Friday, June 18, 2010

A hike around Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park

Our vacation to Downeast Maine continues and lest you think I am some kind of hiking queen, I’ll have you know that I most certainly am not. I am always optimistic though, and when I told my husband I wanted to hike up the Sargent Mountain after reading a comment I received, he knew I may end up biting off more than I could chew.

So instead, when today dawned rainy and then changed to just thick gray fog on the mountains, we headed for the park, stopping at Jordan Pond for a much easier hike.

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Visitors have been coming to this spot for a long time and it boasts one of the nicest restaurants on the island and a must stop on a beautiful day. They have the absolute best popovers with homemade strawberry jam.

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On to the hike, though . . .

There are two trails we took today: The moderate-rated Jordan Pond Shore Trail and the easy-rated Jordan Pond Nature Trail. The loop totals 4.3 miles and I will say that by the end, my feet were hurtin’.

But everything hurts, truth be told. I have done a lot of hiking and kayaking this week.

We began with the Shore Path (above).

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The trail turns into a plank path which winds along the western edge of the pond.

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I’ve seen lots of people on this path in the past but today we only met a few. Even very small children seem to do fine on these planks.

And George had no trouble.

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The fog was beginning to become more dense as we made our way around.

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The plank path ends and you emerge into a rocky section.

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But honestly, it’s extremely easy to navigate over these.

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There’s even a picturesque, rustic little bridge at the half-way point.

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This photo looks like it could have been taken in the 1800’s.

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The trail along the other side of the lake is flat and has a couple more little bridges you will pass over.

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Getting close to the ending point, it begins to rain gently.

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After crossing this path, it’s a quick hike down the Nature Trail and if you like, a short stroll up the hill to the restaurant where, on a beautiful day, you have a gorgeous view of the pond and The Bubbles.

All in all, an easy fun hike.

Tomorrow is our last day and I don’t even want to think of returning back to my life. And so I will not.

Thanks for stopping by today.

34 comments:

JacksDad said...

I think you should just stay and keep taking pictures!!!

And those Bubbles sure look like boobies to me. I don't know why someone would call them Bubbles! :)

A New England Life said...

That first photo reminded me of the one with the squirrel in it. You know, the one where it's looking straight into the camera. Ha!

Some days you just need to relax and enjoy an easy jaunt. Wonderful Maine.

Julie Harward said...

I would love to walk down that path with my Cougar...very pretty! I think you should get a good massage after all this hiking! :D

Alli said...

beautiful. I'm glad you're having such a good time with your husband and George. What a blessing to go on hikes and kayak together! Love your photos as always.

Hilary said...

Oh, I can't wait til August!!! And I don't blame you a bit for not wanting to leave.
Any my knees suck, too.....so I am encouraged by you.

Deb said...

I'm going to hike these same trails at some point this summer with my youngest son. I feel fortunate that he still wants to "hang" with Mom and we have never visited Arcadia.....

I hope you take home happy memories of your trip to our great state - and that you thoroughly enjoyed your stay. It's a pretty nice place :)

Deb said...

looks like a beautiful place to hike...

Caroline said...

What I would give right now to be in that peace and quiet. Amazing photos Kate!

Char said...

gorgeous shots - what a beautiful hike

GailO said...

The one hike in Acadia that we do annually starts at Jordan Pond House and goes up Penobscot and Sargent Mountains...it is the test of my physical fitness each year. The fun thing about this hike is that we all wear our bathing suits under our hiking clothes and take a dip in Sargent Pond at the top...The kids ....and the kid in me...have always enjoyed this hike the most. And it doesn't hurt that at the end we get Popovers and jam:)

I'm not sure if we'll be able to do it this year with the little ones too big to carry and too small to hike it...maybe we'll go around the pond instead.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Who's to say there isn't a caretakers position available at a lovely location in Maine? Hmmm...

And I really, truly hope you are considering a children's book series...

Unknown said...

Hi, Kate,
I just hiked around Jordan Pond over Memorial Day Weekend -- although I veered off on Deerbrook Trail to the top of Penobscot. I am totally in awe of your photographs, comparing them with ours. It's not the camera. See my "snapshots" of Acadia at www.ouracadia.com. At least we have love of place in common! Thank you for these beautiful images. -Lynn

Rachel said...

I think that I am enjoying your vacation almost as much as you are, thanks for all the great posts and sharing your adventures!

Cloudia said...

i'm jealous!




Aloha from Waikiki

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ELK said...

i am so enjoying your trip Kate ...lovely images!!

prashant said...

those Bubbles sure look like boobies to me
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Marla said...

I have loved following along on your vacation. It's been wonderful. Thank you for sharing. :)

Marla @ www.asthefarmturns.wordpress.com

Valerie @ Intelligent Expressions said...

Just beautiful shots! Makes me want to plan our vacation trip right now - we have been trying to decide between the Rockies or Washington DC - we usually settle for Lake Placid - but hmmmm perhaps Maine?

Swetha said...

WOW!! they are wonderful pictures! I never experienced a hike before. thanks for sharing your pictures.. they look like an adventure

altar ego said...

Sargent Mountain, that's the name of the place we hiked when I was a kid! Oh, what memories your pictures evoke. Did I mention that I am so glad to be tagging along on this trip? Makes me want to go back soooooo bad! As for you, time to put your feet up and enjoy smelling some of that divine sea air.

Steph said...

Loving all the Acadia/hiking pics Kate! Haven't been up to Acadia in years and so wish we could. Thanks for taking us there with you and hubby and George in the mean time. It looks just as peaceful and lovely as always. Hope your venture back to reality is a gentle one. xoxo

mrs mediocrity said...

I love that bridge. I love that you take us on your hike with you. I am hungry for a strawberry popover.

Mental P Mama said...

Just beautiful. I don't want our trip to end, either. Will we be stopping in CT????? Never mind. I know the answer;)

Daryl said...

You know what the problem is with these hikes to these lovely spots? You have to hike back! Think pleasant thoughts of traveling to VA in a mere 3+ weeks

Holly said...

lovely! THIS is my kind of hiking....flat (mostly) and smooth.

Anonymous said...

That is such a pretty place, I'm not surprised it's so popular.

CJ xx

abb said...

What a gorgeous place!

The JR said...

Wow, great place. I might could do the "easy" trail. Might.....

Misty DawnS said...

What a great post! I felt like I was on the walk with you (wish I could have been).

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thanks for taking us on the hike - I enjoyed it from the comfort of my armchair Kate.

Deb said...

Kate, you could do a coffee table book with these photos...damn good, Girl!

Unknown said...

Your pictures are beautiful. I think I could live there forever! Except for the mansion (hehehe). What wonderful hiking paths. I think just the beauty surrounding me and the fresh smell of the mountain air would make me sleep so soundly! Enjoy your stay...

Anonymous said...

Oh, Kate... it's just so pretty there. I think Hubby would like to spend time there someday.

Di

john said...

oops.