of a buzzer left us at the treeline, thank goodness. A beautiful day overall on the mountain top. I didn't take too many pictures, it was more of a hike to be outdoors in my thoughts and listening to God for guidance. A soul searching hike. Everyone needs something like that now and again. And it was wonderful. 

On to Great Head!

There's a hike every Sunday, you can count on it. Except, this time around, we had a bit of a time crunch. Although, don't we always? This Sunday was the World Cup match between Germany and Argentina. Arnie, an avid soccer spectator, was not about to miss the match, not only that, he had to be home in time for the pre-game show. 

With an hour to hike, we had to pick something short and lite. I shouted out ideas like, Gorham, Beehive, Beech... and Great Head (which, coincidentally, I hadn't done yet this year). 

Great Head has very little elevation gain, and the trail that loops around the tiny peninsula offers a balance of, well, everything. From Sea cliff views to birch tree and pine forests. Multiple ascents, descents and areas of level path. Planks, open granite faces, gravel and dirt pathways, and boulder scrambles. It's the perfect hike to enjoy the scenery, enjoy the company, and enjoy the simple delights of nature... without working up sweat, yet still working those legs and lungs!

Btw... This hike received two thumbs up from all parties involved. I believe I was actually called a "genius" for recommending this hike to the group. Haha. I don't usually toot my own horn, but I do know how to plan my hikes well!

Here are some shots from the day...

 

Mansell and Bernard

Hiking buddies: Alex, Arnie and Jamie

Weather: mid 70s and sunny 

Mountains: Mansell and Bernard (Acadia National Park)
Elevations: 949ft (Mansell) and 1,071 (Bernard)
Ascents: Long Pond Trail and Perpendicular Trail (Mansell) and Bernard Mountain Trail
Descents: Mansell Mountain Trail, Razorback Trail, Bernard Mountain Trail, Sluiceway Trail, Great Notch Trail, Gilley Trail, and Cold Brook Trail
Miles of trail: 3.9

Total miles this year: 98.8

 

Mansell and Bernard -two peaks, aka; Western Mountain. Located on the "quiet-side" of The Island, Western Mountain certainly lives up to its location's nickname. We didn't cross paths with too many fellow hikers while out on the trails winding through the mountain range.

 I love Sundays! Especially when the weather is absolutely gorgeous outside, like today. Jamie had requested last week that we hike Mansell Mountain and Bernard Mountain today. Jamie, you got your wish!

There is only one trail that you can do to reach the peak of Mansell, and that trail is... The Perpendicular Trail, aka; The StairMaster from Hell. We have a love-hate relationship. I make myself hike this trail once a year... and that is it. Just like the ladder trail of Dorr! One-then-done.

Ok, so there are actually many trails on this mountain range, but the only one worth doing is Perpendicular. Mansell and Bernard are not known for their fabulous views, but instead are known for their fantastic trails and stonework. 

Here we go...

The trailhead is located at the base of Long Pond, same place Alex and I parked for our Beech Mountain hike last week. The Long Pond Trail begins off to the left (if you're facing the water). The shot above shows the "little" nub that the Perpendicular Trail basically heads straight up; one mile to the top.

Now, Perpendicular Trail. What is your first thought? Straight up from the base? Pretty close.

Although the trail doesn't actually go straight up the side of the mountain, as the name suggests, it is still quite strenuous. Steep stones stairs make their way up and around a boulder field. Each steep section is followed by a pleasant, level trail along the cliffs. 

Eventually, the trails leads to a little stream. It crisscrosses the water a few times before veering off further up the mountainside. FYI, the stairs are never over.

The steepness of this trail offers a very good excuse for the hiker to slow down and really take in the surrounding wonders of nature in the area. For instance, we spotted this unusual tree arched over the trail like a canopy... a spotty one at that!

With about 0.2 miles to the summit, you will come to an overlook. Take your time in this spot, it's the best view you're going to get on Mansell. But, a wonderful view it is. Today we enjoyed a leisurely lounge atop the granite face at the overlook. There was a nice, cool breeze. And, with a clear day, the view was absolutely beautiful!

That's the lower end of Long Pond in the middle of the shot, with the bottom of the sound opening up to the ocean and the Cranberry Isles further back. The Western Mountain range is the farthest grouping of peaks to the west on the island. Hence the name; Western Mountain. I'm only assuming.

Have you ever tried kimchi? For those of you who don't know, and that will probably be most of you, it is a fermented cabbage dish. Before you turn your nose up at it, just listen. Kimchi is AMAzing. We picked some up at the farmer's market in town this morning before church, Alex brought it along with his lunch and shared... what a nice guy! It has a kick to it, so beware, but this girl loves spicy. After a quick lunch, possibly a little snooze, we continued to the summit.

See? Not much of a view there. Ha. You can step off the StairMaster at this point, the ride is over.

Onward to Bernard! It's a quick descent down to the Razorback Trail, through the evergreen and spruce forest. I love when the forest is so dense, that any beam of sunlight through the trees makes its presence clearly known.

After a quick scramble up to the top of the razorback granite ridge, you'll pop out of the trees for a short distance, so take in the view, snap a selfie...

Now, the Western Mountain range can be quite confusing. Please be sure that if you are going to be hiking in this area to bring a map! There are multiple nubs and stubs, as I call them, between the summits of Mansell and Bernard; Great Notch, Knight Nubble, and Little Notch. All three make the hiking trail more adventurous and uncertain at the same time. The trail ascends and descends numerous times before actually reaching the short 0.2 mile trail to the top of Bernard Mountain.

Funky shroom and a pretty flower along the way...

To the second summit of the day; Bernard.

To complete the loop, we headed down Sluiceway Trail on towards the Cold Brook Trail that takes you all the way back to Long Pond. Sluiceway is a bit of a doozy, very steep as it descends along a stream. I don't think I have ever hiked Western Mountain before when the trails weren't wet and slippery. So, be careful out there, folks. And, enjoy!

Can you spot the frog?

Happy Hiking!

Cadillac; North Ridge Trail

Hiking buddy: Marina

Weather: mid 60s and humid! 

Mountain: Cadillac (Acadia National Park)
Elevation: 1,530ft
Ascent: North Ridge Trail
Descent: Gorge Path and Park Loop Road
Miles of trail: 5.1

Total miles this year: 94.9

Almost to one hundred miles! Woot, woot!

The boss has me working later in the day today, so I took this perfect opportunity to hike Cadillac early this morning to watch the sunrise... and I was able to ring Marina into the plan. 

Hiking the North Ridge Trail of Cadillac is one of my favorites, and it absolutely has to be done to watch the sunrise. No other time of day works for this trail, in my honest opinion.

I picked up my hiking buddy around 3:30 this morning... yikes. We were on the trail by 3:45am, with our headlamp and flashlight out front and ready. The trails are so peaceful this time of day. The owls are hooting their goodbyes to the night, the birds are chirping in anticipation of morning, and there is not another soul on the trail. 

It took a few moments for my legs to wake up, funny how they don't like being used so early in the morning. And, very quickly, I shed my layers. It's going to be a hot and humid day today, folks. The breeze was warm, refreshing, instead of the cold chill the wind usually offers during sunrise hikes. 

The North Ridge Trail covers about 2.2 miles. A trail that has a good mix of tree cover and bare, open rock faces. You'll dive into the woods and pop out soon enough to a spectacular view. Something kind of like this:

 

That shot alone makes the early wake up call completely worth it. The trail can be quite steep at times, but there are sections that level off and offer your poor legs and lungs a little break. Each step brings a new perspective on the scene pictured above. There are few things I love more than seeing those islands and downtown Bar Harbor highlighted by the morning rise. 

I made the comment yesterday to my uncle that I usually point and chuckle at the cars driving up for the sunrise and call them "lazies". He quickly reminded me that not too long ago, I was one of those people driving to the top, instead of hiking. I was probably pointing and chuckling at the hikers calling them "crazies". Ha. Oh, where life takes you. It can be so surprising at times. 

Allllmost to the top at this point. The sun was just starting to poke its way above the horizon. 

Marina and I did a good job of booking it up this trail. I don't think I have ever hiked it in less than an hour, especially so early in the morning. Once we made it to the summit trail, we started walking down towards the sunrise. There were a ton of people huddled under blankets and jackets, sitting, watching God's masterpiece of a sunrise. I felt a little out of place with my tank top and sweaty limbs! 

We decided to head down the mountain via the Gorge Path. The Gorge path starts off of the summit path, heading down the east side of the mountain. It's a very steep trail, but offers wonderful panoramic views of the sunrise. 

We got a little creative...

I wish every morning could start like this. 

My favorite morning jam ("Good Morning" by Mandisa) always pops into mind during a sunrise hike up Cadillac:

"It's a good morning!
Wake up to a brand new day
This morning,
I'm stepping, stepping on my way
Good morning,
You give me strength,
You give me just what I need
And I can feel the hope that's rising in me.
It's a good morning"

One more shot before we headed down into the trees of the Gorge Path...

The gorge was quiet this morning... and buggy! Phew. My arms and hands got an exercise in. As usual, I enjoyed listening to the running water of the brook as my boots stomped the granite stepping stones on my way down. We came out on the Park Loop Road and had to backtrack about a mile to the car. Completely worth it.

What a beautiful morning. It's going to be a good day. Get out and hike!