Luminescent and welcoming, Acadia national park in north eastern Maine is perched on Mount Desert Island. Created in 1916 through the boundless vision and generosity of early 20th century luminaries including the Rockefeller’s, it protects the high rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline and provides endless enjoyment and breathtaking views limited only by what the eye can see.

The path to Bar Island opens for four hours around the low tide mark in a slow tableau of discovery, and treasure hunters search for sea glass in shimmering shades of jade, cobalt, amber and crystal.

The 27 mile loop in primary Acadia provides access to many spectacular sights of which Jordan’s Pond and its 31/2 mile rugged hike was my favorite. The North and South Bubbles stand majestic at the mid point and climbing to the summit of the south bubble challenged my self vision of fitness, compensated only by fantastic vistas on all sides.

The towns of Bar Harbor, Southwest harbor, Northeast harbor and countless other quaint fishing villages hug the coast of Mount Desert Island and provide delicious fare. Thurstons lobster pound in the tiny town of Bernard was a favorite.

The quaint town of Wiscasset on the way to Acadia has one of the most famous lobster shacks in the state and the 11/2 hour wait was worth every bite of my fried scallops and lobster roll, both fresh off the boats that morning.

Portland, ME is the charming capitol of the state and eating is definitely the primary occupation along the waterfront.

The breakfast B in the B&B’s we stayed at became a favorite part of my day with delicious surprises every morning: poached pears in cream and raspberry sauce, eggs benedict in red pepper sauce, almond cake with whipped cream, pineapple with mascarpone filling, Frittata with sour cream and seasonal vegetables, local blueberries in a muffin, and a melt in your mouth omelette roll stuffed with gruyere and caramelized onions.

Lighthouses abound in Maine. My favorite: Owls Head light in Rockland, harking back to a time when keepers and their families kept lonely vigils through long winters braving the wrath of east coast blizzards and storms.

Owls Head Light

Portland Head light, Portland

Bass Head Light, Mount Desert Island

Curtis Lighthouse, Camden

Bickford Head Light, Kennebunkport

Mount Desert Light, Bar Harbor

Maine certainly grabbed my imagination imprinting it’s beauty forever in my memories.

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On our way back home, Boston provided a final thrill as we catamaran’d over to the Stellwagen marine sanctuary to see a pod of humpback whales cavorting in the ocean.

Another set of travel experiences made extra special with the companion accompanying me on the trip.

Adios amigos till next time!!!