Scores for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 4, 4, 3
The trip continues to be excellent. We switched to Hearthside B&B, which is as lovely as the last one. We explored the "downtown area", went on a boat ride around the harbor, spent a while on one of the smaller islands--Little Cranberry Island--and yesterday did a moderate hike up to Penobscot mountain and watched the sun set from Cadillac. The reason yesterday got a 3 was that I was a little relaxed with my discipline regarding diet and hygiene.
The overall environment is so refreshing that it's the only experience I've had in several years that makes me wonder about city living. In many ways the quality of life is higher here than a city, and it has many of the virtues that make city life appealing, chiefly that there are several good restaurants and shops within walking distance, and that there seems to be a real community living around the town area. Maybe a cosmopolitan town (not a suburb!) surrounded by natural beauty is the best way to go? I had many flashbacks to Santa Fe, between the sunset, the freshness of the air, the Juniper trees, and the wildflowers. I was reminded how pleasant my life was back then, though of course the sweetness of my recollection is linked with the pleasures of being at school. In any case, nothing is decided, but it makes me wonder.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Score for Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4
Shiva and I arrived in Bar Harbor for our vacation. We took Route 1 instead of 95 for its reputed scenic quality, and though we were underwhelmed up until Rockport, after that point it was beautiful. The landscape featured rolling hills, colorful wildflowers, the ocean coast on one side (sometimes below a cliff, sometimes not), patches of trees (particularly evergreens), and large rocks scattered on agricultural fields.
The harbor and park themselves are even more beautiful. Yesterday we drove the majority of the park loop road, stopping to visit various features. The coastal side gave dramatic views of crashing ocean waves and sand beaches, and the western side offered equally majestic views of glacial lakes and mountains. The drive to the top of Mount Cadillac reminded me of the drive up to St. John's College in Santa Fe.
It was bizarre to tour a national forest by car, surrounded by hordes of other people. Twice I had to parallel park, in a NATIONAL FOREST, to see a site. I do not automatically condemn this designed auto-access, not to mention that its not universally an issue as the majority of the park is not accessible by car. This is the part we plan to visit in the next few days. The plus side of this is that you can see a large section in a short amount of time. We also had a narrated tour CD we borrowed, which was actually very helpful. The downside is the noise and ugliness of the cars, plus the insane amount of people.
On a closing note, the B&B, Aysgarth, is wonderful. Our hosts are knowledgeable and friendly, and Jane is a great cook. I was expecting scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast, but instead, she's made us figs with sweet cream, filo pastries with egg and cheese, homemade pastries, fresh juices, and more.
Shiva and I arrived in Bar Harbor for our vacation. We took Route 1 instead of 95 for its reputed scenic quality, and though we were underwhelmed up until Rockport, after that point it was beautiful. The landscape featured rolling hills, colorful wildflowers, the ocean coast on one side (sometimes below a cliff, sometimes not), patches of trees (particularly evergreens), and large rocks scattered on agricultural fields.
The harbor and park themselves are even more beautiful. Yesterday we drove the majority of the park loop road, stopping to visit various features. The coastal side gave dramatic views of crashing ocean waves and sand beaches, and the western side offered equally majestic views of glacial lakes and mountains. The drive to the top of Mount Cadillac reminded me of the drive up to St. John's College in Santa Fe.
It was bizarre to tour a national forest by car, surrounded by hordes of other people. Twice I had to parallel park, in a NATIONAL FOREST, to see a site. I do not automatically condemn this designed auto-access, not to mention that its not universally an issue as the majority of the park is not accessible by car. This is the part we plan to visit in the next few days. The plus side of this is that you can see a large section in a short amount of time. We also had a narrated tour CD we borrowed, which was actually very helpful. The downside is the noise and ugliness of the cars, plus the insane amount of people.
On a closing note, the B&B, Aysgarth, is wonderful. Our hosts are knowledgeable and friendly, and Jane is a great cook. I was expecting scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast, but instead, she's made us figs with sweet cream, filo pastries with egg and cheese, homemade pastries, fresh juices, and more.
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