One of the key targets of our East Coast adventure was the state of Maine, and Bar Harbor in particular. We scheduled two weeks in August having to move to multiple RV resorts in the process. That gave us the ability to relax and really soak in the area. The weather was much warmer than we expected. Apparently, it was unusual.
We fit in multiple flights around the area. Many areas were only visible from the air. The area was full of small islands, lobster pots and rocky tree-lined coasts. It was just as beautiful as we had hoped.
One of our first stops was to get a taste of the famous Maine Lobsters. We were a bit shocked to pay $80 for two lobster rolls. To add salt to the wound we learned some local history concerning prisoners in the area. Apparently, decades ago the prisoners were fed lobster multiple times a week as it was easy to acquire and considered to be cheap scrub food. The practice ended when the prisoners rioted. Good enough for us tourists, I guess. But that was the only lobster we had during the visit.
The lobster pots were literally everywhere in the waters surrounding the area. We learned that there were a limited number of permits available and they were highly prized. Some people would wait in line for decades for a chance to get a permit. And then when they have them would keep them until their death. Every lobster trap float has its own unique colors and design to tell them apart. And don't even think about pulling up a trap that is not your own. That is a serious offense in the area.
No trip to the area is complete without exploration of the fantastic Acadia National Park on Mt. Desert Island. We went multiple times to multiple areas. We rode our bikes as much as we could, but some of the areas restricted E-Bikes for some reason. Everywhere we turned the scenery was amazing. Like all tourists we had to see the view from Cadillac Mountain.
And of course, the jewel of the area was Bar Harbor. A fun little town with natural beauty mixed with cute shops and restaurants.
Almost exactly a year prior to visiting Maine we visited the most northwestern spot in the continental US, the state of Washington and the San Juan Islands. San Juan Islands (blackpearladventures.com) So we wanted to go as far northeast as we could on this trip. That took us to the small town of Lubec. It is the last stop before crossing over to Canada (which was not possible due to Covid).
Just down the road is the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse overlooking the Gulf of Maine and Bay of Fundy. It is the easternmost point of the contiguous US. If the weather is clear, it is possible to see Nova Scotia in the distance.
Since we had seen the area by land and air, we decided that a tour by sea would be a perfect way to wrap the adventure up. Our tour aboard the "Sea Princess" brought us up close to some of the most picturesque landscapes, wildlife and sunsets we could imagine.
It's a long way to get to Maine, but the trip is so worth it.