Sunrise on Boulder Beach
When Jessie and I were driving up I-95 amidst the rain, our chatter filled the car with excitement. Although I've grown up in the New England, Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park, seemed like an entirely different world to me. The island is a destination that's a combination of my favorite kind of places, the mountains and the sea. While I had spent a single day in the park a year prior, I was itching to return to a photographer's paradise.
As we reached the island, mist embedded the pines along the coast. The weather made the land mystical, the overcast sky was like a blank canvas, ready for us to paint the journey we'd endure the next days. Once we reached Bar Harbor, we settled in and sketched a plan for our week.
When I woke up the next morning, I instantly regretted cramming too many activities into our first full day.
It was 3:50am.
Somewhat half sleep, I fastened my headlamp and stumbled to the car. When we reached Acadia after the short drive, the park was completely empty (for obvious reasons). Camera by my side, we walked to Boulder Beach. By my sleepy judgement, I thought that wearing bright blue crocs would be suitable shoe to traverse over the slippery rocks.
After successfully reaching an optimal spot on the beach, we waited eagerly for the sun to rise over the water. The ocean was calm that morning, the subtle waves gently crashed onto the shore. Once the sun rose from the horizon, Otter Cliffs illuminated to a rose gold glow. It was 5am now, I sat on the rocks as the golden light became yellow. Seals swam playfully off the beach as I put my camera down trying to soak in the last moments of the early morning sunshine.
Once I took a quick nap during the drive back to Bar Harbor for breakfast, I began to feel like I wasn't in a sleepy daze. More adventures began to unfold as we began hiking later on in the day.
The best part about hiking in Acadia is that every trail isn't too long and every mountain isn't too tall. That inevitably led to us to traverse multiple hikes in a one day. Every single trail we embarked on had instant rewards. After a brief period of "gaining altitude", the trees shortened to reveal stunning views of rolling granite mountain tops gracefully tapering into water.
There is a feeling I can never really describe when I'm hiking. It is truly a combination of positive mental clarity and self doubt. It is your body telling you that you can't do it while your mind pushes you forward. It is a feeling that encapsulates your whole self. Worries on my mind fade away and I'm only left to focus on stepping one foot in front of the other.
From climbing Dorr and Beech mountain to exploring the Great Head Trail that first day, we were beyond tired. However, we were giddy for the days yet to come.
After hiking Acadia Mountain the next day, we decided that it was a necessity to have a Maine delicacy, good ol' fashioned lobster rolls. Seated by the water of Southwest Harbor, we gazed at the boats delicately placed on the expanse. Enjoying the warmth of the sun hitting our skin in the early afternoon light, Jessie and I were eager to see more.
On our final full day, we checked out Bass Harbor and relaxed on the beach. Later, we decided to take an afternoon hike on the Bubbles that overlooked Jordan Pond. Sitting on the granite edge at the summit, the wind howled violently, however, it felt surprisingly soothing. I unclipped my oversized backpack (that is definitely not needed for a three mile hike) and pulled out the two glass bottles of root beer. Jessie and I clinked the root beers in celebration, both in excitement for what we accomplished in the days we were here and also in sadness for having to leave so soon.
When we started to drive home the next day, the weather returned to the raining gloom we encountered when we first arrived. Pines hiding in the clouds, the sky was as white as canvas once again. As we drove down Route 3, exiting the island, I looked over my shoulder to see the land one last time. Raindrops dragged alongside the window as my head started to lean against the cold glass. The mist covered island was a mirror to my feelings of leaving.
I was never ready to say goodbye to paradise.
