Bar Harbor and the Porcupines in Maine

Trip Overview

After many email chats back and forth, we arranged to meet with 'seabitch' up in Bar Harbor, Maine while on a trip to drop off son #2 for his summer climbing school. We hauled along our WS Pamlico 120 and Walden Naturalist. (Along with all our gear, etc.) 'seabitch' promised us a sunset tour of the harbor, weather permitting, and she came through with her promise-a wonderful several hours around the islands, starting off from the 'sandbar' that connects Bar Harbor with a close island at low tide. Having never been out on the ocean before, we were nervous, but being a trained guide, she really put us at ease. We meandered around several islands, out into the harbor itself, watching many different birds and boats, while she gave us a running commentary of what we were seeing. I haven't gotten all the pics developed yet, just a few from my digital camera while I froze in place (didn't want to drop it!) so you can see how beautiful it was! Great day, great weather, and a great gal to guide us! Can't thank her enough...our treat will be to get her over here in New Hampshire to hit the whitewater over in Vermont!

Accommodations:

Many campgrounds, motels, B & B's, etc.-but make reservations-very busy in summertime. Rental yak places all over the many small towns-many guided tours also. Any place you stop for the evening will have local 'maps' for the places to go, brochures for the rental/guide shops, etc.

Parking is really at a premium-worth scouting out the day before where you will put in and park...

Fees:

Only for camping, motels, or rental kayaks-no fees if you can find a place to park and put in. National Park has bus tours, and there is a local 'trolley' bus for a tour of the park 'loop' that is just well worth the trip.

Directions:

Take 95 north in Maine to 395, it ends on Rt 3 which takes you straight to Mt Desert Island/Acadia National Park.

Resources:

The free Acadia Guide maps are very easy to follow to get around-the island is maybe 15-20 miles long?