Monday, July 30, 2012

Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain

One thing that my husband has always wanted to do while visiting Maine and Acadia National Park was to see the sun rise from the top of Cadillac Mountain. He’s talked about it every time we’ve gone up there and each and every time, I’ve always said, “sure, just wake me – I’ll go.” But he knows me well. He knows that I really don’t want to wake up at 3 AM and drive an hour to the park and up the mountain.

However, this year was different. This year we were staying right on Mount Desert Island, and only about a 15 minute drive from the summit of the mountain that is purported to be the first spot in the United States to see the sunrise.

Mount Cadillac only sees the first sunrise in the fall and winter, when the sun rises south of due east. During most of the spring and summer, the sun rises first at Mars Hill. For a couple of weeks around the time of equinox the sun rises first at West Quoddy Head in Lubec, which is the easternmost town in the United States. ~WikiAnswers

Regardless of where it rises first in the summertime, we were there to see the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain.

 

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I think my husband was shocked that I woke right up, bounded out of bed and was in the car within moments for the drive. He’d already made some coffee which came in handy because wow – was it cold up there on the top of the mountain. I brought my winter coat just in case, and had to use it.

The wind was whipping too ~

 

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I don’t know why my husband was so surprised to see SO MANY PEOPLE. Observing the sunrise on Cadillac is one of the main tourist things to do while visiting the national park.

 

 

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He dropped me off to find a spot and that was the last I saw of him until it was time to go home. The sky slowly turned wonderful colors which was a joy to behold.

I was really surprised to see how some people had dressed. Those wearing shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops were complaining of the cold while wrapping themselves up in blankets. Many people only had fleece hoodies on, but I had on my winter coat with the hood up because I knew from experience that it can get really cold at 1,528 feet.

And I was quite comfortable as I shot the scenes unfolding in front of me.

 

 

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I think the sunrise occurred at about 5:10 a.m. on July 25, 2012.

 

 

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I turned around after it rose to view the scene behind me.

 

 

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And this is only a small portion of the crowd.

 

 

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I took a couple of silhouette shots as I headed down to the parking lot.

 

 

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I think this one is fun.

 

 

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People from all walks of life come to enjoy this view.

 

 

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Looking out over the Cranberry Islands.

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After we left the mountain, we headed down into Bar Harbor and took the walk that included the capture of the owls (see post down below).

And that concludes our trip to see the sunrise before anyone else in the country (unless you’re in Mars Hill, Maine – but it’s debatable).

Hope you enjoyed ~

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26 comments:

troutbirder said...

What a beautiful setting for a sunrise hike. Spectacular.... :)

BB said...

Stunning... these almost look like someone else's pics because its so different from what I am used to seeing from you. Love that you got up so early!!! Can see why though.
:-)
BB

Hilary said...

Living vicariously here......yes, much enjoyed.

Unknown said...

Just goosebumps wow!!

Country Gal said...

Absolutely beautiful . Thanks for sharing , your photos are stunning !

Gail said...

Wow is such a small word but it conveys so much.

Cloudia said...

I'm sure to dream of your pics tonight!



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GailO said...

My husband knows me well enough to only suggest going to see the sunset from Cadillac mountain:) Even though there are always lots of people up there for the sunset I am surprised to see that many people there that early! Good for you for mananaging to do that!

Boy your week up there sure went by quickly! Where does the time go?

Bluebird49 said...

Wow--these are really spectacular. I'm so country--I've never heard of Cadillac Mountain! I wish I were somewhere I could be wearing my winter coat right now. :) You all had a safe trip home, I'm hoping!

Kerri Farley said...

Now I know I have to visit this place! My favorite time of day is sunrise! You got some beautiful shots Kate!!

Steph said...

Love love loved these Kate. I love being up with my camera before dawn and I would've gladly made the trip even at that hour. I also wanted to thank you for sharing the date you took them. It might seem an insignificant fact but it definately meant something to me. 7/25/12 was the fifth anniversary of a tragic accident that took a loved one away and I spent the day trying to focus on the beauty in the world that day, not the sadness. Your photo's, even though I just saw them this morning, just reminded me that even if I can't see it, it's always there. Thank you for capturing some of it that day. And for sharing. xo

Caroline said...

OH WOW! These are amazing shots! I love the silhouettes!

Jill of All Trades said...

I've been there, I've been there but gosh, I didn't know about the sunrise thing! Wish I had. If you read of our trip last fall you would remember that I did have a slight melt-down on the drive UP there! It was beautiful though!

The JR said...

amazing

that's a lot of folks

Daryl said...

OMG OMG OMG .. yes yes someday we will do this and we'll both wear winter coats/hats/gloves (gloves for me cause the finger go first) .. I am in love with the silhouette shots of the people .. I am laughing that A thought you two would be the only ones there .. did you take George? So where did A go whilst you were snapping away?

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

Stunning, especially that first photo!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I don't know why, because I live in New England, but I'm surprised to see the winter coats!.. I wouldln't a thunk it!...

Carolynn Anctil said...

I've only watched one sunrise and the magnificent beauty brought me to tears. I really need to do that again.

The Weaver of Grass said...

So very beautiful and a wonderful memory of your trip to Maine.

Hilary said...

Beautiful, BEAUTIFUL photos, Kate. And I'm glad you got them because I just missed them, this morning.

I'll explain.

I was snapping sunrise photos over a beach, when several people walked past the scene which looked almost identical to your third and fourth from last images - only a bit tighter on the people and a little less sky. I was snapping like crazy, thinking "these are going to be great!"

And that's when I woke up grumbling over the fact that these photos do not exist. Honestly, they were so much like the above-mentioned photos that I feel like you captured them for me. So thank you for that. :)

Did I mention beautiful? They are. :)

Reena said...

What a beautiful view! Love how you captured the essence of the moments! Gorgeous photos my friend!

beth said...

how stunningly beautiful !


and personally, i loooooovvvvve those silhouette shots SOOOOO very much !!!....wow !

thanks again for letting us have a trip to maine with you !!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful! So worth getting out early and putting on those winter clothes!

Lili said...

Those silhouette shots are very cool. So where did your husband go after he dropped you off? xo ~Lili

Georgianna said...

Wow, Kate, what a fantastic experience! I've never really thought about the first view of sunrise. But through your photos \iit's beautiful! Being a West Coaster, I love sunsets and sunrise is usually over mountains.

Thank you for sharing! – g

mrs mediocrity said...

Just lovely... now I feel like I have seen the sun rise over Cadillac Mountain :)