So here goes.....
Our first adventure was to Cape Cod where the water was warm, and it was Hot, Hot, Hot.
Our time in Cape Cod was all about the beaches.....well almost.
The first day we drove around the 76 mile boot of Cape Cod checking out beaches. Many of the beaches are private, but we did find some to wade in and explore.
The water is remarkably warm compared to the waters in the Pacific Northwest. It is easy to see why Cape Cod is a popular destination.
The Pilgrims actually landed here first before sailing on to the mainland to build their settlement at Plymouth, Ma. A monument and museum marks the location in Provincetown.
The little town is also full of funny little moments
An Uncharted Stop
They still use the old speakers, but they also have sound that you can pipe in via your radio.
After a lazy start visiting with campground neighbors we headed out for points north.
Around and through Boston......in rush hour.
After filling up with groceries the next morning, we headed out on our way to Acadia. It is true what they say, if you want to stay in the National Campgrounds during the summer you will need to be committed to reservations. That is not the way we fly so we were prepared to investigate other options.
The Park was first instituted as a National Monument named Sieur de Monts National Monument in 1916 with 6,000 acres by Woodrow Wilson.. The only National Park in the Northeast, Acadia has become one of the top 10 most visited National Parks in the country.
Beautiful rock formations surround the Sand Beach
There are several private parks adjacent to the national Park (and serviced by the FREE bus service) and were reasonable $25 for electric and water with a swimming pool. We stayed at Hadley's Point Campground which was located near Bar Harbor One of the awesome parts of the Park is the hop on and off bus system through the busiest part of the park. The Propane buses are free and allow riders to ride to many of the best sights without fighting traffic or look for parking and best of all for us, the kitties stayed cool at the campground while we toured.
Yep, the water is chilly.....
Sand Beach is the only sandy beach in Acadia, so there is generally a crowd. We were there on a sunny evening so there were plenty of people but we found our own space and enjoyed the water.
The next morning were headed to Jordan Pond riding again on the bus. I was able to sit back and enjoy the view as we traveled through the Park, a rare opportunity as a solo driver.
We hopped off the bus at Sleur de Monts not knowing what we would find. I needed batteries for my camera and while we were there we went for a walk through the the visitor center and a lovely walk around the grounds. Our plan was to walk for a few minutes while we waited for the next shuttle in a half hour. So was the plan..... I of course became involved in the history that was displayed and then the walk was very interesting. So was the plan was modified.
Our walk started out a boardwalk through a meadow filled with beautiful trees with light streaming through. It was intoxicating as I could see new landscape drawing us forward to explore.
The natural gardens include a mixed forest, a coniferous pine forest, a marsh, a pond and a brook area and a beach area. It was lovely to hear the birds and frogs and view wildlife along the way.
We found this little fellow along a path. He seemed to be in some distress and upon our return we alerted a ranger who set out to check up on him.
After our walk we hopped on a shuttle bus and off we went to Jordan's Pond. My son-in-law spoke fondly of his childhood memories of Acadia. On the top of the list was to stop at Jordan's Pond for Popovers. We checked on the Popovers at the Restaurant and decided to have lunch on the Patio overlooking the Pond.
We were surrounded by gardens in bloom full of flowers and herbs.
The Popovers were delicious, served with butter and strawberry jam.
We were not alone in our adoration, we were joined by many bees (we counted 5 different kind), searching for their own snack!
After our lunch we headed down to a trail the circled around Jordan Pond.
As the pond is a drinking water source, no swimming is allowed....but Hailey managed to enjoy the rocks crossing back and forth along the shore.
We hopped on the shuttle again and headed down to another pond before heading back to the van.
It was a lovely stop, but of course not enough time but time marches on even when the 'vacation' is a long one. It is difficult to ever decide which stops to make and how long to stay. There are always those undiscovered treasures to be found.
On to Acadia National Park
We eventually ended up overnighting at a Walmart near Acadia, Maine after a long, long drive. Our plans will take us into the park the next day so we will get a good nights sleep before arriving....ready to see Acadia. This Walmart had neat little lines of other weary travelers with the same idea. Others however set up this Walmart as a base camp and came back and forth leaving there 'camps' for the day. We also saw huge motor homes with levelers down and slides out making this there campground home. Not what overnighting at Walmart is suppose to be. I can image it will not be long before this spot will not be available if people continue to take advantage of this service.
After filling up with groceries the next morning, we headed out on our way to Acadia. It is true what they say, if you want to stay in the National Campgrounds during the summer you will need to be committed to reservations. That is not the way we fly so we were prepared to investigate other options.
The Park was first instituted as a National Monument named Sieur de Monts National Monument in 1916 with 6,000 acres by Woodrow Wilson.. The only National Park in the Northeast, Acadia has become one of the top 10 most visited National Parks in the country.
There are several private parks adjacent to the national Park (and serviced by the FREE bus service) and were reasonable $25 for electric and water with a swimming pool. We stayed at Hadley's Point Campground which was located near Bar Harbor One of the awesome parts of the Park is the hop on and off bus system through the busiest part of the park. The Propane buses are free and allow riders to ride to many of the best sights without fighting traffic or look for parking and best of all for us, the kitties stayed cool at the campground while we toured.
Sand Beach is the only sandy beach in Acadia, so there is generally a crowd. We were there on a sunny evening so there were plenty of people but we found our own space and enjoyed the water.
The next morning were headed to Jordan Pond riding again on the bus. I was able to sit back and enjoy the view as we traveled through the Park, a rare opportunity as a solo driver.
We hopped off the bus at Sleur de Monts not knowing what we would find. I needed batteries for my camera and while we were there we went for a walk through the the visitor center and a lovely walk around the grounds. Our plan was to walk for a few minutes while we waited for the next shuttle in a half hour. So was the plan..... I of course became involved in the history that was displayed and then the walk was very interesting. So was the plan was modified.
Our walk started out a boardwalk through a meadow filled with beautiful trees with light streaming through. It was intoxicating as I could see new landscape drawing us forward to explore.
The natural gardens include a mixed forest, a coniferous pine forest, a marsh, a pond and a brook area and a beach area. It was lovely to hear the birds and frogs and view wildlife along the way.
We found this little fellow along a path. He seemed to be in some distress and upon our return we alerted a ranger who set out to check up on him.
After our walk we hopped on a shuttle bus and off we went to Jordan's Pond. My son-in-law spoke fondly of his childhood memories of Acadia. On the top of the list was to stop at Jordan's Pond for Popovers. We checked on the Popovers at the Restaurant and decided to have lunch on the Patio overlooking the Pond.
We were surrounded by gardens in bloom full of flowers and herbs.
The Popovers were delicious, served with butter and strawberry jam.
As the pond is a drinking water source, no swimming is allowed....but Hailey managed to enjoy the rocks crossing back and forth along the shore.
We hopped on the shuttle again and headed down to another pond before heading back to the van.
It was a lovely stop, but of course not enough time but time marches on even when the 'vacation' is a long one. It is difficult to ever decide which stops to make and how long to stay. There are always those undiscovered treasures to be found.
