We got up early to meet a park ranger for a guided hike up Beech Mountain. It was a 2.5 hour hike up rocks and hard paths. The ranger would stop and teach about things as we went.
We learned about lichen, moss, ferns and much more. We had a great time hiking with Dad on this trip. Mom stayed back to rest her knee a little more and clean the motorhome and tidy up.
The end of the walk was at the base of the fire tower. We took a quick path down that only took about 15 minutes to get back to the parking lot where Mom was waiting.
After the hike we ate a quick lunch in the car and drove to our next outing adventure. We would be sailing on the 115′ schooner named the Margaret Todd. The cruise was around Frenchman Bay. We hoped to see some aquatic life other than birds but it was windy and chilly so we had no luck.
We worked on our Jr. Ranger books to pass the time before the cruise started.
Dad volunteered to help hoist the sails!
1…2…PULL…1…2…PULL
Up up the huge sails went. There were 4 large sails on this boat.
Mom hoisted another sail!
I even got to help! I was the only kid that wanted to try it. It was a lot of work and you have to go at the same pace as your group. I got the hang of it!
We sailed around the Porcupine Islands. I liked to joke that they looked more like hedgehogs.
The wind was SO chilly. We all bundled up in many layers but were still cold.
We had a fun time listening to the ranger and learning about the ecology of the area. We even got a bit silly.
We picked up a lot of speed and were really cruising in the water.
After the cool sailing trip we drove the Park Loop.Most things were closed by this point but we did get out and explore a little and take some photos since the sky was so blue finally. This is on top of Cadillac Mountain. It was a fun drive up and down.
I feel so much older today!
King of the mountain! That is the town of Bar Harbor hind me.
