“Harbor Lights”

Bar Harbor July 1 – August 30, 2022

As my previous post mentioned, Bar Harbor is a small town on Mount Desert Island on the coast of Maine. The town is typical of most small coastal towns. Despite being near one of the most popular national parks, I did not think the town had a cheesy tourist feel.

Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor

We walked the Shore Path from the Harbor.

Shore Path
Shore Path
Shore Path

We enjoyed touring and shopping in Bar Harbor. We also enjoyed the restaurants, breweries and bars. I did not take pictures of everything, but I did take a few.

We ate at Galyn’s with Bob and Michelle (our friends from Cape Cod). It was delicious.

Galyn’s
Steve at Atlantic Brewing Company (the brewery)
Band at Atlantic Brewing Company (the brewery)
View of Bar Harbor from Atlantic Brewing Company (the tasting room)
Music at Fogtown Brewing Company in Ellsworth
Music at Fogtown Brewing Company in Ellsworth

We had dinner at Blaze Brewing Company with David and Mary (we met them on the carriage roads, Mary’s brother is an attorney from Panama City who we know – small world right?).

Blaze Brewing Company
Paddy’s Irish Bar and Restaurant
Paddy’s Irish Bar and Restaurant
Carriers Mainely Lobster in Bucksport
Our lobster rolls from Carriers

Lobster was everywhere. Lots of nights we just bought fresh lobster, had it steamed and brought it home. It was absolutely delicious!

Lobster ready to eat.

We spent some time relaxing at the campground – retirement is hard work! Even though it was warm during the day, the nights were cold.

Steve warming his feet by the fire

We took a few day trips. We went to Bangor several times. Once we just rode to an RV store to by a new toilet (not fun). We stopped in Sea Dog Brewery after I picked of Steve from his flight to South Florida (this was fun). We also met Bob and Michelle at Masons Brewery and had dinner. (also fun).

Sea Dog Brewing Co.
Masons Brewing Company
Masons Brewing Company

We took a day trip to see Fort Knox (not the one in Kentucky). This fort was built in 1844 to protect against future British incursion of the Penobscot River and towns on the river. No British incursion occurred after 1844, so the fort is very well preserved. Located alongside the fort is the Penobscot Narrows Observatory and Bridge. The observatory had spectacular views.

Fort Knox
Fort Knox (view from the observatory)
bar fort eight
bar fort fifteen
bar fort sixteen
bar fort six
Fort Knox
Fort Knox with view of Bucksport Maine

The observatory is in the right tower of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge,

The Penobscot Narrows Bridge
The Observatory
The observatory
View from the Observatory
View of the Penobscot river from the Observatory
View of Bridge from the Observatory
Steve and me in the Observatory

We took a kayak tour on the west side of Mount Desert Island with Bob and Michelle. I think we saw an eagle, but I could not be sure. We had a good time, but I liked going to the brewery after the trip better. I do not think kayaking is my thing.

Kayak tour
Bob and Michelle on the kayak tour
Me working really hard on the kayak!
Can you see the eagle?
Can you see the eagle now?

One of the must do items on my list for Maine was whale watching. On the trip, the boat drove about 25 miles off shore to a known route for whales. We did see whales. We were told that we saw three sets (mother and calf), but it was hard to tell because they never surfaced at the same time. I only saw them for a couple minutes because I (along with 30% of the boat) got sick. It was horrible. Steve was fine and he was able to get most of the pictures of the whales. I think I am on whale watching probation from now on.

All was calm leaving the dock!

After two months in Bar Harbor it is time to move on. Our next stop is Franconia, New Hampshire.

“Harbor Lights” by Bruce Hornsby

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