Acadia National Park

Grandpa and Grandma  went to Acadia National Park.    Acadia was established in 1916.  The park is on a rugged island off the coast of Maine.  It was to be the first National Park East of the Mississippi River.   

Because of the climate in the water around the park, there are a lot of lobster.  (yum yum).

One of the richest men ever in the U.S.; John D. Rockefeller, Jr. owned the land.  He built a huge house there for relaxation and to entertain guests.  He then donated the land for the Park, but kept the area right around his beautiful house for himself.

Rockefeller, paid a famous landscape architect to design over 50 miles of Carriage Trails in the Park.   Hundreds of skilled workers built the trails between 1915 and 1933 to show off the natural beauty of the area.  There are also many wonderful hiking trails in the park, lakes and seashore.

Here is a picture of one of the many lakes beside a carriage trail.  Grandpa and Grandma rode their bikes on the trail.  People can still ride in horse drawn carriages, but most people like to hike or ride bikes.  Cars are not allowed !!!

Here is a picture of a Friendship Sloop.  Grandpa and Grandma went sailing out into the bay on this boat. 

These sailboats were originally built in Friendship Maine around 1880.   These boats were used for lobster catching.  They are very sturdy, cosy, and can be managed by one person.  They can range from 21 feet to 50 feet long, but most are 25 feet to 31 feet.

Here is a picture of the sunset as we returned to the Southwest Harbor berth.  The sails are down and we are using the small motor to come back in.

Here is a picture of Grandpa  getting ready to unload the Kayaks from the top of the car.  The sign says No Swimming, so we had to be sure not to tip over into the water.

Here is a picture of Grandma on Long Lake.  There was a strong headwind so we struggled up the lake and then zoomed back to the car.

Here is a picture of Grandma on the Precipice Trail.  Over 50 years ago people put iron rungs and ladders up the granite cliffs so people could climb.  The trail goes up over 1000 feet.

Here is a Picture of the Blue Hill Launch

Loads of Love