Day Three:
Today was the day we were to tour Acadia, and finally the weather was cooperating! We started the day with a walk over to Jordan’s for a breakfast of blueberry pancakes and a waitress who we all decided reminded us of Marilyn from the old TV show, Northern Exposure. She kept us in line while we cleared our plates.
Grace and Ed (FJRed) were hitting the road back towards VT later in the day, so we said our goodbye to them. Dave (08FJR4me) and Anne decided to hang around Bar Harbor for the day, so the rest of us geared up and headed for Acadia National Park. First stop was Thunder Hole, which, as Fred said, wasn't really thundering that day, but still quite a sight.
It was a bit busy, but not too bad.
And yes, enough of us were sporting the "colors" that someone eventually asked, "What are NERDS?"
Then we rode around some of the park roads taking in the scenery.
Gordon's HD wasn't very loud, so we let him ride in the middle of the pack.
Next was the climb up Cadillac Mount, but unfortunately our group fell in right behind a diesel belching tour bus. We finally made it to the top, only to get caught in a traffic jam of buses and cars trying to enter the parking area, so Fred led us around the loop where we scooted in the wrong way through the exit and snagged some prime parking spots!
It was crowded.
The cause of the crowds - three of these hanging around in the harbor. (Notice how it makes the other boats look like toy ships?!)
But we still enjoyed the scenery.
Yes, the sun was finally shining!
From there we wandered back down the mountain and eventually made our way over to the other side of Mount Dessert Island where we attempted to see another light house, but the parking lot was jammed with cars, so we turned around and headed for lunch.
After another feast of mollusks and crustaceans, topped off with more blueberry pie, a few of the group decided to head back to the motel, while the rest of us were off to Schoodic Point--the quiet side of Acadia--to catch some of the afternoon light and incoming tide. Definetely the best scenery of the day!
That night there was a debate on whether to go for dinner, or just hit Ben and Bills Ice Cream Parlor and skip the meal. Ten of us opted for dinner, and off we went to Testa’s for a last supper. As they had to split us into two groups of five, the only logical way to do it was to separate the boys from the girls.
Our waitress, Kaylee, dished out our food and drinks, along with a few off colored jokes and some romance advice. All in all, it was another memorable evening spent with good friends. And even though Alan (Ionbeam) was kind enough to send over an appetizer to the ladies’ table, we still made the guys pick up the tabs!
By the time we got back to the motel, the rest of the group had gone for their ice cream, and were settled out in the parking lot, drinks in hand. They had even managed to pull one of the room’s flat screen TV over into the window so they could watch the Pat’s loose. We made a valiant attempt to empty all the bottles so we wouldn’t have to cart them home the next day, but we failed. Damn, we're getting old!
Day Four:
Gordon, along with and Jack and Jane (the bbdigs) pulled out bright and early—with a quick rumble of the Harley’s pipes, they were gone just before 6 a.m. While we were packing for the ride home, we said our goodbyes to Mike (BigOre) who had a long ride back to Long Island. The rest of us shared one final breakfast at Jordan’s, before loading up the bikes, saying our goodbyes to our Canadian friend, and heading off towards home. We left Bar Harbor, scooted west through Ellsworth, and then turned off onto some of the back roads in the area. After 70 miles of sweeping turns, rolling hills, and coastal scenery, we were shocked to arrive at a sign that proclaimed we were just 18 miles east of Ellsworth. Huh? Leave it to Fred W. to get us nowhere after a half day of riding. I know I wasn't ready for the weekend to end, so that was fine with me!
From there it was off to the Turnpike for the slab home, in an attempt to miss the afternoon rush hour. We shared one final group hug in a rest area somewhere north of Kittery, ME and then headed off for the final leg. One by one, we waved our goodbyes and peeled off at our exits, until if was just Ann and Dave traveling on down 495 toward home.
Despite the wet weather, the crowds in Acadia, the tourist season priced meals, and the slab up and back to Maine, it was an incredible weekend, spent with a lot of great friends. Thanks, Fred, for not only inviting us all along for your birthday weekend, but also playing tour guide to our merry band of riders!
Oh, and to Dave and Ann, congratulations on the birth of your grandson! Glad he waited to make his appearance so you could join us for the weekend.
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