Welcome back to National Parks and other public lands with T!
For this trip to Acadia, we decided to visit one of the less traveled sections of the park: The Schoodic Peninsula, across the bay from where were staying in Bar Harbor.
We took the ferry from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor, courtesy of the Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines, so we could experience Acadia without the crowds found on Mount Desert Island. The alternative to the ferry is a slow drive back to the mainland around the rocky coast to the peninsula. We needed a break from driving.
The Quoddy Dam is a seasoned working vessel, not a luxury yacht. As long as you don’t go expecting a ride on a big ship like the whale watching cruises, you won’t be disappointed. We saw lighthouses, seabirds and a dolphin on the journey and chatted with one of the seamen who is retired Navy. He pointed out some of the sights to us along the way.
When we arrived at the dock in Winter Harbor, the free Island Explorer bus was waiting for us. The driver took us to Schoodic Point, told us he’d be back in an hour and that we’d have time for lunch and still be able to make the 2:00 ferry.
Schoodic Point is a peaceful place to watch crashing waves, explore tide pools and see unique geology. There are dark channels running through the rocks here called diabase dikes. This is unique to this side of Acadia because the Schoodic Granite has a different structure than the granite that makes up Mount Desert Island.
Completely remote, there were only a few others out there with us. The fog was with us again so we didn’t have much of a view, but we hear you can see Cadillac Mountain from this point on a clear day.
True to his word, the bus driver was there an hour later and he took us where we wanted to go. If only the expensive commuter transit company back home was so efficient and friendly as this free bus!
Back in town, we walked the sleepy main street of Winter Harbor to JM Gerrish. A mix between old-time ice cream parlor and luncheonette, JM Gerrish is charming and epitomizes rural America. The locals were having lunch there along with the Schoodic tourists. The service is unhurried & friendly. The food is good, standard burgers and BLT sandwiches… on really good bread.
You can see my other Acadia Posts by clicking on the following links:
Location: Schoodic Peninsula
Designation: National Park
Date designated/established: July 8, 1916
Date of my visit: August 2015
It is so nice getting to see this part of Acadia. We didn’t get to visit Schoodic Peninsula when we went. Thank you for sharing!
Someone suggested it to my husband when I was planning the trip. I wouldn’t have known about that section of the park otherwise.
This park is still on our bucket list.
Definitely point that part of your bucket list towards the shoulder seasons. It’s crazy busy in the summer these days 🙂
This looks a relaxed and interesting historic place to visit
This was definitely the more relaxed section of the park. The main part was so busy.
One of these days…
I love all the misty shots!
Thanks!
We so want to visit Maine and Acadia.
Worth the trip, but aim for the shoulder seasons
Good advice, thanks