Bar Harbor, ME



Back in the USA! We were just in Bar Harbor last summer so had no special plans. We got off the ship at about 9:30. We wanted to go to the National Park Visitor's Center in town to look into their free shuttle. The sidewalks were packed with people. There were 3 ships in port, it was pretty crazy. After so many ports where there were more people on the ship than in town, it was pretty overwhelming. The ranger told us which bus to take and recommended an easy 2 mi hike. 




The bus was full when we got to the stop across the street. They let 15 people stand, the driver was carefully counting everyone to be sure there were no more than that, but wanting fill the bus. We were standing and had to keep squeezing together to get those 15 on. We got off at Sand Beach. We looked at the beach then started the walk. It was fairly easy but right next to the road so not very in tune with nature! And there were a lot of people walking both directions. It was beautiful, we were walking along the top of a cliff next to the water. We kept walking and walking. Somehow we missed the place where we were to have gotten back on the shuttle. We never saw a sign even though there were signs for everything else everywhere! Our walk ended up being over 3 miles. At the shuttle stop, our bus stopped only to inform us that they were full. We got on the next one even though it was not the right one. We once again had to stand. 

We were taken to the main visitor's center for Acadia National Park to transfer to a bus into town. The speaker from our ship who told us about the human zoos was also on the bus and wanted to transfer to get back into town also so we had a while to chat. We told her about some of the cruise prior to her arrival. She boarded in Pond Inlet. It was very nice talking to her and made the wait more enjoyable. 




Back at the Village Green in town, we went to a nearby church. About 10 of their many beautiful stained glass windows were made by Tiffany. It was a beautiful church. I asked a man there who told us some of the church history, where we could get a lobster roll. He said he would go to another town for one, they don't really have lobster shacks in Bar Harbor. But he mentioned several restaurants that might have them. We went to the closest one just down the street. The lobster roll was delicious as was the water. I had forgotten to pack water in the morning so by the time we reached the restaurant I was parched. I downed 2 glasses with lunch. 

We just had to walk back to the pier, about 6 blocks. We stopped in a few stores to look but did not buy much. I thought I wanted some blueberry ice cream but ended up with a blueberry soda instead. Other than being extremely sweet, it was delicious. Pretty unusual, but difficult to bring home! We sat on the pier and made some calls. It was nice to have cell service again. We said goodbye to our granddaughter who leaves for Navy boot camp in the morning. It will be strange to go home and not have her there. We were able to talk to Piper and Sawyer also. So cute. We were back onboard before 5. It was really nice to spend a warm sunny day after being bundled up for the cold for almost a month. 

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