Acadia National Park, Manset, Bar Harbor

Just got back from a wonderful week vacationing in Maine. Rented a house on Mt Desert Island, which includes Bar Harbor, Manset (where the house is that we rented) and Acadia National Park.

Had my first experience kayaking there; we went about four miles or so up into the fiord north of Northeast Harbor. This is the only natural fiord in the U.S., by the way. This was a very nice trip, as I was the only inexperienced paddler, and rode a double with Lady Moz in control. Lots of great nature there, seals and bald eagles and other living things I couldn't even name.

We also ate lobster. mmm... very yummy. One of the people staying in the house with us is a chef. He shopped for the lobsters, got the best ones for us, and prepared us the best lobster dinners... twice! Pass the butter, baby!

In addition, there were wonderful pies every night for dessert, and plenty of wine! Eight people, and I think we drained close to 25 bottles of wine over a seven day period.

We also hiked quite a bit. Lady Moz and I went around Jordan Pond, which is a nice, flat hike of about three and a half miles, and very beautiful. It starts and ends at a wild blueberry patch, and along the way gives some stunning views of the pond and the nature surrounding it.

Funny story: During part of the hike, there was a small family behind us; mom, dad and a boy of about ten. Occasionally, we would cross over a gully in the trail that was there to allow water to run from the mountain to the pond without washing out the trail. We'd step over it, and soon after, the boy would step over, and would announce "BRIDGE!" After hearing this several times behind me, I leaned over to my fair lady and whispered, "I don't think he knows what a 'bridge' is."

About five minutes later, we came across an actual little bridge built to span a larger stream. As I put my first step on it, I announced, "BRIDGE!" I think my lady almost pissed herself.

Anyway, if you get to Acadia, be sure to eat at the Jordan House Restaurant at Jordan Pond. Totally worth the wait, and make sure you have some popovers!

We also drove to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest point on the east coast. This means, basically, if you stand on the summit at sunrise, you will be the first person in the United States to be exposed to the rays of the sun for that day. Some of the others hiked to the summit and back down, but that was a little much for me.

Among the other fun things we did while there was the tour of the American Brewing Company. Fantastic little micro-brewery with some excellent high-end beers. If you're in a state where you can get one of their beers, consider yourself lucky.