Maine, Part II: Acadia
This was the third trip to Maine, but the first where Isaac could hike all by himself. We conquered two mountains--Ste. Sauver and Gorham Mountain, both on the smaller side, but both tremendous climbs for Isaac. We had been preparing all summer. Isaac twice climbed Crow's Hill Ledge and has done Mt. Wachusett before, so we knew hecould do it. Its never really a matter of ability, but one of desire. Climbing up Ste. Sauver was a long slow hike as Isaac stopped and wandered off once every five or so minutes.
There were a number of false summits and each afforded an amazing view. At the top of the mountain, we took a break and ate lunch. Isaac was quite good, hopping around and hanging out with everyone, including random hikers. He even got so busy talking that he had to put his dried mango on P-Pa's shoulder. That's where you put dried mango, right?
Thinking about it from his perspective, it seems kind of silly--this arbitrary drive to get to the top. Why? Its not like its Everest. And while the views are great, there are a lot of places along the way that have just as good of views. I guess it would be like running a marathon through the Field Museum, right past Sue the T-Rex. Of course you stop and look. But we finally made it to the top of both mountains.
Ste. Sauver does not have that impressive of a peak, still well below the treeline, you can't see much of anything. At the top Isaac and everyone else played around and then hiked to the bottom. But Gorham Mountain is taller and its peak is above the treeline so the view is amazing. Here is a shot of all of us, in panaroma, at the top of Gorham Mountain.
There were a number of false summits and each afforded an amazing view. At the top of the mountain, we took a break and ate lunch. Isaac was quite good, hopping around and hanging out with everyone, including random hikers. He even got so busy talking that he had to put his dried mango on P-Pa's shoulder. That's where you put dried mango, right?
As we sat there we could see the ocean and the inlets around Acadia. Fog rolled up a valley behind the mountain and we all took in the incredible view. These aren't real mountains like out West, but for a little guy and his family, the views were awesome and the accessibility was impressive. Oh, and Isaac, had a good ride down the mountain--I carried him on my shoulders the entire way.