Rested and rarin’ to go, we set of to conquer another mountain – Gorham.
Unfortunately, the fog has taken up permanent residence in MDI (Mount Desert Island). But with or without spectacular views, we headed out, because according to the local weather report, it’s not about to change anytime soon and I can’t sit around every day.
It was high tide by the time we got started, so we made a quick stop to check out “Thunder Hole”. But because it was high tide, it wasn’t thundering. However, seeing the surging ocean up close was incredible! We saw a really big wave heading our direction so we stepped quickly away and yelled out a warning, but no one listened. Several people got their feet, shoes, socks, and pants very wet! At least they all laughed about it. : )
These look like black and whites, but they aren’t.
Pretty cool though, I must say!
Then we drove to the parking lot (not nearly as many people today!) and headed up. Once near the top, there was the potential for incredible views, but not for us. Not today. Still, it was a good hike. Especially since I had my pole with me. : )
Near the summit of Mt. Gorham.
Take special note of the view! : )
Another great view!
And yet another!
We could hear the waves crashing and the lobster boat running, but couldn’t see a thing!
Heading down the other side, Blaine slipped on a damp, fog covered rock and fell. Hard, jamming his shoulder and wrist and scraping his knee. It took a few minutes, but he brushed himself off and soldiered on to the end. Praise God he wasn’t hurt worse! There really were very few people around. I’da had to go get help somewhere because there’s a lot of places in this Park where there’s no cell service.
Their Blue Blazes on this trail could use some touch up
Oftentimes, they used cairns.
The rocks on top point in the direction you’re supposed to go.
If you look closely, the next cairn is in here too – kinda behind the pine tree.
We made it!
There was opportunity to make this a loop trail, so we did that. Along the way, we ran into two Park rangers working. They had this cable strewn along and across the path and around a tree. I asked what they were working on and was told they were moving a rock. Why this particular rock, I don’t know. The Park is full of ‘em. Right in the middle of the trails. : )
We kept running into the same couple and joked about who was in the lead. At one point, the guy said, “You’ve got the Indians hat . . .” 😊 As it turned out, they were even parked across from us in the parking lot!
This is the Beehive.
We could see people climbing from here, but by the time I got my phone out, you couldn’t see them anymore.
After returning to the Jeep, we packed our lunch inside Blaine’s pack and started down a section of the Ocean Path Trail to find a good spot to watch the ocean, stopping to observe a working lobster boat for a few minutes.
And here we are! Sharing our spot with the local gulls. Actually, from the looks of things, they were here first. : )
These gulls didn’t mind us a bit.
Blaine’s got his “Heidi Glasses” on.
Those of you who watch AGT will understand this. : )
As dark as it was today, the fog caused a lot of glare.
Cormorant drying his wings.
We learned that they sit in the water to absorb water so they can dive better, then they have to dry their wings so they can fly.
This explains why they seem to have such a hard time taking off from the water!
After lunch, we headed the rest of the way down the trail toward the end and Otter Point. Wow! Even in fog! Even at low tide! Even with low seas!
I thought this was really pretty . . .
Then Blaine messed it up by putting me in the midst.
This place reminded me of the TV series, “Dark Shadows”. Remember the fog? The dark? Barnabas Collins, et al???
On the way back, someone told us they were cliff climbing at Otter Cliffs, so we took a spur to watch them for a bit. Not for us! But then, maybe if we’d had the opportunity when we were young???
Hey! Can I try?
I know the one climbing is Rusty because she called down to him. : )
Because the day was young, Blaine wanted to go check out some more bridges, so we walked Carriage Roads and hike again to 4 more of them. These were all close together, so it didn’t add too much to our mileage.
The Stanley Brook Bridge
Built in 1933 (and the last)
Don’t have a length, but it’s long enough to span a two-lane road, a walking path (on the left), and a spring (on the right)
Hadlock Brook Bridge
Built in 1926
No info on the length
The Waterfall Bridge
Built in 1925
120′ long
When it’s been raining, you can see a 40′ waterfall thru here.
It’s been dry . . . : (
The Hemlock Bridge
Built in 1924
185′ long
This was the most expensive one to build (according to reliable sources)
Stopped at Parrson’s for some fresh seafood and a wild blueberry pie. More haddock and something new. Swordfish. It was a big hunk of fish and Blaine grilled it like a pork chop, while I broiled the haddock. Boy, was it tasty! We’ll definitely have to try that again!
We’re tired and achy tonight and wishing our old (ish) bodies would keep up with our young (ish) minds. . .