Acadia National Park—Part 2

While we were proud of our early hiking efforts, we knew there was much more to see. We stopped at Otter Pond and found the gift shop, a bathroom, and the bus stop. Our goal was to get to Jordan Pond at a reasonable hour, so we boarded the bus and headed there. As is our usual, we talked to people. Today we met friends who were traveling together from Michigan. Their vacation began similarly to ours—delayed flights, rerouted travel plans, arrival in Maine, friends’ trip. They were navigating through the Park and enjoying every minute together.

Eventually we arrived at the Jordan Pond destination. Located here was the famous Jordan Pond House Restaurant. It accepts reservations as well as walk-ins, but our flexible, laid-back schedule kept us from making a reservation beforehand. We waited about an hour for first available seating. While it appeared outdoor seating reigned supreme, the bee population took joy from many. Today first available gave us a barrier from the bees–an indoor window seat. We still enjoyed the beauty of the day without fighting off the determined fliers.

What, you might ask, makes the restaurant so beloved? Popovers–a puffed pastry filled with a variety of meat/protein items. If you aren’t inclined to have a big meal, you can also order dessert popovers. Tracy, Hannah, and Madison all ordered the Lobster Popover while I ordered the Pot Pie Popover. Each one of us enjoyed our meal, and we topped it off with a great beverage. Maine is known for wild blueberries, so Tracy ordered a blueberry lemonade. She offered us a sip, and it was so tasty, we instantly ordered our own. The blueberry theme continued with blueberry ice cream and four extremely full ladies.

We knew we needed to burn some more calories, so we wandered to the beautiful trail behind the restaurant. Confident we could hike the trail and make it to the bus stop for the final route, we took off.

Boards paved the way for the initial part of the hike. I imagine the planks not only preserved the trail, but they also served as a bridge when Jordan Pond experienced their rainy season.

Once the boarded trail ended, bouldering began. We loved the challenge of staying on the path and continuing on our nonstop speed hike. The bus would be waiting for us, and we knew we were cutting it close.

A small bridge marked the halfway point, and the trail changed once more to a paved path. Knowing time was not on our side, we all increased our speed again. A natural division occurred as Hannah and Madison surged forward. After a few moments, they disappeared from view. We were not worried as the trail was a loop trail, and we would meet up at the end.

When Tracy and I arrived at the beginning/end of the trail, confusion took us through a parking lot. We figured out how to get back to the bus stop, but Hannah and Madison had disappeared. Our cell phones had no signal, and we had lost our friends.

Meanwhile, a bus waited outside the restaurant, so I boarded it. The driver told me it was the last bus of the day even though that did not match what was printed. With a little panic in our hearts, Tracy took off to find Madison and Hannah while I stayed behind.

I tried to stall the driver, but he let me know he would take off with me on the bus because he had a route to keep. I understood his need, so I asked what would be our options to get back to the visitor center and our car. He stated we could try for an Uber, but there’s no guarantee they would be able to get through the gate to get to us. Cell phone service was spotty, so there was no guarantee we would be able to reach someone. I thanked the driver for the information and reluctantly got off the bus.

Minutes after the bus departed, the Acady Ladies were together again. We knew we were many miles away from the Visitor Center, so we brainstormed ideas on how we would get to our car. We agreed to ask random strangers, and Tracy took control. It was our best option.

Tracy found a Frenchman and an Australian woman willing to drive us, but they only had two spots available. Because I had the National Park Pass in my name, I was nominated to go with this couple. Tracy joined me, and we began the 15 minute drive back to the Visitor Center.

The couple had traveled to Maine for a conference, and decided to rent a vehicle to see Acadia National Park. They did not anticipate becoming saviors to four tired ladies. Thankfully, they stepped up to the challenge and helped us end our day successfully.

It was, indeed, an amazing day!