We planned on hiking on June 13, 2012, but the forecast of an all day rain prevented us from doing so. On Thursday, June 14, 2012 we woke up to cool temperatures and beautiful blue skies. Once again it was time to go for a hike. Since we had only hiked Norumbega Mountain once back in the early 90's, we thought let's do it again. Upon reaching the trailhead, we found the Goat Trail was closed for repairs (but open on weekends). So we headed down the trail past Lower Hadlock Pond and came up the backside to the summit of Norumbega. We met several hikers along the way including a woman who was hiking with her 2 dogs. She asked our plans and we told her we were going to hit the 4 peaks across the way; Sargent Mountain, Gilmore Peak, Parkman Mountain and Bald Peak. We came back via the Norumbega Trail, crossed Route 3 on the Hadlock Ponds Trail. Ascended the Maple Spring Trail (which reminded us of scenes from Lord of the Rings) to Sargent Mountain. Once reaching the highest peak of the day, we headed to Gilmore Peak along the Grandgent Trail. Next to Parkman Mountain and lastly to Bald Peak. It was another grand 10.5 mile hike on a gorgeous Maine day.
Another "Ho Hum" breakfast at Two Cats
Wonderful French toast
We wanted to go up the Goat Trail but it was closed; but we still used the parking lot as our starting point.
Moss covered forest
The photo doesn't do justice to this beautiful scene.
Exposed roots may be slippery
Started getting warm and the mosquitos were biting near the stream
Bridge leading back to Route 3 / 198
Approaching Lower Hadlock Pond
Nine Spotted Lady Beetle
Refreshing little waterfalls
Lower Hadlock Pond with Sargent Mountain (one of our goals today) in the distance.
The trails here were marked very well.
Some trail names were changed to protect the innocent.
We enjoyed some blueberry muffins at the outlet dam of Lower Hadlock Pond
Outlet dam at Lower Hadlock Pond
This is my view as I lay on my back looking up at the clear blue sky
Michael's new friend Isabella
Tito the dog
Isabella
Donna, Isabella, Tito and Sky
Isabella and her owner Sky
Temporary summit sign
Summit shot of Donna with our afternoon goals in the background
Somes Sound with Western Mountain in the distance.
Log bridges along the trail at Upper Hadlock Pond
We saw severl frogs along the trail
Recently rebuilt log bridges made for effortless hiking through the marshy areas.
Upper Hadlock Pond with Bald Peak in the distance
Large tadpole
Beautiful stone bridges along the carriage roads
Year of construction
Lots of choices but we chose the Maple Spring Trail
Another more impressive bridge we saw today.
A most beautiful section of the Maple Spring Trail just beyond the large stone bridge.
The other side of the bigger bridge
Fantastic trail construction
Ready to head up the trail.
Refreshing waterfall
Sargent Mountain summit shot
More choises; we chose the Grandgent Trail to Gilmore Peak
Looking at Bald Peak, Gilmore Peak, Parkman Mountain and Norumbega Mountain
Rock that looks like BaBar the elephant
Gilmore Peak summit shot
Gilmore Peak
Looking back at Sargent Mountain from Gilmore Peak
Trail leading from Gilmore Peak to Parkman Mountain
Parkman Mountain summit shot
Zoomed shot of Northeast Harbor from Bald Peak
Heading down from Bald Peak with the two Hadlock Ponds and Northeast Harbor
Stewman's Downtown
View from our table at Stewman's Downtown
Whale watcher in Bar Harbor as viewed from our table
Kayakers preparing for a sunset cruise
Fish and Chips
Fried scallops and french fries, coleslaw and raspberry tea.
One happy girl!
Funney Looking Lobster
New comment: Requires approval