maine

It doesn't seem to matter where we travel or what we do, Maine always tops our list of favorite places on earth. There is something about the gnarly mountain trails, the cool ocean breezes, and the calm and quirky way of life that just makes Maine feel like home, no matter how long we have been gone for.

We began our Maine adventure at Grafton Notch State Park. There is a loop trail that goes through the park and some private land that is just fantastic (and aptly named the Grafton Loop Trail). The park also encompasses approximately 20 miles of the Appalachian Trail (AT). This park provides us with grueling work and wondrous views. The mister took the opportunity to "run" the loop trail (approximately 38 miles of gnarl) while I hiked portions of the AT and explored some sites within the park that we hadn't been to before. We also followed through on intentions that we have always had to buy sweet treats from the "pie lady" on Bear River Road. While the mister was still on the trails I picked up a blueberry-apple pie and a whoopee pie (which managed to disappear before Chris got back to the car, oops!). If you ever make it to the area, stop by and get yourself something delicious to eat! It's worth it!

screw auger falls

After our Grafton adventures we went south to Freeport. It was nice to wander around L.L. Bean's flagship store, but we have either refined our taste in outdoor gear or we have become frugal, because nothing caught our eyes for more than a passing glance. The town has changed since we were there last, with an influx of outlets. Thankfully our favorite pizza place in town is still going strong (it's been around for longer than the Bean). We had delicious eats and then meandered to Oxford to check out a New Balance tent sale (our taste in running shoes is pretty specific to NB and we walked away with three pairs of shoes and a couple of pairs of pants) before moving up the coast to Morrill. 

The midcoast holds a special place in our hearts after living there for a couple of years. We were able to catch up with friends, eat at our favorite restaurant, wander around downtown Belfast, enjoy a free big band concert in the street, and visit our wedding spot. There were too many people and places to visit in the time that we had there, but we made a pretty good go of things before moving up the coast a little further to Acadia National Park.

where the ocean becomes mountains

Acadia is the epitome of Maine for us. The mountains rise out of the ocean. The trails are welcoming yet require some grit to get to the good stuff. There are trees and water (not just the ocean, but lakes and ponds and streams) all around. There is something about Acadia that just sucks us in, and we honestly wouldn't be too sad to be sucked in and never released. We have been there in all seasons, and each season presents a different side of the park. This summer we were also able to explore a new side of the park - the carriage roads. We biked together for a day and then spent a day going our own pace and exploring different parts of the park. We have so many memories of the park, stories of our visits there that still make me smile, and this trip was special in its own right. Again, it was like going home. We have hiked every trail in the park system, and so we were able to go back to our favorites and rediscover why they were special to us in the first place. Hopefully it won't take us five years to get back.

riding on the carriage roads

we made it to the top of day mountain

enjoying sand beach

As all good things do, our time in Acadia came to an end. We returned to the midcoast and explored Camden Hills State Park, had great dinners and conversations with friends, and revisited the bakery that made our wedding cake. It may have come a little early, but an anniversary slice of carrot cake from 3 Dogs Cafe was heavenly. And then, just like that, we were driving out of the state on a rainy Wednesday Morning.

bass harbor light house