October 19, 2024 – Acadia National Park – Maine

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Acadia National Park in Maine. Acadia National Park is a Park in Northeastern Maine that encompasses half of Mount Desert Island, and also is situated on the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. It is 47,000 acres and popular for fall foliage seekers, winter skiing, spring fishing and hiking.

We had a gorgeous adventure to Acadia National Park on a perfect Fall New England day. I was so excited for our weekend away, life has been very busy and full of endless lists, making it an especially needed vacation. We stayed in our favorite place in Camden for the weekend and got up bright and early for a sunrise adventure in Acadia this morning. Upon arrival I was a little bummed to observe so many people already at the park, however, therefore was especially thankful we were early risers today. We walked along the coast as the sun was rising – just lovely. Our locations today included: the Park Loop, Jordan Pond, carriage roads, the Seawall, and many other stops amidst the park. I tried making another loop through the park later in the day, partly to capture a brighter scene then our sunrise photographs. However, could not believe the horrid crowds, so just drove through on round two and headed to our next location.

Throughout out day both pups enjoyed exploring. Wilma especially enjoyed sunbathing, while Gus appreciated diving into the long grass for whatever he always sees there, wagging his adorable tiny tail with excitement. Both Wilma and Gus appreciated some grassy rolls, rock hopping, and posing. I loved the spectacular scenery, fall colors, unbelievable weather, and even made friends with a deer. It was just a perfect day. So glad we could get back to Acadia National Park again this Fall (Rating: 5).

June 12, 2021 – Gorham Mountain – Maine

Yesterday Wilma and I hiked Gorham Mountain in Acadia National Park, Maine. Gorham is a 1.6 mile mountain trail that features many boulders, and views of the sea. The trailhead can be found in a parking lot in Park Loop Road, not far from the Ocean Path. It is listed by Alltrails as being “moderate” in difficulty.

We had a boulder filled Adventure to Gorham Mountain. I have wanted to hike Gorham Mountain for some time, so today was the day. If you read my previous blog you are aware that my camera did not charge as expected so unfortunately I relied on my camera for this blog. We took a detour off our hike at Ocean Path to climb Gorham Mountain, arriving to find just one car in the parking lot. Thrilled to be early birds we headed up to the Mountain.

The trail to Gorham Mountain was highlighted by rocks of all shapes and sizes, even some adventurous tunnels through huge boulders. In some locations, including the beginning of the trail there was some water flowing through leaving puddles for some Wilma sipping (haha). As we hiked I notice the trail was not well marked, and once or twice we slightly detoured from the trail. On occasion views of the water would sneak through the trees, but I had difficulty capturing this on my cell phone. We have only climbed several mountains, and although it was a short trail I was impressed with myself that I did not find it challenging, and of course I knew Wilma would not find anything tiring (haha)! The strange thing is that I never found a peak with a view, and although I backtracked several time in what appeared to be the highest area, I was able to confirm that we were on the trail but never saw a formal top. And although I did read some reviews saying the top was nothing spectacular maybe I did actually see it. Wilma is quite skilled at maneuvering rocks and really seems to appreciate rocks yet there was one area of which I had to take some time to figure how to get her through. If your dog is not very agile, and skilled with rocks I definitely would not recommend this trail. So glad we could finally check Gorham Mountain off our list (Rating 3.5).

June 12, 2021 – Ocean Path – Maine

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Ocean Path in Acadia National Park, Maine. The Ocean Path is a scenic trail that runs from Sandy Beach to Otter Cover. It stops by several additional destinations including: Thunder Hole, Monument Cove, and the trailhead to Gorham Mountain. The Path runs in between the ocean and the Park Loop Road, and provides numerous opportunities to walk out onto the rocks and view the coastal scenery. It is approximately four miles round trip.

We had a spectacular Adventure to the Ocean Path. We have been on parts of this Path, and most of the hot spots along the way but today was the first time we decided to explore the entire Path. I was quite disappointed to find my camera did not charge properly, so most of the photographs I attempted to capture on my phone, which is far from superior.

We started our journey on the Ocean Path at 5am, and were so happy to find the beginning of the trail, Sandy Beach, just about vacant. We first walked on Sandy Beach, one of the most gorgeous beaches in New New England. From there we headed to the Ocean Path trail. The views are beyond spectacular in Acadia, and the Ocean Path really highlights the beauty! Since we started so early there were very few cars, making it especially serene. We took time to stop at various spots, and enjoyed several trots out on the rocks. Really every part of this walk was just magnificent. As you walk you can hear the buoy bells, the crashing of the water, and smell flowers, pine, and scents of nature. It really is a must if you are visiting Acadia, but I definitely recommend you go early, or off-season, unless you are someone who does not mind the crowds of the tourists.

After finishing this hike we headed back to Sandy Beach and spent about an hour relaxing, and exploring. I waded in the cold water but it was just perfect for my hiking feet. I attempted to convince Wilma into the water and she definitely was brave, even sticking her face in one time. She absolutely love digging, running circle around me, and running from the waves. As usually her enthusiasm made me smile. So glad we walked the entire Ocean Path today, on a lovely spring day (Rating: 5).