Salt & Pine

Maine. Was. Beautiful.

I had been there once or twice before when I was younger,  visiting relatives with my aunt, uncle, and little brother. 

I decided to make the most out of it and visit a lot of the places here, there, and everywhere within an hour or so of Unity.

One of the first places I visited was the Waterville/Augusta area which I found to be a little disappointing.  Sooo...I decided to take a bit of time to hike! 

I found Mt. Phillip and the trail was gorgeous which led up to an overview of the lake where you could see the little islands.  

 

After my little detour I headed to Belfast, where I had set my eyes before I had even reached the state line.  Something about its down-to-earth, close knit community right on the bay got me really excited. It was like Hamilton, my hometown, but a bit more quaint and a bit more salty.

While I was there I stopped at a few little shops and purchased about a million bumper stickers, some MOFGA maple syrup, and a few other miscellaneous goodies.

 

Although I absolutely fell in love with the state for its land, sea, environmental-consciousness, and charm I think I knew deep down that it wouldn't be practical to move there on such short notice. 

Of course, I couldn't just say "Okay, guess I should go back home then"...

So I made my way to Bar Harbor.

Did I mention how much I love Bar Harbor?

After enjoying town, shopping, and dining I decided to explore Acadia National Park.

There is nothing quite like standing on top of a mountain, salty ocean wind biting at your cheeks, and the smell of rock and pine floating around you.

I decided to stay at the Park's campsite that night, and I have to say, it was one of the best I have ever been to.

Normally, I'm not a "campsite" or "campground" type of person.  I prefer backpacking and backwoods tenting. However, Acadia National Park has a huge camping area, so you barely notice that there are other people there too, and it is set up very nicely, and fairly easy to find your way in and out of.

The ranger I spoke to was also extremely nice, not to mention the fact that he looked like Russell from the movie Up.

After a very pleasant evening at the campsite, I woke up bright and early (partially because it was so cold) and we set out to do some more exploring.  We had a little guide of trails and decided to try The Beehive.  We were a little unprepared, which made it all the more exciting of course, and we wound our way to the top to see beautiful views of the beach and ocean.  Although it is far from a very high climb, I wouldn't recommend it for those afraid of heights because there are a lot of places where you are hugging the wall to continue on.

It was very refreshing and such a good start to the morning!

After making it through the Beehive alive I decided to visit the beach and a few more parts of Acadia before heading back to New York.

I miss the smell of the salt and pine.

I'm sad that I won't be moving there right now, and I'm sad that I won't be going to Unity in the fall but I know that in one way or another, I will get to where I am supposed to be, when I am supposed to be.