Acadia National Park (Schoodic Peninsula)

We spent four nights at Schoodic Woods Campground in Acadia National Park on the the quiet side of Acadia in Winter Harbor. The campground is only a few years old and is awesome with very spacious and private sites. A keeper! 

This was our first camping trip without Miss Kya. For those of you who haven’t heard, we had to say goodbye to Kya earlier this month. She had developed a tumor next to her heart and lungs. It hadn’t shown up on x-rays three months ago but was larger than life this time around. We think that’s probably what was causing her bronchitis. She was beginning to struggle so we decided it was time to let her go. She was a sweetheart and is missed daily. This is the first time in 34 years we haven’t had a fur baby in the house. But since we’re traveling more, we’ve decided to take a break from pet ownership for awhile. Try that on for size. We’ll see how we do. It’s an adjustment. 

We had beautiful weather at Schoodic. For years we had a seasonal campsite near Bar Harbor but didn’t often get over to this side of Acadia. Beautiful views, fewer people, more remote and less services. We took a ride around Schoodic Point on the free shuttle bus and got off to wander around. Gorgeous views. 

We drove over to Winter Harbor and chatted up the art gallery folks. Very cool galleries. One is owned by a couple who winter in Mexico, have a condo in downtown Concord, NH near their grandkids, and have their beautiful home/gallery/gardens in Winter Harbor. Lovely items on display… many with a mexican flavor. Littlefield Gallery was in an historic home owned by a husband and wife who collected art for years, retired from their college teaching jobs, and opened a gallery, which just happens to be their home. They have the first two floors of their home open to the public with the work of 40 artists on display for purchase. Very cool and beautiful pieces! Then there was the woman who worked out of her garage in five different media and with her rescued (part) wolf by her side. People are indeed fascinating!

We also recently purchased bikes! Soooo we brought them with us up to Schoodic. Considering that neither one of us has ridden a bike in over 20 years, we were not yet ready for primetime, as in the 9 mile bike loop around Schoodic Point. I was lucky to be able to get on and off comfortably. I had to have Gary lower the seat a little…. probably lower than where it’s supposed to be, but necessary for now to get my confidence up. This is where I’m at! After a few days, we had definitely improved but it’s still a work in progress. Not yet ready for hills. I was happy to ride around the campground and get my feet wet. Baby steps!

We were able to take the ferry over to Bar Harbor (saw dolphins and seals frolicking) and wandered around there for a day, walking the Shore Path, visiting shops, getting lunch (Crab BLT with guacamole for me which was out of this world), ice cream, and building my first cairn (picture below). I managed to piss off one shop owner by trying to take a picture of his display of sun catchers. I honestly didn’t see the sign for no picture taking. But considering he had about as much warmth as a stone when I walked in, that should have been my clue. On the other hand, I met a delightful woman who ran the gallery that featured her husband’s work. His work was whimsical scenes of people and animals; large, colorful, and utterly charming. He had been born with a tremor in his hand, but managed to not have it affect his art because his pieces were loosely composed. People are resourceful!

After four days of picture perfect weather with sunny days in the 70’s or 80’s and campfire nights, it was time to drive home. (Carolyn & Daisy: sorry to have missed out on seeing you both this time. Carolyn, we hope you’re feeling all better now.) We drove back and managed to back the rig into the driveway in one try…. with me directing and Gary driving. We were on fire! Put us out! 

We’ll head off next month for a trip up to Boothbay, Maine, and will look forward to seeing friends  and visiting that beautiful area!