a wild rose

While most of the colors surrounding me as I wandered Acadia were in autumn hues, an occasional flower popped from the landscape. This bright pink wild rose decorated the shoreline of the Schoodic Peninsula.

walking a circle

Before heading home we walked a big circle on the carriage roads in Acadia. Yesterday afternoon we drove to the end of Duck Brook Road and took the trail leading to Witch Hole Pond. It was late enough when we started that Denise thought an out-and-back walk would be smart.

This morning we headed back to the same starting spot. We repeated the out part of yesterday's walk but this time we kept on going, completing a full loop as shown on the map. We saw Witch Hole Pond from different sides, and we walked by a couple of smaller ponds too.

It was a perfect last walk to end our autumn visit to Acadia. I know we'll be going back, and I'm sure we'll walk more of the carriage roads too. I wonder if I can convince Denise to visit in the winter.

--- Rover

crazy windy!

Brr! It was cold and crazy windy all day today. I think the high temperature was in the low 40s and a strong wind never stopped. I planned to walk with Denise along the Ocean Path this morning but Blue and I stayed tucked into Denise's pack so we wouldn't blow away. We have figured out how to create an opening for viewing the scenery around us so it was still a good day.

Our walking start point this morning was Sand Beach. We walked across the beach and back again before heading out on Ocean Path. We walked as far as an overlook to a "beach" formed of rounded rocks. Denise likes looking at the rock beaches but she doesn't really like walking across them. I think those rocks are easier for bouncing than for two-legged walking.

The sun wore bright blue with puffy white cloud decorations. Early in our walk Denise captured a sun star with her camera; I think the stars are fun!

I thought maybe I'd be able to jump out and bounce along the trail by Jordan Pond. Nope, the wind was still howling. And there were white caps on the pond. I've never seen it like that before; it usually provides a smooth surface for reflections. Not today...

By mid-afternoon Denise decided it was time to try a "new to us" place. We headed down Duck Brook Road, driving as far as possible. We jumped out of the car and headed out on one of the Carriage Roads.

Forty-five miles of rustic carriage roads, the gift of philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. and family, weave around the mountains and valleys of Adadia National Park. Rockefeller, a skilled horseman, wanted to travel on motor-free byways via horse and carriage into the heart of Mount Desert Island. His construction efforts from 1913 to 1940 resulted in roads with sweeping vistas and close-up views of the landscape.

---courtesy of EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA publication, National Park Service

The wide path was surrounded by trees, protected from the wind. Finally, I was able to join Denise and walk a bit. That felt good!

The road we chose led to Witch Hole Pond. I love that name! I think I can convince Denise to walk more of the carriage roads here. We have some time tomorrow morning to start our exploring.

--- Rover

afternoon wander

As the clock flipped to afternoon we returned to Mount Desert Island. I wasn't sure where we were headed but Denise had a plan!

We headed for Little Long Pond for an afternoon wander. The parking at the foot of the pond was full so we had to drive a bit further up the road so find the Land & Garden Preserve parking area. That meant we had to walk back but it turned out to be an awesome trail through the woods. Once we reached the foot of the pond we followed a trail along the side of the pond.

--- Rover

Schoodic morning

It was cool and the sky was gray when we headed out this morning. It felt like a good day to wander on the Schoodic Peninsula. That's a favorite part of Acadia for Denise; I really like it there too since there are lots of big rocks to bounce between.

There were a couple of quick stops to enjoy the scenery as we drove down the peninsula. When we reached the tip, it was time for a good walk. Denise walked, I bounced!

The sky changed from a wash of gray to a calm background wearing some white clouds. Oh, and then it started a bit of light rain! No matter, it was so light it was easy to stay dry.

I'm so glad we visited the Schoodic Peninsula this morning. It's a very special place!

--- Rover

autumn reflections

Cool temperature and howling winds fed into comfortable walking conditions. Denise wore a light fleece layer and a wind jacket, and Blue & I hung out in the camera bag, sticking our heads out to enjoy the beauty we were walking through. I knew we needed to stay grounded; I was afraid we would blow away if we were walking on our own!

We wandered in the Wild Gardens of Acadia, finding a few flowers still in bloom. Then we headed down the boardwalk of Jesup Path. There was a lot of water along the edges of the boardwalk; I don't remember ever seeing that much wet on previous bounces down that boardwalk. It was really pretty.

After finishing the boardwalk we started at an entry point to one of the mountain trails with no intention of walking to the top. Denise knew that the trail led to a wet area and she was hoping to find some reflections of autumn colors. That was a great idea; there were puddle reflections in the woods, and a pond reflection a bit further in.

What a nice day!

--- Rover

driving

We managed a relatively early start to our drive today, leaving the house at 7:30 AM. We stayed on the interstate until Augusta (Maine) where Denise turned the car towards the coast. We usually stay on I-95 all of the way to Bangor but I convinced Denise that we might see some good autumn colors on this alternate route.

We went through some areas where the trees were wearing very bright colors, some where the colors had dimmed, and some with bare branches.

It was very sunny the entire way. That was OK except when we were heading more east than north - then the seeing conditions were squinty!

Before we headed into the park I asked Denise to stop at the Hulls Cove Sculpture Garden. We wandered through old and new sculptures, walking and shaking the long drive out of our legs. That was fun!

--- Rover

mixture

A mixture of deciduous trees and evergreens creates a painting. Bright colors pop against a dark green background.

from dream to plan

Acadia National Park deserves multiple visits each year. Denise likes to visit in the spring and again in the fall, staying away from the summer crowds. She said that she wants to go in the winter too, but that's a topic for another day.

As the days of October clicked by I knew I needed to help Denise plan our trip. Luckily I have figured out how to use her computer! I checked for a room at Evin's Holland Inn, finding one available for this week. We have a place to stay, I've checked the weather forecast to help Denise figure out what kind of layers she needs, and I think we're ready to go!

It's time to wander.

--- Rover

brown & green

One bunch of oak leaves says autumn, wearing a soft brown color. The next bunch is fighting the season change, continuing to wear bright green.