FAMILY FALL TRIP TO MAINE - 3

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25^TH.  

Today was a travel day back to Freeport, Maine. We returned to Castine to clean up the headstones on my parents’ graves. We did a fairly good job of making the stones readable once again. This was all done in a light rain which continued through out the day. As we had made a number of stops on the way North, we did not stop for anything in particular on the way South. We did make a rest stop in Camden and actually found the three masted schooner, Victory Chimes, dressed for the winter. This vessel used to stop in Castine weekly during the summers, and we were well acquainted with its’ owner and captain that lived in Castine.

Tina had booked us into the Hilton Garden Inn for the evening. Thus we were within easy walking distance of L. L. Bean’s main store as well as their outlet store. We all did some browsing and buying here. I found a pair of hiking boots which will replace my older leather boots. Afterwards we had dinner at the Jameson Tavern which was very good.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26^TH.

Today we went to Melrose, Massachusetts, to visit with my brother Jack and his wife Ellie. 

My Brother and I with Portrait of our Grandfather in the Background 

It was wonderful to see them both. We swapped family stories, took pictures, and enjoyed lunch at Turner’s Seafood Grill and Market in down town Melrose. I am very glad that we made the time for this visit as I had not seen them since 2011 when I went East for my late Cousin Priscilla’s 100^th birthday.

We returned to Westbrook for the evening as we had flights out of Portland the next morning. 

It was a great trip and we all enjoyed ourselves. It was wonderful sharing our memories of Castine and Maine with the family.  We are now plotting for the next family adventure to another national Park in 2019. Stay tuned.

Happy Trails and Memories to all.

FAMILY FALL TRIP TO MAINE - 2

MONDAY, OCTOBER 23^RD

After another breakfast at 2 CATS, we were off to the top of Cadillac Mountain, It was a foggy morning, but when we got to the top we were above the fog. We enjoyed watching the clouds/fog move about, and taking different pictures. 

Clouds Rolling In

Foggy Entrance to Bar Harbor

George and Klara then took off for Bar Harbor via the Gorge Path and Kebo Mtn. Trails. We met them later in the afternoon. This was quite a difficult trail and outing for them. There were a number of steep down slopes. I am glad that I did not do this one.

Tina, Justin, and I enjoyed a more casual day of a drive along the Park Loop Road with visits to Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliffs.

Fall Blanket

Sandy Beach Art

We also visited Northeast Harbor before returning to the Jordan Pond area. 

Rocky Coast Line

We went to the Jordon Pond House and found that the afternoon teas were done for the season as they were busy tearing up the lawn area. Lunch again was on the shore of the Pond. 

Jordon Pond and the Bubbles

Snoopy Mobile

Entry to Carriage House

Back in Bar Harbor we did some browsing as we waited to connect with our hearty hikers. Our downfall was an Indian jewelry store and an independent book store. (We could have worse afflictions!).

Dinner tonight was in Bar Harbor at the Finback Alehouse. This time I enjoyed fish and chips. We again visited the fire ring at the Motel and shared our blueberry pie. It was a big success.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24^TH. 

We again headed for Cadillac Mountain for sunrise. We almost got blown off the mountain due to very strong winds. 

Sunrise through the Clouds

Sunrise a few Minutes Later

In order to photograph the sunrise I sat on the ground with the tripod as low as it would go. There was also some low clouds/fog in the air. It was a pretty sunrise but chilly for us sun birds from San Diego.

Lichen Covered Granite

A Chilly Morning even for Klara

We enjoyed breakfast on the waterfront in town. There was some more browsing as Tina wanted to show Justin a couple of stores. After a break we headed back to the Visitor Center to pick up one of the Carriage Roads for a casual afternoon hike in the midst of fall color.

Fallen Leaves

Carriage Road View

Green and Yellow