Day 8 Northeat Harbor - Hike to Jordan Pond

The weather was a repeat of yesterday.  The night was again clear with temperatures in the upper 50s. The day was beautiful and sunny all day.  High sixties with NW winds of about 10 knots. Temperatures in upper 60s. Nice day but still feels more like late spring than the middle of the summer.

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Today was another one of those things that we have done before - but never gets old - just better. And today's event was a hike from Northeast Harbor (NEH) to Jordan Pond. As you can see from the screenshot below the hike is about 3.2 miles in one direction.

In past years we have taken this hike and eaten at Jordan Pond and then rode the Island Explorer bus back to NEH. But like last year there is no bus to NEH. So we decided to hike over and then back - after we have had our meal that included popovers, of course.

And I want to take a moment to give ourselves a pat on the back. In past years we have found that the hike one way as enough for one day. But we are rather proud that the hike over seems much easier than in many past years - and the hike back was something that we enjoyed and did rather easily - which would not be the case in many past years. So while we are not getting any younger, we are apparently not quite ready for the home just yet - Ya Baby!!!

Our hike started with a climb up from the harbor that affords wonderful views of the harbor. Can you see Perelandra?

There is a gazebo that we always sit at for a moment to take in the scene.

The climb up the hill leads us to Thuya Gardens. But it was not open. We stopped on the way back as you will see below. A short walk from Thuya Gardens is the Map House, that has been here far longer that I have been alive (and I have to say that is a while), which stands sentry to the beginning of the Asticou Trail that will take us to Jordan Pond.

There really are maps at the Map House!!!

The trail is simply beautiful. Hiking on the islands is so much different that trails we enjoy back in NH. The reason is that most of the trees are evergreens. A very unique look and smell - wonderful.

There are several streams to be crossed. The evidence of The Civilian Conservation Corps work in Acadia is seen in this efficient stream crossing.

And a more recent bridge shows the constant attention and care that the trails of Acadia National Park receive.

And here is our destination. We were more than pleased that there was once again table service on the lawn. But, as some readers may note, in past years there were far more tables. Our server Nick, a very pleasant young man from North Carolina, confirmed our suspicions that the limited number of tables was due to the lack of staff. He added that it was a problem all over the island. We noted that all the staff were domestic young folks. In previous years there were many kids from foreign countries - that Covid has eliminated at least for another year.

A butterfly also out for some lunch.

This is looking at Jordan Pond - with North and South Bubble mountains in the distance.

And readers may recall we have seen some interesting trees this summer - the butt tree, the lone tree on the island, the tree in the stump, and today's Knee Tree - a good spot to sit a moment. It is funny how seeing old friends of nature is such a pleasure and yes, you can call me crazy.

The view from Elliot Mountain.

Named after Charles Eliot

And the entrance to NEH is seen as we are moving down the Eliot Mountain.

The trails in the area really seem to have received improved care - including more signage.

And a short distance more we arrive at Thuya Gardens. A really beautiful place high up from the harbor.

And I will close with at funny interchange with Jason the gardener who was pruning the flowers. I asked him how he knew what to pick off the plants - as he seemed to be really studying each plant and each pluck. He replied. "I'm brilliant!" I then replied, "Then I will just watch." To which he quipped, "You'll need sunglasses." My first thought was why did he say that, then in a moment I had to smile at his quick and dry wit. And I will admit that I was disappointed that I didn't instantly get it. 

I will add that shortly after that Faye and I did engage him with some questions that he was more than happy to talk to us about and even managed to encourage us that we could grow some of these magnificent flowers at home with a little effort - maybe we will give it a try after all these years of thinking it was impossible.

We arrived back at the boat late in the afternoon. A light dinner was just right and a little TV. The cell signal is now wonderful in the harbor after years of being terrible. And it makes updating the blog worlds easier than using the terrible WIFI that was all that was available in previous years. So it is time to hit "publish"  and say ...................

Good Night and May God Bless