New England Summer 2018: Day 11 - Ship Harbor Trail and Boat Trip

[Melbatb]

Again the day started a bit early for me -5.30am. The rest of the family were all awake by 7am.

We had breakfast then J and I walked to one of the coffee shops for our caffeine fix. We also took the opportunity to get our national park pass - a bargain at $30 for the week.

We then left immediately (to avoid the crowds) to a trail just south of Southwest Harbor.

We were able to park easily in the car park for Ship Harbor Trail - a 2km loop trail.

The trail took us down to the ocean.

We met this stag on the way down - he was obviously used to people.

And this squirrel who actually came up to me and posed.

The trail is known for the pink granite. The goats of the family hopped and jumped along the rocks. The non goats (aka as me!) were a little more cautious!

The scenery was amazing!

At the furthest point of the trail were rock pools.

We also met this woodpecker!

We spent about 90 minutes on the trail - taking in the sights and wildlife.

After the walk, we stopped in Southwest Harbor. It was very hot today - apparently it has been one of the hottest weeks in recent history.

We got the obligatory magnets and then called in for ice cream. I decided though to try their homemade apple pie - a good choice.

We drove back the scenic route via the supermarket to stock up on supplies.

We each made our own sandwiches - mine was smoked cheese and tomato on a pretzel roll.

As it was very very hot, naps may have been had.

At about 4pm, O and I went to get him a blueberry muffin and me an iced coffee.

Whilst there, I got an email from Captain Denny (our Airbnb host) offering to take us out on his boat! We said yes!

We hotfooted it back to the house, grabbed our stuff and drove down to the marina to meet up with Captain Denny and his wife, Marcia.

J drove the boat out about 20 minutes to the fjord (one of only 2 in the USA)

The boat was moored up.

O was very brave and jumped off the top of the boat into the very cold water.

We were also lucky enough to see eagles.

I chatted with Marcia who us a lovely lady.

Captain Denny let the kids drive the boat back. They were thrilled. F took it steady but O put the throttle down.

We saw our first Maine lighthouse.

And the sun started to set!

Overall we were out about 2 hours - such a wonderful gesture by our hosts.

Back hone F cooked some alfredo pasta. Now we are watching the baseball - there is a storm outside. At least it will be cooler tomorrow.

[app]

New Photo Added by Melbatb - 8 Aug 18 2:39 AM.

[CrispyA]

Wow, what a fantastic day! How cool to get a boat trip with your host as well.

[Jake71]

A fab day, how close did the Stag get! The walking trail sounds really good. A surprise boat trip to end you day was perfect.

[MichelleS]

What an amazing day ,the trail looks fabulous

[anji]

Loving your trip report and getting excited about ours - even though it's not until next May! Acadia looks everything I hope it will be

[OB1LukeLucas]

Fabulous day, the trail looked great. Some wonderful photos.

[HevaDuck]

What lovely hosts taking you on a boat trip and the apple pie looks delish

[mick]

A fantastic day with some wonderful scenery

Joan

[i love jack]

Lovely scenery and wildlife