Afternoon in Acadia

Last week I went for the first, of what will hopefully be a great many, hikes in Acadia National Park. The trail I chose to hike was the North Ridge Trail. It goes 2.5 miles from the Loop Road to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. And, it marked the first time (in 20 years of hiking) that I ever climbed a mountain NOT in the state of New Hampshire.

The day was cold and clear, with just a little bit of wind. It had rained the day before so there was some residual wetness on the rocks with a few icy spots. Especially near the summit. But, I came prepared and was soon crunching along the ice with my micro-spikes firmly attached to my trails shoes.  

I reached the summit in less than an hour and was shocked to find it completely deserted. Yes, it was noon on a Wednesday. Yes, it was mid-December. And yes, it was in the 20's with the wind-chill. But still. It was weird. Especially since the other 3 times I'd been to the top of Cadillac (by car) it had been absolutely crawling with people.

I stayed at the summit for a good 15-20 minutes, just soaking in the view. Then slowly made my way back down to the car. A very happy hiker indeed! For a first summit outside of NH, I don't think I could have picked a better day, or place, to be!

Sweet Disposition

This past weekend I had the great pleasure of seeing my daughter Erin graduate from College. It was a bitter sweet moment for me as I am so very proud of the woman that she has become. But, at the same time, I know that her path of life will soon be leading her elsewhere.

She and I have been through an awful lot together. Many ups and downs over the years. But she has continued loving, dreaming, and laughing like no one is watching. My hope for her now is that the “real world” never changes that sweet disposition we’ve all grown to love.

Congrats Erin! I love you. And always will. ~ Dad

Elliott + Elliott

Yesterday was my first day at Elliott + Elliott Architecture. 

I will be working part-time (15-20 hours a week) for them. And mostly from home, so that I can continue to take care of the kids before and after school. I will occasionally have to visit the office in Blue Hill, to check in from time to time. But, it's only 14 easy-driving miles away.

I'm very excited to be back working on a team again. It feels like it's been forever. The people I've met so far have been very cool and the firm has done some pretty amazing work over the years.

They've even published a book!

So, it looks like my little mini-vacation is over...

Morgan Bay

On my way back from Blue Hill today I took a little side trip to the South Surry Peninsula and Morgan Bay. It was a very quiet and pretty spot, with great views across the bay to the mountains of Acadia. We'll definitely be back during the warmer months (when it's most likely a lot less quiet) to do some biking, hiking, and perhaps even visit the beach there.

Sort of Spring

Today was the first full day of spring. So, of course, we had a snowstorm and school was cancelled. Oh well, at least it's pretty. 

Sort of.

Sieur de Monts

On Sunday, I took full advantage of the lull before the snow storm and drove down to Sieur de Monts, on MDI, to do a little run/hiking in Acadia.

Acadia was first established as Sieur de Monts National Monument in July 1916  (we'll be celebrating it's centennial this year) by President Woodrow Wilson.  It was not until January 1929 that it became known as Acadia National Park. There is a spring at this particular location where, in 1909, George Dorr (the park's first superintendent) built a temple like structure and carved “The Sweet Waters of Acadia” on a nearby rock.

Today, the area around the Sieur de Monts spring includes the Wild Gardens of Acadia, the Abbe Museum and a Nature Center. As well as miles of well-maintained, and easily navigated walking trails. Definitely worth a visit if you're in town.

It was here that I started my adventure. 2 miles on the mostly flat Kane/Cannon Brook Trail,  4 miles up and over Cadillac Mountain on the South/North Ridge Trail, then 2 more miles of mostly flat Kebo/Stratheden Trail. Despite some annoying ice patches, I finished the 8 mile loop in a little over 2 hours (3.5 mph, my fastest hike yet in Acadia) and even had time to add on a couple miles up to Huguenots Head, and back.

All in all, a good "first day of spring" hike.

Birthday Party

Today was Ethan's 6th Birthday Party. We had it at Playland Adventures. An indoor bouncy house playground in Brewer, ME.  It was a lightly attended event (only one of his friends from school was able to come) but he didn't care. He had fun anyway.