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Trip Report
Strenuous
Downeast Maine Coast Adventure
An unforgettable Maine Coast trip!
The trip report
This was an action-packed weekend with spectacular hikes and wonderful camaraderie. We first rendezvoused on Sat. night at Ed's Machiasport cottage, gathering round for dinner, drinks and talking about the weekend plans. Saturday we drove down to Acadia National Park and did a stunning loop hike up Mts. Penobscot and Sargent along with the South Bubble. The weather was stellar this day wit sunny skies and warm weather. The exposed, pink granite slopes of the mountains were a pleasure to climb, most times with 360 degree views of the Atlantic, the islands, the bays, and the mainland. There were some short, incredibly steep stretches on the trail; on one hairy descent we all had to slither through a crevice while tossing down our daypacks to our fellow tripper below. At the end of the hike we all gathered at the historic Jordan Pond House for great conversation about our day over the famous popovers and tea. Stephen even had his a la mode! Next, we drove back to Machiasport for a delicious lobster dinner at the historic house of Ray, a friend of Ed's. Sunday began wit a sumptuous breakfast at the Capt. Cates B&B where Tim, Eric and Richard were staying. That fortified most of us for the spectacular hike around Western Head, along the Bold Coast in Cutler. Crashing waves and ocean vistas greeted us and every turn. The views were continually jaw-dropping and we were all taking pictures right and left! After that morning hike we drove up the coast to Lubec to have a delicious lunch at Cohill's, fortifying us for yet another hike in the afternoon. This was the extraordinary West Quoddy Head loop. At the very beginning of the hike we marveled at the red-and-white striped West Quoddy Head lighthouse, then off we marched viewing the awesome high and jagged cliffs covered with tenacious spruces trees, all being pounded by the crashing surf. Stopping at Green Point, we all were mesmerized by a couple pilot whales frolicking off the coast, the stunning Grand Manan Island providing an sublime backdrop. Again, the fantastic views just continued and the cameras keep clicking. Following this hike, we drove back to Machiasport, reconnoitered and then had a fabulous meal at Helen's, a famous eatery in Machias. The whole wonderful bunch of us just couldn't get enough of each other, so we gathered one last time at Ed's cottage for some blueberry pie and fun conversation. Sadly realizing that we were all very tired, we said our good-byes and there were hugs all round. It had been an extraordinary GO trip - and we promised each other to meet up again on the trails!!
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About this event
This will be an exciting long weekend on the spectacular and untrammeled Downeast Coast of Maine. Our two full days, Sun. (7/21) and Mon. (7/22), will focus on two of the most scenic hikes on this part of the coast.
On Sun. (7/21), we'll get an early start and drive to Acadia National Park where we'll climb Penobscot (1194') and Sargent (1373') Mountains, scale the South Bubble (768'), and hike around Jordan Pond. We'll take in breathtaking views of the ocean and Mount Desert Island on this 6-mile hike before ending at the Jordan Pond House for well-deserved tea and the famous popovers - or a drink! Finally, we'll drive back to Machiasport to end the day.
On Mon. (7/22), we'll have our choice of hikes along the scenic Bold Coast, likely to include Western Head in Cutler (3.5 miles) and Quoddy head in Lubec (2 miles), with lunch at an Irish pub in Lubec in between!
This promises to be a memorable long weekend. I can recommend reasonably-priced accommodations for your stay in Machiasport and Machias for the 3 nights (7/20-7/22). The first night we'll all meet and have dinner at my house. Please be in touch with me about any and all details.
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