Deserted Mount Desert

We are now about 15 miles north anchored at Somesville in Somes Sound, Mount Desert Island (44d21.58'N, 68d19.59'W, 40 ft). The bus system and hiking trails allow some great walks and Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor have enough pubs, people and parts to keep us civilized (Martha Stewart has a summer home in Seal Harbor).

Mount Desert Island / Acadia National Park was a great place to hike with trail heads to numerous peaks (1500 ft hills) and gravel 'carriage roads' for riding bikes everywhere. Somes Harbor at the end of Somes Sound (the only true fjord on the eastern Atlantic seaboard) was a snug peaceful harbor with a convenient dinghy dock and bus stop (walk up the private drive from the dinghy dock and flag down the number 7).

Bar Harbor is only a few minutes away and has connections from the village green to all points. Be sure to pick up a bus schedule and topo map ($5.00) at the info center near the bus stop. We recommend hiking from Sieur de Monts up Emery Path/Schiff Path to Dorr Mountain and back down via Homans Path. Cadillac Mountain although higher, can be reached by bus and so will not be as satisfying a climb. For a more level walk or bike ride go from the bus stop on the north end of Eagle Lake to the Jordan Pond House for popovers and a bus ride to wherever. The buses have bike racks.

For an excursion to Southwest Harbor, bus to the Acadia or St. Sauveur Mountain trails and walk to town after climbing the cliffs overlooking the sound. Take the footbridge over the tidal waterfall at the entrance to Norwood Cove just past the country club and golf course.

Somesville has a library, small museum, art gallery (Gallery at Frenchman's Bay, beautiful hand crafted wood furniture) and the Acadia Repertory Theatre where we saw Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None' (with all current PC changes). Bar Harbor is the biggest town and touristy with tall ship cruises, restaurants galore and transportation hub. Southwest Harbor is small but has the West Marine and Hamilton Marine chandleries, Hinckley and Morris Yachts and Sawyer's Specialties, a great wine and cheese shop. Northeast Harbor is suited to the ritzy homes at this end of the island. Katie bought a tatin cast iron enameled pan at a culinary shop worthy of Martha Stewart's patronage (she has a summer home in nearby Seal Harbor) while Kurt listened to a jazz quartet performing at an art exhibition.