August 12-13                                           Maine      

Soon we were in familiar territory as we reached Ellsworth and began the long drive to Acadia National Park.  This was a route we had travelled many times during our five years stay in Southwest Harbor.  We chose not to stay in Bar Harbor but found a small, pet-friendly accommodation in Northeast Harbor.  The rooms were recently remodeled but basic.  The location was great for our visit to familiar haunts.

We went into Bar Harbor to dine at a new French restaurant, Le Brun.  David had an appetizer of foie gras and I enjoyed a delicious mushroom tart.  The pomme frites were small and crisp just like the ones we loved in Paris. The following day, we returned to Bar Harbor and joined the crowds walking on Main Street.  Cruise ships come daily and offload more than two thousand people who are eager to experience Maine.  My favorite book store was thriving but my beloved Christmas shop was gone.

A visit to Southwest Harbor brought happy memories of our years docked at the marina.  Micah, the dockmaster gave us a warm greeting and we learned Jonah, his son would soon be graduating from Maine Maritime Academy.  We were fond of Jonah who often helped and became a basketball buddy to Tripp Galier when he and his parents visited us. Southwest Harbor’s quaint little library, one of my favorite places, was still the same as was Beal’s Lobster Pier, another great memory.

Dinner was at Copita, a new upscale restaurant in Northeast Harbor.  Located in a converted storefront, the décor was basic but the food was outstanding.  We lingered over dessert and people-watched.  Northeast Harbor is noted for its affluent and sometimes famous residents.  We recognized no one.

Leaving Acadia, we passed lines of cars parked on the side of the road by hikers who were taking advantage of the many exceptional trails thorough the woods.  Bicyclists were heading for the lovely carriage roads that go for many miles through the park.  Built by the generosity of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in the 1930’s to facilitate his love of carriage driving, the roads are a marvel of design and beauty.