Acadia National Park - a bit of heaven on Earth

The peace and tranquility we felt in this park was nothing we have ever experienced. YES, Glacier NP and Teton NP are majestic but the view of the Atlantic Ocean with the many islands along with the changing colors was spectacular. I soon realized that in my second life, I WILL live in Maine. We explored all areas of the park and with every turn breathtaking scenery. We were able to hike up the less traveled Acadia Mountain and by hike I mean scramble up boulders. Our kids (including our little girl Sandie) loved every second! Did I mention how much this state loves dogs? This is the first national park where dogs are included in everything Including all hikes with some hikes leashes optional! Now this is a GREAT national park. Sandie felt so loved!

Sadly our last full day would be Thursday. So on this day we decided that we would be among the first people to watch the sunrise in the United States! YES, up at 4am to make the drive up Cadillac Mountian to wait until 6:58am to see the sun peak up from the Atlantic. The temperatures were chilly and the wind was howling but that did not stop us (or the hundreds of other tourists)! Did you know that COVID sometimes is not an issue if you are outside in the dark regardless of the inability to social distance (people just wear your mask!)? Okay besides that small issue, we were thrilled to be a part of this monumental moment.

We headed back to Big Bend to get some school work done and Steve finished his work day and soon after we headed to the beach. Sand Beach is in a beautiful cove in Acadia NP. The temperature of the water NEVER gets above 55 degrees, so when we we rolled up with our beach bag, flip flops, and the boys fully decked out in their beach attire, we got a few strange looks from those wearing puffy Patagonia jackets and beanies. Keegan decided he wasn’t going to go fully in the ocean but within minutes our crazy kids were swimming and jumping waves as if it were 70 degrees!!! Sandie even embraced wave surfing! These boys definelty have their dad’s Northern Minnesota blood. After over an hour of swimming and many people debating weather to call child protective services, we had to demand that Cullen get out of the water. OH what a GREAT day!