A Nice Day at Day Mountain

Ah, March in Maine.  Some years we've been skiing on a great base of snow; other years we've been hiking on nearly dry rock.  This year, we've watched the snow melt under torrential rain, and we are anticipating another six or so inches of snow this afternoon.

Fortunately, we have been able to take some advantage of the nice weather and hike at Acadia.

The Day Mountain hike is fantastic for little and big legs alike, it is a great mix of wooded trail, open rock, and carriage roads, all with fantastic Acadia views.

The ascent is about three quarters of a mile on a nice trail that is not very steep or challenging, but very exciting.  The first quarter of a mile is roughly half plank boardwalks; this is a great way to encourage any little hiker!  The rest of the trail moves through nice piney areas and over sunny open rocks with ocean views.  There are options for the walk down - you can either take the same trail back, or the carriage roads wind down the mountain, crossing the hiking trail several times.

Map at http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/maps/showmap.cfm?alphacode=acad&parkname=Acadia%20National%20Park

Getting there is easy:  Follow Route 3 south of Bar Harbor, past Blackwoods Campground and Cooksey Drive.  The parking area is on the left and the trail is on the right.

Clam Chowder for Lunch!

On Saturday morning, at the breakfast table, Andrew asked Leah what we should do that day.  "Lets take a ride to Sand Beach and go to the Thirsty Whale and have clam chowder for lunch."  Sounded like a plan we couldn't refuse!

This time of year, we park near the Schooner Head Overlook area and walk the closed road to the path on the "other side" of the beach.  The road was not plowed, but basically clear, and the trail was slushy, but likely just wet by now.  The weather was perfect...chilly, but not cold, sunny and nice.  We were not able to cross the torrent that is usually crossable once we got to the beach, so we had a small sliver of sand and lots of rocks to play on.  I love seeing Sand Beach at all different times of the year, but this is one of my favorites.

Leah had a good plan in mind, and after a nice walk, some beach playing, and a hungry walk back to the car, we needed Chowder. 

If you are more interested in just a quick beach visit and more time for chowder, the park loop road winter entrance is across from the Schooner Head Overlook and the Sand Beach lot is generally open all winter, along with a small stretch of loop road that brings you past Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs, and pops out on Route 3 half way between Blackwoods Campground and Bar Harbor.  The Thirsty Whale is on Cottage Street in Bar Harbor.

Map:

http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/maps/showmap.cfm?alphacode=acad&parkname=Acadia%20National%20Park

Orono Ski Trails

Have I recently mentioned how lucky I am?  No, then let me say it...I am so very lucky - and for so many reasons!

Reason number 74:  Several groomed ski trail systems in Orono!

UMaine Recreation Trails are easily accessible from the student recreation center and are groomed for both skate and classical skiing.  I am just learning to skate and am glad there are no real hills on campus.  Even the slightest inclines feel like mountains to my novice legs, arms, and lungs.  There are many good loops to ski and there are maps at most intersections.  An online map can be found at:  http://umaine.edu/campusrecreation/filestorage/trailmap2010.pdf

Campus trails are great for little legs new to skis as there are short woods-loops and flat field loops, along with many deer friends watching quietly. 

Newman Hill, Orono Land Trust 

Really?  A Hill?  In Orono? Yes!  Beautifully groomed trail network that brings us past ponds, up hills, down hills, on a rail trail, and into the Caribou bog.  I like classical skiing there, but those good at skating also enjoy the trails...I'm just not there yet! 

From the center of town, take Forest Ave to Taylor Road, drive approximately three-tenths of a mile, and turn left at the split onto Putnam Road and parking lot is on the left.

http://www.oronolandtrust.org/pdf/newman.pdf