Wandering Retirees

It’s Friday, the 19th. We already dealt with Jason so there will be no tears shed that it isn’t the 13th, if you please.

But it was Friday and every working person was on the road to somewhere not called work. Or so it seemed. We chose quicker roads to make good time. Early weekenders made that decision moot. It’s fun to follow folks meandering to somewhere relaxing or nowhere in particular for mile after mile of double yellows.

Really.

Our choice of roads was US 202N to US201 to US202 again; then ME Rt 3 most of the way to Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. And Cadillac Mountain, one our favorite places on the planet.

The ride up the mountain requires a reservation and entrance fee. Kind of a bummer for folks who travel inexpensively. However, the fees cover maintenance and improvements that aren’t funded sufficiently in the federal budget. The choices we make.

The mountain road is so much fun with switchbacks, delightful curves and pull-offs for spectacular views. The top is even better with a panoramic view of the Park and the waters of Bar Harbor. We were blessed with a clear, sunny day so visibility was 20 miles or more. The sail boats were so pretty, if rather tiny. Even the foo-foo cruise ships looked like bathtub toys. Talk about a commanding perspective!

We hiked a little along the paths to stretch our legs and enjoy the beauty. Then we saddled up again and rode along the coastline north into Bar Harbor. All told, we rode about 170 miles today.

Of course we met some folks along the way. On Cadillac Mountain we helped a family from Indiana take a picture of themselves. (Connie rocked it!) The daughter had moved to Boston and invited her folks to come see Dave Matthews in concert. So naturally they came to Acadia many hours away to see the sights. Mom and Dad seemed overwhelmed that this place is so pretty! I found that moving, and it allowed me to rediscover the joy of first sight. (No message here, just an appreciation of their pleasure of seeing this place for the first time.)

Tonight we are in Bar Harbor. We’re staying in a lovely place called Mosely’s Cottage Inn. It’s pretty, quaint and immaculately kept. The owners are very kind folks. And it’s located within a few minute’s walk of some very good eateries. After a supper of clam chowder and fish and chips, we waddled back (at least I did) to relax and jot a few notes. Today was a very good day.

Tomorrow we’ll take a stroll and hop on the ferry to Yarmouth that leaves at 3:00. Looking forward to what tomorrow brings.