I didn't manage to wake up particularly early. Sometimes the ground just feels so good, you know? Nevertheless, Day 5 was my chance to utilize the mountain bike in my possession. Acadia National Park has 57 miles of glorified fire roads that they call the Carriage Roads. They circle and traverse the central region of Mount Desert Island. My intentions were to bike the carriage roads and mix in some hikes/peaks in between. There was a tiny parking lot at Bubble Pond where I lucked out by getting a spot for the car.
After riding a mile or two on the carriage roads I made it to my first hike. A straight shot up to Sargent Mtn. I found myself again impressed by the technical difficulty of the trails in this park. It was a steep climb and had me dripping from the brow. Before making it to the peak I stopped and sat for a few minutes to listen to the beautiful White-throated Sparrows singing in the small pine trees. At the top of the mountain I ended up running into the same couple who I spoke to about seeing Peregrine Falcons (you can see their in the picture of the peak marker) and it sounded like they were having continued luck seeing impressive birds. I told them I was planning to go for a swim in a little pond below Sargent Mtn and they told me I needed to check out the Bowl to go for a swim after climbing Bee Hive. And just like that my Day 6 plans were made. I must admit how nice it was to make my plans on the fly and have the freedom to do whatever I wanted. That's definitely one of the best perks about traveling solo.
After riding a mile or two on the carriage roads I made it to my first hike. A straight shot up to Sargent Mtn. I found myself again impressed by the technical difficulty of the trails in this park. It was a steep climb and had me dripping from the brow. Before making it to the peak I stopped and sat for a few minutes to listen to the beautiful White-throated Sparrows singing in the small pine trees. At the top of the mountain I ended up running into the same couple who I spoke to about seeing Peregrine Falcons (you can see their in the picture of the peak marker) and it sounded like they were having continued luck seeing impressive birds. I told them I was planning to go for a swim in a little pond below Sargent Mtn and they told me I needed to check out the Bowl to go for a swim after climbing Bee Hive. And just like that my Day 6 plans were made. I must admit how nice it was to make my plans on the fly and have the freedom to do whatever I wanted. That's definitely one of the best perks about traveling solo.
With great anticipation I headed down to the nearby pond for a swim as recommended by the park ranger who set me up with my campsite. The quick dip in the water was awesome. Getting in water really seems to keep me going in life. Whether it be my beloved San Marcos river at home, Barton Springs in Austin, or these fantastic lakes and ponds tucked into far away mountains. Over the past 8 years being in the water has become so natural to me. I feel like a true San Martian and water lover. After my swim I made a very brief detour for Penobscot Mtn. Moving along I descended the trail back towards the mountain bike and snapped some stream and fungus pictures. I also asked a trail crew a few questions about building stairs and how they drill and break rocks in clean fractures.
I made it back to the bike and continued along a big loop around Jordan Pond. I started to be around a lot more people, especially at the Jordan Pond House restaurant and gift shop. I stuck around just long enough to refill my water.
The couple on the mountain also recommended I check out Connor's Nubble. A small overlook with great views. I was down for any recommendations. I continued the loop and made it back to where my car was parked but started the first section of the loop again to check out the overlook. Connor's Nubble may have been one of my favorite part's of my trip. I sat up there for about two hours laying down, picking blueberries, watching birds, taking pictures, reflecting on life. It was magical. I only saw about 6 people that entire time. I had felt like I had the place to myself. I did a falcon but blew an amazing opportunity and spooked the bird when it was VERY close to me. I was able to watch it fly away and based on the size I initial saw I felt it was likely a Merlin and not Peregrine Falcon. I also observed huge flocks of gulls feeding/drinking? in the lake and then riding the thermal plumes and soaring in kettles. They were tiny tiny specks far away. Invisible to the naked eye.
The couple on the mountain also recommended I check out Connor's Nubble. A small overlook with great views. I was down for any recommendations. I continued the loop and made it back to where my car was parked but started the first section of the loop again to check out the overlook. Connor's Nubble may have been one of my favorite part's of my trip. I sat up there for about two hours laying down, picking blueberries, watching birds, taking pictures, reflecting on life. It was magical. I only saw about 6 people that entire time. I had felt like I had the place to myself. I did a falcon but blew an amazing opportunity and spooked the bird when it was VERY close to me. I was able to watch it fly away and based on the size I initial saw I felt it was likely a Merlin and not Peregrine Falcon. I also observed huge flocks of gulls feeding/drinking? in the lake and then riding the thermal plumes and soaring in kettles. They were tiny tiny specks far away. Invisible to the naked eye.
I wrapped up my adventures in the center of Mount Desert Island and began a roundabout drive to Bar Harbor where i'd pick up some pizza (inspired by the couple from the top of Cadillac Mountain.) On the drive I found a little overlook on a preserve held by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust which was a nice little stop. I was impressed by the hustle and bustle of Bar Harbor. I found the visitor center to soak up a few minutes of WiFi find the best place to pick up a pizza! I think I could have ordered a better pizza. It was a veggie with lots of fresh tomato, and I should have known that it'd be very moist. None of the cheese or toppings stayed on while I tried to eat it. It wasn't enough to stop me though. I sat on a bench and watched a family toss a frisbee, was greeted by a pretty gull, and gave away a slice of pizza to a stranger. Odd but satisfying mix. My last goal for the evening was to swing by the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse near by campground. I didn't think it would close after dusk but I still made it in time for 15 minutes of shooting. I would have stayed longer but I got chased of by bird-sized mosquitoes.
The same day in Texas my Dad watched a travel channel-type show about Bar Harbor and had told me it was really cool and should check it out. He didn't realize I was literally already there and taking pictures of the exact same park and pavilion he was seeing on TV. I didn't get his message until the next day.