#100 May 2015 Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park bring to mind images of rugged mountains and tempestuous ocean,

Even a sandy beach,

Fabulous “cottages” of the wealthy,

Meandering drives and pathways,

Peaceful local inhabitants,

Glorious sunsets from the top of Cadillac Mountain,

And of course Maine lobster.

Mount Desert Island encompasses all of the above and more. For thousands of years Native Americans flourished and harvested the bounty of land and sea.

From the 1500s explorers mapped the coastline and the French and English struggled to possess this land with its rich resources.  

In the 1800s artists and outdoor enthusiasts discovered the remote beauty of the island.

In 1947 the Great Fire incinerated 67 summer cottages, 5 grand hotels and 170 year-round homes. Few of the grand homes were rebuilt and many of the summer people did not return.

Today millions of visitors experience the beauty of nature and small, local businesses thrive.

Cruise ships, boats and schooners sail the ocean blue.

All the passengers have a great view.

Bar Harbor was a dramatic finale to the US portion of our coastal trip.