Well rested and with a very small breakfast in America's Best Value Inn Brunswick, We set off for Pemaquid Lighthouse and then on to Acadia National Park. On the drive there, the trees were already displaying their beautiful Indian summer colors.
Pemaquid Lighthouse
Arriving at the lighthouse, we paid the $2 entrance/parking fee to the friendly gentleman at the entrance booth. He told us we'd arrived at just the right time, as the lighthouse was opening right then. Our first stop, however, was the Atlantic Ocean and the stunning cliffs that rise up in front of the lighthouse. This rock formation looks absolutely fantastic. Remnants from the last Ice Age give the rocks their striped appearance. You can get some great photos of the lighthouse from the cliffs. Then we went back to climb the lighthouse. Only 4-6 people can climb the small ladder at a time, as it's quite cramped up there. The view was magnificent! Truly breathtaking, the Atlantic Ocean and the cliffs.
After signing the guestbook, we continued on to Acadia National Park. Our drive took us through small villages and beautiful landscapes.
Acadia National Park
Park Loop
Upon arriving at Acadia, our first stop was the Visitor Center to stock up on maps and buy a "parking pass" for our car. Then we drove the Park Loop, a circular route through Acadia that follows the coastline. It takes you past all the important viewpoints, which are within easy walking distance of the car, or you don't even need to get out at all (very American ^^)! Sand Beach, for example, is really beautiful. In the summer, it's a great place to lie on the beach and enjoy the ocean. We were also recommended Thunder Hole, a kind of underwater cave filled with pebbles and rocks that create a thunderous roar when the sea is moving. Unfortunately, the waves weren't strong enough, and there was only a bit of splashing and thunder.
We also checked out the trails we planned to hike tomorrow. All doable and definitely great hikes. In the evening, we treated ourselves to a pizza with everything on it… mmm.
The Acadia Sunrise Motel Unfortunately, this hotel was quite disappointing tonight! Very small and clean is sadly something else entirely. Let's see what the night brings! There are other hotels in the Acadia National Park area, though.
