Reflections On Our Trip

2007 Summer Road Trip, 5176 miles 103 hrs 53 min (driving time)

Our trip this year stayed mostly on plan. It deviated only at the end by not going to Quebec and Montreal. Still the length was same. It was an enjoyable trip. I was able to visit places I have always wanted to see and revisit others. The weather was fine other than the few days of rain and even then we didn't get to wet.

We saw a lot. We saw places that were special not because of who did what or what was built there but because of the beauty of the place or the memories they provided. Some places I may never return
and wish I had taken a picture of, like rows of dancing bears cutout of steel plates, a giant lobster trap, two whale tails along the highway in Vermont, the amazing restaurants along Route 1 North out of Boston, and a huge wooden horse towed behind a pickup truck in New York. (Perhaps heading to Troy?).

Acadia National Park was definitely the favorite. It is a beautiful park with so much to do. We will return there again someday soon hopefully. I would like to go in the off season to avoid some of the crowds, perhaps even in winter. I have always liked Maine and each time I return I wish I could stay.

Other highlights of the trip were Cape Breton Island's Cabot Trail. A more scenic drive may be out there but I don't know of it. Driving up through the mountains with the ocean on one side even in the fog and rain was breathtaking.

Prince Edward Island is a gem. From Charlottetown to the beaches of PEI National Park it was a refreshing stay.

Joe is still talking about the Halifax Citadel and the Fortress of Louisbourg and Ned retells the stories of our hikes.

The people we met all through Maine and Canada were friendly and welcoming. Many going out of their way to help. There were also the accidental fellow travelers that gave a familiar face to the journey. There were a number of people on the ferry from St John, NB to Digby, NS that I kept seeing all along the way through Nova Scotia including an older gentleman on a bike that we passed going the opposite direction on the Cabot Trail. There was a couple from the Netherlands we met at lunch in the Fortress of Louisbourg and then later running into them in a grocery store in Prince Edward Island.

It was also great to see our relatives. The boys love visiting their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. And having Mary join us on Cape Cod made the visit all the better.

So now we are back and I have started thinking of next year, perhaps Route 66? But for now we are going on vacation to Cape Hatteras for a week on the beach.

By the numbers:
Days on the road: 31 days
Totals miles driven: 5176 miles
Time spent driving: 4 days 7 hrs 53 min
Gas used: 230.37 gallons at $765
Food: $860
Lodging: $423


Two Whales Lost in the Ocean of Farmland in Vermont

Toronto And Home

The Ambasssdor Bridge, We are Almost Home!

Tuesday morning I awoke with only one thought, "to go home." We had been on the road four and half weeks and we were ready. Unfortunately this meant we would not be stopping in Montreal to meet up with a friend and eat a smoked meat sandwich or visiting the Insectarium de Montreal.

So we loaded up the car had breakfast and headed west. We crossed northern New York and over into Ontario, Canada. We hit traffic just east of Toronto and that would be the norm until we got to Woodstock west of Toronto. We did make a quick stop in downtown Toronto to go to Mountain Equipment Co-op. There was a bag that I saw in the Halifax, NS store that I wanted to buy.

It then started to rain and the traffic got worse. We averaged about 20 mph for the next 70 miles. Eventually it did break up and the rain stopped. Before we knew it we were crossing the Ambassador Bridge over the Detroit River and into the USA. We got through customs quickly and we were home hugging Mom by 9:30 pm.


Plattsburgh, NY to Ypsilanti, MI, 618 miles 12 hrs 2 min

Mt Washington and Ice Cream

Ned and Joe Pick Out the Perfect Camper

Since we slept in the car last night I was up early and headed out to look for a place to have breakfast. North Conway, NH is one of those outlet Mecca’s. Since New Hampshire has no sales tax they are popular but they don’t open until 9:00 am. So after breakfast we drove to the base of Mount Washington to take the Mount Washington Auto Road to summit of Mount Washington.

The Auto Road was opened in 1861 as a carriage route to the 6,288 ft summit. It is 8 miles to the top and some parts are not for the faint of heart. The weather on the summit looked clear from the base of the drive but by the time we reached the top it had changed. Clouds were swirling around us and the wind was picking up. The summit is home to a number of buildings including the Mount Washington Observatory. In 1934 the scientists at the observatory measured the world’s highest surface wind speed record of 231 miles per hour. Fortunately the wind wasn't quite near that for us. Clouds moving in blocked our view so we climbed back in the car for the drive down. As we descended it began to rain. After stopping at some of the outlets we started for Vermont.


A New Hampshire Covered Bridge


The Clouds Swirl Around Mount Washington


Hang On! Joe Summits Mount Washington


While Ned Shelters Behind Some Rocks

We took the Kancamagus Scenic Byway (Rt. 112) from Conway. It is a 28 mile road through the heart of the White Mountains that climbs to nearly 3000 ft. It is designated a National Forest Scenic Byway and may be the most scenic route in New Hampshire. The last time I was on this road was in June and it was snowing, this time it was raining so the scenery was muted. We eventually entered Vermont and drove to Waterbury, VT for our next stop.

Waterbury, VT is the location of the Ben & Jerry’s Factory. They have scheduled tours to view the making of their ice cream. The factory grounds is sort of like a small fair with games for the kids, a flavor graveyard and of course a scoop shop. You do get to sample some ice cream at the end of the tour but we had to wait one and half hours for our tour so what else are you going to do?


Is That an Ice Cream Factory?


Ned and Joe on Ice Cream


Ned Sampling the Wares While Thinking of His Next Flavor

After the tour we took off for Burlington, VT. By this time we were ready to get home so I made Plattsburgh, NY our goal. With it raining and the broken tent pole I decided to stay the night in a hotel. A quick ferry ride across Lake Champlain and we were in Plattsburgh and to bed.


The Ferry Across Lake Champlain to Plattsburgh, NY


Conway, NH to Plattsburgh, NY, 179 miles 7 hrs 17 min

Biking Acadia And Off To New Hampshire

Joe and Ned at One of the Gate Houses Leading to the Carraige Trails

When we woke up Sunday morning we discovered that the storm the night before had broken one the tent poles that hold up the fly on the tent. Since we could not get a third night at the campground we were staying at I decided that we would spend the day in Acadia, do some laundry and then head for New Hampshire. The weather was beautiful and after breaking camp we headed into Bar Harbor and rented bikes. So far we a lot of hiking in Acadia National Park but there is another activity that is possibly more popular, biking the carriage trails.

Between 1913 and 1940 John D. Rockeller, Jr. constructed forty-five miles of rustic carriage roads and gave them to the park. They flow around the mountains and valleys of the 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 resulted in roads with sweeping vistas and close-up views of the landscape and include 16 stone faced bridges and two gatehouses. They gravel roads and crisscross the park.

We rented a bike and an add-a-bike for myself and Ned and a bike for Joe. After taking the Island Explorer Bike Express to Eagle Lake we headed south to Jordan Pond. The way was easy at first then there is a long climb which we had to walk up some. After coasting the hill down Joe was getting tired. I suggested we go the Jordan Pond House for a popover snack and he hopped back on and pedaled off. After our break we headed back north to Eagle Lake. The way back was hard on Joe. He kept stopping and walking his bike and one point sat down and decided he was done. He did get back on though and we made it back just in time to catch the Bike Express to town.


Eagle Lake


Colorful Waterplants


Ned Tries to Ride the Big Bike


Joe Taking a Water Break

Once we returned the bikes we made a stop at the laundromat did some laundry and then left for New Hampshire. We got to Conway New Hampshire around 9:00 pm. Since it was so late I thought we would stay at an hotel but they were either full or to expensive so we ended up sleeping in the car at National Forest campground near Conway.


Bar Harbor, ME to Conway, NH, 225 miles 4 hrs 44 min

We Are Back In Acadia National Park

Joe and Ned are Ready to Hike

We are back in Acadia National Park? Yes indeed. When we left last time I said I would be back but I didn't know it would be this soon and unfortunately without Mary. Well we so close how could we resist.

After making camp Friday night a thunderstorm came through which had me worried that we would not be able to get onto the mountains. But come Saturday morning it was hazy but not raining. We made a stop in Southwest Harbor to visit the Little Notch Bakery for breakfast and a loaf of bread then the library to check email. Then to Bar Harbor to get a map since I mailed my maps home when we left two weeks ago and pick up some cheese. By this time it was dry so we headed to the trail head.

The trail we picked was the Ladder Trail up Dorr Mountain. It only had to ladders to the boys dismay. To my dismay it is mostly granite stairs going straight up the mountain. Parts of it made me think of the passage in The Return of the King where Gollum leads Frodo and Sam into Mordor by way of the stairs to Cirith Ungol. Fortunately there was no giant spider just great views and many blueberries.


The Stairs of the Ladder Trail


A Tight Squeeze


The Summit of Dorr Mountain 1270 ft

I had a few ideas of the way to take back down once we were at the summit of Dorr Mountain. But as I looked at the map and over at Cadillac Mountain I thought, "we can do that." So we extended the hike to climb up Cadillac and then down to Bubble Pond where we would catch the bus back to the car. Sounds easy.

The half mile to the top of Cadillac is one hardest half miles I have hiked. The stairs up Dorr Mtn had really done me in, more than I realized. But, we made it and I lived to tell about it. We stopped to admire the view and then started down the western side to Bubble Pond. It was a hard mile and a half mostly down large slabs of granite. We made it just in time to catch the bus and soon we were back at the car. We had dinner in Southwest Harbor and that night we had a campfire. We were so tired that we didn't watch it long and went to bed.


Cadillac Mountain from the Top of Dorr Mountain


Joe and Ned Look Out Over Mount Desert Island


The Summit of Cadillac Mountain 1530 ft


The Way Down to Bubble Pond


Bubble Pond


The Hike from the Tarn to Bubble Pond


Joe Reflects Over the Day at the Campfire

A Day Of Superlatives And The Return To Acadia

Joe, Ned and Lobsterman With the World's Largest Lobster

Friday morning we were up early and on our way. In the planning phase of the trip I was going to go to Quebec City from Prince Edward Island. It was the one part of the trip that I didn’t like. Not Quebec, but the drive there. 12 hours plus from PEI through a lot of backwoods. So when we left PEI it was with the idea of going back through New Brunswick, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and then up to Montreal.

We took the Confederation Bridge to get off of the island. The 14 km long Confederation Bridge was built in 1997 as an alternative way to get to PEI from the Canadian mainland. When we crossed it was very hazy so that you couldn’t see far across the bridge.


PEI in the Rearview Mirror and New Brunswick in the Distance


The Confederation Bridge the Longest Bridge to Span Ice Covered Waters

Once in New Brunswick we took a side trip to Shediac, NB to see the World’s Largest Lobster. The Shediac lobster is 35 ft long and sits at the entrance to the east side of town. From Shediac and the Lobster we stopped a Hartland, NB to see the Longest Covered Bridge in the World. The first of many covered bridges we would see in the next few days but certainly the longest.


Joe Having Lobster Problems


The Sign Says It All

From Hartland, NB it is a quick drive to the border of Maine and the USA though it took about 30 minutes to cross. While we were waiting a thunderstorm blew in and knocked the power out but after answering the border agent’s questions and having him search the back of the car we were back in the USA. At this point I wasn’t sure where we going. I thought of going to Baxter State Park but with the storm blowing through I passed on it. As I looked at the map I realized we were going to be close to Acadia again. When I mentioned this out loud the boys both asked if we could go back. After a quick stop in Bangor we did.

The problem with visiting Acadia National Park on the spur of the moment, in August, late in the day is that we had a hard time finding a place to stay. We ended up on the Western part of Mount Desert Island at a private campground. They found a site for us and we set up camp in the dark.


Cavendish, PEI to Acadia National Park, ME, 504 miles 12 hrs 7 min

Three Days On Prince Edward Island

Joe and Ned Visiting Anne's House

On July 31 we were up early because we slept in the car the night before. We found a spot to have breakfast and then went to the Cavendish campground for PEI National Park. We got on the waiting list for a campsite and then went to visit the sites.

The main attraction in Cavnedish is the Green Gables Heritage Site. It is the house that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery's vision of the home where Anne Shirley lives in Anne of Green Gables. Since we were there so early we were the only ones there and we were able to explore the home and grounds without having to jostle or wait our turn. On the site is a trail through the Haunted Woods and Lovers' Lane both from the story.


Anne's Bedroom


Ned Tries Milking


Down Lovers' Lane


The Red Earth of Prince Edward Island

After visiting Green Gables we went down the road and stopped at the Lucy Maud Montgomery homestead site. The building is gone and only the cellar remains of the home in which she was raised by her grandparents. There are paths that lead from there to the cemetary where she is buried.

We then went into Charlottetown to visit the library and do some shopping. When we got back to the PEI National Park we did get a campsite.

The next two days were laid back ones. We went to the beach which was about 150 yards from the campsite. The beach is lovely wide and long and mostly empty of people. The water seemed cold at first but once in was nice. We spent most of the beach time making large river systems in the sand.


Joe and Ned are Ready for the Beach


One of the Rivers


Prince Edward Island National Park


Walking Back to Camp

We also stopped for ice cream at Cows a PEI ice cream chain that is very good. One night we played mini-golf at a golf course with a giant lobster. It was very relaxing and the weather was great. We were only going to be there two days but it was so nice we stayed an extra day.


Relaxing at the Campsite


Ned Swings by the Potatoes


The Lobster Trap

Fortress of Louisbourg And Alexander Graham Bell

Ned and Joe at Fortress of Louisbourg

Monday started off wet. It rained all night and into the morning. A good hard rain when you are in a tent is not. After about the fifth hour I started to notice that the tent was leaking in a few spots. Fortunately the rain stopped around 7:30 am and the tent leaked very little, nothing a few socks were not able to soak up.

The reason we were in the Southeast corner of Nova Scotia was to visit the Fortress of Louisbourg. The fortress was founded by the French in 1719 to protect their lucrative cod fisheries. Unfortunately they were competing with the British over this and the control over North America. In 1745 the British lay seige and captured the town. It was given back to the French three years later by treaty. In 1758 the British again captured the town and this time razed it.

In 1961 the Canadian government began a reconstruction of the town and fortifications. When you enter the town you are transported back to 1744 a year before the first siege. There are re-enactors throughout the village and fortress taking on the different roles of bakers, soldiers, cooks, fisherman etc. When you try to enter the gate the soldier on guard demanded to know where we from and what our business was. He quite put off to find that we were "British" and possible spies. Ned vouched for us we were allowed to enter.

Because of the wet weather I thought our visit was a bit more realistic. The fog was thick and nothing could be seen beyond the town. The ground was muddy and people had mud on them. The downside was being cold and wet. We still spent about five hours there looking in the different buildings, watching the blacksmiths, talking to the villagers, watching a cannon being fired and having a meal at one of the taverns.


The Approach to the Fortress of Loiusbourg


The Children at Dance and Song


The Waterfront Street of Louisbourg


The Frederick Gate


Joe Watches for the British


Overseeing the Troops


The Fortress Wall in the Fog


Ned and Joe Visiting


Conversing in the Kitchen

Saying au revoir to the fortress we started for Prince Edward Island. On the way we made a stop in Baddeck, NS, to visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. Bell decided to build a vacation home in Baddeck in 1885 after visiting because in his words, "I have traveled the globe. I have seen the Canadian and American Rockies, the Andes and the Alps and the highlands of Scotland, but for simple beauty, Cape Breton outrivals them all." The museum has exhibits on Bell´s wide ranging interests and inventions, much of it undertaken at Baddeck.

We managed to catch the 7:30 pm ferry to Prince Edward Island and we soon found ourselves in Cavendish. Originally I wasn't going to take the ferry to PEI but I found out that you have to pay one way, to get off the island. I had planned on staying at one of the campgrounds in Prince Edward Island National Park. After driving around for a while I could not find it and after stopping to ask for directions found out that it was shutdown three to four years prior. So much for guide books, I should have called. We went to one of the other campgrounds and ending up sleeping in the car. The facilities were in such bad shape that I decided in the morning we would go to a different campground.


The Ferry to Prince Edward Island


The Woods Island Light on Prince Edward Island


Louisbourg, NS to Cavendish, PEI, 310 miles 6 hrs 25 min

Driving The Cabot Trail

Ned and Joe Posing in the Role of Moose

The next morning the weather looked like rain but it hadn't started by the time we broke camp. We set off. It would take three to four hours to drive the Cabot Trail without stops. That is impossible. Perhaps if you have driven it ten or more times you might become immune to the views. It took us almost seven hours. We stopped at many overlooks and hiked some of the trails. We drove up side roads to see waterfalls. There is still more that I would have like to see.

Our first stop other than a scenic pullout was at MacIntosh Brook. It is about a one and half mile hike through an old growth forest along a brook with small waterfalls. It was a good early morning way to loosen the legs and wake us up. The parking area has a kitchen shelter and when we finished the hike we fired up the stove and had our breakfast. While we ate it began to pour so our next stop wasn't until Beulach Ban Falls a bit further down the road. We continued along the Cabot Trail until we came to the Atlantic coast where we stopped at Green Cove.


Looking Down to Fishing Cove

The View to Pleasant Bay

I'm Telling You There are No Moose!

Green Cove is a small rocky headland that juts out into the ocean. It is formed of some really neat boulders of pinkish rock with intrusions of a highly crystalized granite forming lines and crosses. Down the road from there we turned down a side road to view Mary Ann Falls. They were crowded and there were people swimming the pools beneath them.

Green Cove


Joe and Ned Clamboring Over the Boulders

Our last stop along the Cabot Trail was to hike Middle Head. Middle Head is a long headland creating North and South Ingonish Bays. It is a two and half mile hike starting at the Keltic Lodge. The hike goes through some forests and meadows and has rocky cliffs on the sides and at the end for great views up the coast and to Cape Smokey to the south.

Wildflowers


Go Ahead Jump


The End of Middle Head


The Keltic Lodge Near Ignonish, NS

After the hike we said goodbye to the Cabot Trail and headed for the Southeast corner of Cape Breton Island taking the ferry at Englishtown and camping south of Sydney, NS at Mira River Provincal Park.


The Englishtown Ferry


Chéticamp, NS to Mira River, NS, 165 miles 8 hrs 28 min

To Cape Breton Island

The Cabot Trail

From Halifax we headed for Cape Breton Island and the Cabot Trail. Along the way we stopped in Stellarton to visit the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry. It is a hands on exploration of the industries in Nova Scotia from the past to the present. We were early so some displays were not quite set up but the boys had a good time.


Ned the Engineer


Tire Boys

Crossing the Canso Causeway we entered Cape Breton Island. At this point there are a number of ways to go and I decided to take the northerly, coast hugging Highway 19 the Ceilidh Trail. It is a pretty drive and we soon arrived in Chéticamp which for us was the beginning of the Cabot Trail.

The Cabot Trail is a 180 mile drive around the northern part of Cape Breton Island most of it being inside Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It is a beautiful drive with many pulloffs to view the vistas of deep valleys, mountains and ocean.

After we arrived in Chéticamp we made camp at the National Park's Chéticamp campground. It was early so we headed up the Cabot Trail a few miles to hike the Skyline Trial. The Skyline is 6 mile loop that goes out onto a headland about 950 ft above the ocean. Views are spectacular. The trail back is through a forest where moose are often spotted. We saw lots of moose sign but the only mammal was a lone ground squirrel. The woods were full of bird calls clear and bright.

On the way back to the campsite we saw a group of people on the side of the road with cameras. Slowing down to take a look we saw they were looking at a bull moose. He was munching his way around a shrub. He would be our only moose sighting. Other travellers I talked to reported seeing mothers and calves, two bulls, black bears and cubs, and bald eagles. One woman from the Netherlands told me they saw six moose. We saw only the one moose and ground squirrels. Bird wise is was terns, gulls, cormorants and crows.


The Cabot Trail Looking South


The Skyline Trail Boardwalk


Wildflowers and Tree Trunk


Our Only Moose


The Cabot Trail Winding Its Way North


Halifax, NS to Chéticamp, NS, 266 miles 7 hrs 8 miin

To And About Halifax, Nova Scotia

Joe Ask the Highlanders What Is Under...the Big Stone Behind Them

The drive to Halifax was interesting. We stopped in Annapolis Royale to visit the Annapolis Tidal Generating Station. It is the only generating plant in North America using the energy from tides. The boys were disappointed because they wanted to go on a tour but you had to be 16 or older. We then headed across the interior of Nova Scotia passing by Kejimkujik National Park. Just south of there we almost wrecked the car when we came around a turn and found a black bear in the middle of the road. It was large cub and once it saw us it quickly ran into the woods. I thought it wise not to follow.


The Annapolis Tidal Generating Station

After a quick visit to the town of Liverpool we next stopped at Lunenburg. Lunenburg is a UN designated World Heritage Site but I mostly wanted to see the Bluenose. Unfortunately it was in Prince Edward Island. We moved on through Mahone Bay, the city of churches and very near Oak Island home of the money pit. Soon we were in Halifax.

We camped in Dartmouth across the harbor at Shubie Park. On Friday, July 27, morning we drove into Dartmouth and took the commuter ferry across the harbor to Halifax. We wandered down the harbor front and visited with Theodore Tugboat before going to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. The museum contains boats, models of boats and ships, a chandlery, shipwrecks including relics from the Titanic and a pirate exhibit. There is quite a bit to see and we spent a lot longer there than I had planned.


Halifax from the Ferry


Halifax is Big Harbour of Theodore Tugboat


The Only Deck Chair Recovered from the Titanic

We had to get back to the car since our meter was running out so hopped the ferry back and then drove into the city to visit the the Halifax Citadel.

It is on a hill overlooking the city and is very impressive. The boys loved it especially Joe. I think we explored every nook of the place. They have a History Hunt that if you get all of the questions correct you get a free cookie which the boys both received.

After the Citadel we stopped at the Halifax Public gardens for a quick stroll then headed back to the campsite. I wanted to get up early tomorrow to make the drive to Cape Breton Island.


Joe Taking Notes on How to Fire a Cannon


New Recruits Ready For Duty


The Halifax Public Gardens are Beautiful


Digby, NS to Halifax, NS, 230 miles 7 hrs 17 min

Reversing Falls, A Ferry, And Whales

A Trip Through Maine Is Not Complete Without Blueberries

We left later than we wanted from Acadia National Park. Perhaps it was the park keeping me from getting up when alarm went off or it calling for me to stay and linger a little bit longer. But we did get up and broke camp and headed for Canada.

We took the scenic Route 1 along the Maine coast but because of the late start we could not stop long the way. When we reached Calais we had lunch and a fifteen minute wait at the border. We managed to get to St. John, New Brunswick with enough time to stop and view the Reversing Falls. They are rapids on the St John river that reverse direction when the tide comes in. It takes a while to watch them reverse, about 5 hours. We went to catch the ferry.

The ferry trip was nice. The ship was large and comfortable. We watched a movie and Joe and I saw some whales from the deck. One was spouting and I saw a whale tail. There were some porpoises swimming in the bow wake but when we got there they were gone. It was late when we got in so we decided to stay at an hotel in Digby, NS.


The Reversing Falls

Our Ship Comes In


The Bow Opens to Let Us In


Driving on the Princess of Acadia


Nova Scotia

Bar Harbor, ME to Digby, NS, 215 miles 8 hrs 59 min (Including time on ferry)

Mountains of Acadia

Atop Beech Mountain

Our last day in Acadia National Park was one up and down, literally. We walked across tidal pools and climbed two of the smaller maountains in the park.

We started in the morning for the western part of Mount Desert Island driving to the bustling town of Southwest Harbor. Southwest Harbor is very nice. I thought it much nicer than even Bar Harbor since the throngs of tourists (yes we were there but we are not much of a throng though the boys attempt to be sometimes) are absent. There is a very good bakery and grocery store and the library is wonderful.

From there we drove along route 102A to the natural seawall and explored the tidal pools. They were filled mostly with snails and kelp. Driving on we stopped at the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse one of the most picturesque lighthouses in Maine. The highlight for the boys was climbing the huge rocks and watching a lobsterman pulling up his traps, emptying them and sending back to the depths.


Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse


A Lobsterman Checking His Traps

Next stop was Echo Lake where we had lunch. After lunch we climbed Beech Mountain. The trail from Echo Lake is called Canadian Cliffs. It is a ladder trail which means that there are ladders fastened to the cliff face to help your ascent. Once at the top we took the Beech Cliffs loop for some great views. Coming down the ladders was the hardest part of the trail.


Joe and Ned Ascend a Ladder


The Canadian Cliffs Trail

Atop Beech Mountain


A Camouflaged Grasshopper Cannot Escape Joe

After this climb we were ready for, another climb. This time we went back to the eastern part of the island to tackle the Beehive. Not as challenging as the Precipice trail which climbs 1058 ft Champlain to the north the Behive is only 520 ft. The Behive is another ladder trail up the southern face. There are no ladders on this trail but iron rungs pounded into the granite cliff face to use as handholds or footholds. The boys were loving it and I had to call to them to slow down. We came down a trial that goes around the back of the Beehive by a hidden pond called the Bowl. The trail was laden with blueberries (note the "was") and the pond had beaver lodges and many frogs.


At the Start of the Beehive Trail


Our Goal the Beehive


Up the Side of the Beehive


Taking a Rest on One of the Ladder Sections


Don't Look Down!


The View From the Top


Blueberries on the Trail

After a late dinner we went to Sand Beach to partake in Stars Over Sand Beach though we left early since it was late and we had to break camp in the morning to catch our ferry in St John.

Acadia National Park was as beautiful and glorious as remember it from 20+ years ago when I last visited. Bar Harbor and the park was much more crowded though we were there at the height of the season. There were many things we didn't see or do like biking on the carriage trails but that only means we will have to come back and spend more time. One thing is for sure I am not going to wait another 20 years to return and Mary is coming with me.

Acadia National Park Hiking and Rain

It is Time to Get Up!

Monday we were up early to meet a park ranger for a hike up South Bubble. The theme of the hike was "Mountain Mysteries" the geology of Mount Desert Island. The main attraction for the boys was Bubble Rock. It is a large erratic deposited by the glaciers of the last ice age that seems to be balanced on the edge of the mountain.

After the hike we went down to the Jordan Pond House for lunch. We all enjoyed the pop overs and the boys went into the bushes and found blueberries. The weather started to turn to rain after lunch and instead of hiking some more we hopped in the car made a stop at the visitors center where Joe and Ned received their Junior Ranger badges Then we drove the park loop road stopping at Thunder Hole.

After dinner we went to the ranger program at the campground but the rain became to heavy and we headed off to bed.


Metamorphic Rocks are Like Play-Doh


Where is Bubble Rock From?


Are They Ones to Push Over Bubble Rock?


Joe Samples a Popover on the Lawn at Jordan Pond House


Joe Shows off his Haul of Blueberries


Joe and Ned are Tested for Junior Ranger


The Boys Take Their Junior Ranger Oath


The Precipice Trial up Mount Champlain


Thunder Hole at a Quiet Moment

Acadia National Park

Enjoying a Sunset on the Summit of Cadillac Mountain

Sunday, July 22, was our first day to explore the park. After breakfast we went to the park's Vistors Center to get the boys' Junior Ranger books and an overview of the park. The Friends of Acadia and the park were sponsoring the second annual Acadia Adventures: Family Fun Day at Sieur de Monts. There were about 15 different activities for the kids try our like a nature scavenger hunt, sun prints, pony rides and meeting Smokey the Bear. It was a lot of fun and they even provided lunch.

That night we headed to the top of Cadillac Mountian to view the sunset. The weather was perfect and the sunset brilliant. After we got back to camp we went to the ranger program then to bed.


Our Campsite at Blackwoods Campground

Joe Works on his Junior Ranger Badge


It is Hard Work


Cadillac Mountian From Afar


Joe and Smokey the Bear Remind You That, "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires!"


Ned Readies for a Ride on "Bramble"

Joe Likes To Ride the Ponies


Viewing the Sunset from the Summit of Cadillac Mountain

Maine Ho!

Joe and Ned With Eartha

Bright and early Friday Morning we left Cape Cod for Maine. After dropping Mary off at Boston's Logan Airport and a tearful goodbye full of "We'll miss you"s we promptly took a wrong turn and ended up heading south through the Ted William's Tunnel and then turned around heading for New Hampshire. Using the GPS we managed to find our way back on route.

On entering Maine we stopped at Yarmouth to visit DeLorme's map shop. They have a giant, three story globe there named Eartha, the World's Largest Globe. The boys enjoyed it a great deal. We were sorry to leave Yarmouth without stopping for the Clam Festival but we still had many miles to go and a stop in Freeport.


Ned Looks out Over Eartha's Version of Africa

Freeport is the home of L.L. Bean. For those who have not visited they have a complex of stores and the whole town is full of outlets. I bought some hiking boots. The rest of the way to Acadia National Park we took Route 1 along the coast. It is a bit slower than the interstate but it is much more picturesque. We stopped quickly in the town of Rockland for a bite to eat and found a town worthy of a return visit when more time would be available. We finally reached our destination, Blackwoods Campground in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island on the coast of Maine at 8:30 pm. We ended up setting up camp in the dark but we managed it and went to sleep quickly.


Osterville, MA to Acadia National Park, ME, 354 miles 7 hrs 58 min

Our Last Days on the Cape

Joe Shows the Proper Technique for Using a Touch Pool

Thursday and Friday were our last days on the Cape. Mary had to do some work so the boys and I dropped her off a the local community college to use their wireless connection.

On Thursday we headed to Falmouth and Woods Hole. We did some shopping in Falmouth and on the way to Woods Hole we stopped at the Nobska Light. In Woods Hole we visited the aquarium. It is a small aquarium but it packs a lot in.

On Friday we hung out at the house and in the evening after Mary got back we went out for a last boat ride. The ospreys were out and with the sun setting we made a last visit to crab beach. Then we headed back to the house to pack our things for the trip to Maine.


The Nobska Light


Woods Hole Has a Ships Coming Out of the Walls

Ned and Joe Viewing Fish


A 35 Year Old Lobster is Nearly as Big as Ned

Cape Cod National Seashore

Mary, Joe and Ned Brave the Fog at the Nauset Light

We spent Wednesday exploring the Outer Cape. We went to the Cape Cod National Seashore to visit some lighthouses and to let the boys get their Junior Ranger Badges.

The weather started fine but as the day wore on it began to rain and fog rolled in. On the way to the park we stopped at the Cape Cod Potato Chip factory and did the tour. We left smelling like potatos.

The park service changed the requirements for the Junior Ranger Badge that made it hard to get them in one day and on a short scehdule. We did get to visit the Nauset Light and take the short hike to see the Three Sisters Lighthouses. Afterwards we drove to Chatham to see the Chatham light and take the tour. Because of the bad weather the tours were cancelled.

Ann and Bill were visiting friends in Chatham and they invited us to stop in. They have an indoor pool and the boys spent the rest of afternoon swimming. On the way back to Osterville we stopped at Four Seas for our daily dose.


Joe and Ned Lounging in Front of One of the Three Sisters Lights



Joe, Mary and Ned (far right) in Front of Four Seas

Days of Beaches and Museums

Capt'n Ned the Scourge of Cape Cod

This week on the cape has been a busy one. We spent Monday at the beach and in the evening went on Uncle Bill's boat to do some fishing. Though we only caught one fish and Ned and I got a bit seasick it was fun.


Ned Digging at the Beach


Ned, Joe and Mary Enjoying an Evening of Boating and Fishing


Henry and Aunt Ann Admire Henry's Catch

Tuesday we went to the Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich, MA. They have an exhibit on pirate life in New England, A Short Life and Merry: Pirates of New England, that we wanted to see. The museum grounds are famous for their rhododendrons and daylilies. They also have an extensive collection of antique automobiles, the Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame, collections of americana, and a fine carousel.


Joe Gallops Away on the Carousel


Ned and Bobby Race to the Finish


The Dread Pirate Captain Henry Finds a Moment to Rest


Hey Joe! What's a Pirate's Favorite Letter?


Gary Cooper's 1930 Duesenberg J Derham Tourster


Ned and Henry Driving a 1913 Ford Model T?

First Day on the Cape

Ned and Mary Take a Rest at Crab Beach

Saturday, July 14, was our first day on the Cape. We got up early had breakfast and went to crab beach on Uncle Bill's boat. The day was beautiful and the water was very warm. Crab beach is on Cotuit Bay and there is a little pond between it and the ocean. We dug for clams and Uncle Bill did some fishing. We found enough clams to make chowder and steamers and Bill caught a few fish though none keepers.

Mary Pulling Joe Through the Water


Uncle Bill With One of the Fish He Caught

After we returned to the house we headed to Four Seas for our daily dose of their ice cream.

Henry, Ned, Joe, and Bill Out in Front of Four Seas

The Drive to Cape Cod

Ned Works the Locks at the National Canal Museum

We left Carlisle for Osterville, MA where Mary's sister has a house on Cape Cod at 8:00 am. On the way we stopped in Easton, PA to visit the National Canal Museum and the Crayola Factory. The National Canal Museum is a very nice museum showing the canal phase in America's history. Easton is a the junction of the Delaware and Lehigh canals. They are very kid oriented with a displays that allow you to float a canal boat through locks, harnass a mule, buils bridges and design a canal.

In the same building is the Crayola Factory. Instead a factory Crayola has set up "a hands-on discovery center." They have a room that does show you how crayons and markers are made and then there are areas to make art. You can mold clay, paint with hot wax and create puppets.


Joe Takes His Canal Boat Back Through the Locks


Joe Presents his Alien


Ned Shows Off His Model Magic Snake

After Easton we headed on and stopped for a late lunch in Brewster, NY at the Red Rooster. This place has great burgers and my favorite, egg creams (chocolate only please.)

Only one more stop found us in Mystic, CT for a late dinner at food shack overlooking Mystic Seaport. We could see some of the ships and made a note to visit the museum when it was open. We arrived on the Cape about 10:00 pm. Mary's sister picked Mary up at the airport (thank you, Ann) and they arrived about 11:00 pm.

The Red Rooster in Brewster, NY


Carlisle, PA to Osterville, MA 482 miles 10 hrs 11 min

Hike to Nowhere

Joe and Ned, Showing off His Scraped Knees, on the Trial to Flat Rock Vista

Today the boys and I went on a hike. I picked the Flat Rock Trail to the Flat Rock Vista overlooking the Cumberland Valley. It starts in Colonel Denning State Park and goes straight up the side of the mountain for 2.5 miles.

I found out that I need to do some more walking. We were about three fourths of the way up the trail when I started feeling bad. We were about a tenth of mile from the top and the vista when I had to stop. Joe was very concerned and was glad that I chose to return the trailhead. After getting back down and having a rest I felt better.

We took the long way to the park and drove on a number of logging roads through state forest lands. It was a beautiful day other than the part of the hike where I thought I was going to pass out.

We went into Carlisle for dinner and stopped by the burial ground to visit one Carlisle's more famous dead, Molly Pitcher. The boys really liked the graveyard and we spent some time counting the number and kinds of veteran flags next to graves. We found quite a lot of Revolutionary and Civil War veterans along with the occasional War of 1812, Spanish American War and WWI.


Joe and Ned Standing in Front of Molly Pitcher


Carlisle to Colonel Denning State Park 70 miles 5 hrs 20 min

To State College and Back

Ned Inside Grandma's Booth

Today, Wednesday, we went to State College, PA. Actually the trip was to Boalsburg, PA where Grandma is participating in the The People's Choice Festival. We went to help set up her booth (The Tole Booth) and to spend a little more time with her and Grandpa since they are there until Sunday and we leave for Cape Cod on Friday.
After setting up the booth we went into State College and had dinner at The Olde College Diner. Of course we had grilled stickies with ice cream. We bought a box to take with us so Mom can have some.


Joe Loves Grilled Stickies


Carlisle, PA to State College, PA, 180 miles 3hrs 56min

A Day in the Sun

Joe tubing in the pool

Today was spent poolside at the grandparents pool. Joe and Ned were in the pool a good six hours. Their cousins Michael, Zachary, and Marianna were also there to spend the day poolside along with Aunt Megan. Grandma and Pap-pap arrived back from their trip in time to join us. Even Aunt Miss came by later with cousin Vinnie.


Ned tubing in the pool


The Cousins Love the Water


Pap-pap Keeping an Eye on Things

Later in the evening I headed into town to get some groceries and make a stop at Massey's Frozen Custard always a stop when visiting Carlisle. I did go myself. Nobody else wanted to go.


Massey's Frozen Custard, Carlisle, PA

We are Off to Carlisle, PA

Joe and Ned Ready to Go

Yesterday we set off on the first part of the trip. Ned was a bit sad at leaving Mom but we will see her in five days. The drive was uneventful and we only stopped for dinner and gas in Cranberry, PA.


Ypsilanti, MI to Carlisle, PA, 464 miles 7 hrs 21 min

The Great Summer Road Trip 2007

Ypsilanti, MI to Cape Breton, NS and Back 3850 miles 70 hrs 30 min (driving time) estimate

Our trip this year is a long one. Joe, Ned and myself are taking off for four to five weeks. We will start off with a week in Pennsylvania visiting the family. A week on Cape Cod with Mary's sister's family is next. Mary will fly out to meet us. After that the only firm date are five days in Acadia National Park in Maine and the ferry from St John, New Brunswick to Digby, Nova Scotia.

From here on there isn't so much of a plan but more of a series of destinations. Halifax and Cape Breton Island on Nova Scotia. Charlottetown, Anne of Green Gables House on Prince Edward Island. Then on up to Quebec and travel up the St Lawrence River, along the northern edge of Lake Ontario and then home.