We went out early this morning to explore what folks here call "the quiet side" - the western side of Mt Desert Island, away from Bar Harbor, with less crowds and plenty of beauty. There are lots of gorgoeous homes (including Martha Stewart's), rocky shoreline, less crowded hiking trails (though I have had most trails all to myself so far, all over this island!), and a plethora of shops and restaurants. Southwest Harbor has several galleries and will be very fun to stroll and window-shop. However, this day they had loud and dusty road construction down the main street in preparation for summer, so we will stroll the town some other time.
Along the east side of
Somes Sound, there is a stretch of roadway with amazing views. Formed by glacier, the sound nearly splits the island in two, the busier east side where Bar Harbor and most of Acadia lie, and the quieter west side.
 |
| A nice picnic spot on Somes Sound at Suminsby Park |
At the northern end of Somes Sound lies
Somesville, where the foot bridge is one of the most photographed features on the island.
The fish ladder just across from the arched bridge was interesting. It was low tide so no fish making their way up, but the pool above was full of little swimmers.
 |
| So many beautiful homes |
 |
| Maine coastal charm |
At the south end of the quiet side is another little piece of the national park,
Seawall. There is a nice campground with roomy wooded sites and a short walk to a waterfront picnic area.
 |
| Picnic area at Seawall |
 |
| Foggy morning |
 |
| Very scenic for a picnic |
There are two short and easy coastal trails in this area, Wonderland and Ship Harbor. At the start of the Wonderland trail, I found several lovely blooms, including pink lady slippers.
Wonderland Trail (quite a bit shorter than the 93 mile Wonderland Trail on Mt Rainier in Washington state!) loops around the end of a small peninsula, with multiple short paths to the rocky shore.
 |
| One of many places to access the rocky shore from Wonderland Trail |
Ship Harbor Trail is short and easy (slightly more challenging and more interesting that Wonderland) with beautiful coastal scenery all along the way.
 |
| This figure-8 trail provides varied views and varied footing! |
 |
| Short stairway down to a rocky bar |
 |
| Trail winds up and down through woods |
 |
| At the mouth of Ship Harbor |
 |
| Trail along the rocky shore |
At the end of the trail, we encountered a mama deer who was not happy that we were between her and her fawn hidden in the brush. She stood for a moment studying us, then made a run for it, running right between us.
Our last stop on the quiet side this morning was the
Bass Harbor Lighthouse. You cannot approach the light from the top due to security measures, but there is a short path leading to a long stairway, from which you can approach the lighthouse from the rocks below for a nice view.
 |
| Gary deciding he'll wait at the top |
 |
| Down to the rocky shore |
 |
| First glimpse of the lighthouse from below |
Gary waited at the top of the stairs while I headed down to the rocks for a nice photo-op. This is a fabulous spot for a sunset photo at certain times of the year when the sun sets just beyond the lighthouse and makes for a beautiful sky. It was well worth the effort to see the lighthouse from below, and at low tide, better views would be afforded if you scramble over the rocks and away from shore. If time allows, we will take the lighthouse cruise to see this light from the water.
 |
| During low tide, we would be able to scramble over rocks to get a better view |
 |
| Back up I go! |
 |
| Gary waiting at the top of the stairs |
No comments:
Post a Comment