Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park

Today was the day to head to the coast and explore. We leave the resort at 8:00 am to get an early start knowing we have lots to see. After 4 hours on the road and driving back roads through the heartland of Maine, we arrive at Bar Harbor. What a sight to behold! After picture taking at the harbor itself we stroll down main street to Stewman's Lobster Pound for lobster bisque and a lobster roll. A tall glass of Shipyard ale brewed in Portland is used to wash it all down. A little shopping is necessary before jumping back in the car to Acadia National Park. Destination...Cadillac Mountain!
The park itself is not that huge, only 12 miles around the loop, but the vistas make up for it. Many stops are made along the way for beautiful scenery viewing and photo ops. There are many hikers and bikers here and the weather is perfect. Finally, the ascent to the top of Cadillac Mountain. From the top of the mountain you can see the whole island and beyond. Looking down at Bar Harbor is breathtaking! Back down and out of the park we go and on to our next stop Boothbay.
We decide to take Route 1 down the coast and so glad we did. Seeing all the quaint (there's that word again) towns along the way was like stepping back in time. Lots of water and picturesque harbors with sailboats anchored and lobster pot buoys bobbing around the islands make you realize just how special the oceanfront lifestyle is. We make it to Boothbay around 7:30 and check in our motel. More exploring tomorrow.