January 20, 2014 Hike on the ANP Carriage Trails following Jordan Stream

Hikers: Kim and Greg
Weather:  Snow Flurries with temperatures around 34 degrees
We left Topsham at 7:00 am and drove to Seal Cove.  On our last trip we read that they plowed into Jordan Pond House.  But when we got there we found the road unplowed and the gate down.  After 4 tenths in we learned that there was a parallel road that we were determined to find.  So we hiked  out and drove back Route 3 into town and found the road that makes its way to the Jordan Pond House which was deserted.

Usually the back lawn of Jordan Pond House is packed with people being served popovers by summer college waiters and waitresses.  But as you can see the activity is about 4 months away.

Although we stayed on the carriage paths, which were covered by about 4-6 inches on snow.  Much of the way followed the Jordan Stream Trail and the gurgling sounds of the stream itself.  I usually add music to my hiking videos but I found the stream provided the sound track.

I have been by this pumphouse many times, but in the summer and usually on a bike.  It caught my eye contrasting against the drab tones of the snowy day so I spent a few minutes really looking at it and photographing some details.

My Hiking Partner

Cobblestone Bridge Over Jordan Stream

We hiked on a trail that is not owned by Acadia National Park. We hadn't been on these trails in probably two decades.  The trail wound around back to the Jordan Pond House where the carriage path crosses to the gatehouse.  We retraced our path with great views of the Bubbles and Jordan Pond.  There was an ice-fisherman drilling holes and putting in his traps.

Watch the video of the trip:

12 29 2013 Sand Beach Great Head Loop

Hikers-Greg and Kim
After a morning ski and soaking in the hot tub we journeyed out again for an adventure before heading home.  In the winter the park only plows two sections of the park.  You can access the park loop road by traveling out of Bar Harbor to the Shore Road and then getting onto the Park Loop Road at the normally manned gate.  The right lane is plowed but the left lane is left for snowmobiles.  We drove into Sand Beach and had no problem finding a parking spot which is not what we are accustomed to in the summer.

The views of the Beehive and the mountains beyond were majestic against the try skies.
We walked across the beach and entered the trail that goes to the Great Head Trail.

Once again ice creepers assured us of proper footing and it was a warm day.  We went counter clockwise to the head and then up and around in a proper loop.

We had great views of Otter Cliffs, the open Atlantic, Baker Island, Schoodic Peninsula, the light in Frenchman Bay and the modern mansion at Schooner Head.

When we came back through the woods I detected movement through the trees and we finally saw the owners of the fresh tracks we had been following all afternoon-a small herd of white-tailed deer who scurried off.  We traveled along the ice-covered ledges and headed back to the car with the backdrop of surf sounds.

We drove along to the terminus of this plowed section past Thunder Hole and to a road that brings you back into Bar Harbor.


View the video of our hike:

12 29 2013 Ski into Witches Hole

Hikers-Greg and Kim
We woke up and got our early from the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel for an early morning ski into Witches Hole.

The snow had firmed up overnight and that made for some faster sliding on the skis. We traveled to the parking area at Eagle Lake and skied towards the visitors center.  It was about a two mile in and back and we had a very peaceful ski playing with the gliding, yelling echoes against the opposing hillsides, and getting stretched out after a challenging hike yesterday up Connor's Nubble. It was nice to return back to the hotel for a soak in the saltwater pool and the hot tub!

Watch the video of this ski: