Maine: Day 2

One of the more memorable aspects of Borderlea was the diversity of wildlife that would roam the property.  Some mornings around 3:00 am, a Red Fox would prowl the yard searching for a vixen with a mating call which sounded as if a small child or woman were being brutally murdered.  While this was the most fear inducing noise I could imagine waking to, it was neat to witness something on such an intimate level; as in directly outside our window.  

A doe would frequent the lavender fields around dusk and allow us to get within 20 feet to take her picture.  We would later discover that she had given birth to a couple fawns in the field, hence the reason we saw her so frequently in one particular area.  

If you are quiet/ fortunate enough, a few brazen chipmunks will allow you to hand feed them and even scratch their heads!  

On our second day at Borderlea, we decided to check out the scene at Acadia National Park.  Acadia was established in 1916 and offers 47,452.80 acres for trailblazing and recreational fun.  The first trail the Frazer's and myself decided to tackle was the Bubbles.  The Bubbles are two symmetrical mountains which resemble, well, boobs.  

As we started our ascent, the trail forked with a path leading you to the North Bubble or the South.  We first went to the North, which ended up providing us the most breathtaking view I have experienced in my 25 years.  

Facing West - a portion of the South Bubble is visible on the right

Facing East - The ocean out in the distance & lake flanked by more Acadia trails

We spent about 30 minutes at the summit, just relaxing and taking in the views.  I was reflecting that since I have grown older, I have lost the will power to let go of things out of my control, which has resulted in anxiety and many worrisome days.  While staring off into the horizon,  I felt a sense of clarity that has been foreign to me the past few months.  A wave of security, self assurance, and mild aloofness washed over me and I felt like a brand new Katie.  My older brother is studying to become a Neurosurgeon, and every few months when he has a break in rotations, he escapes to the mountains for a climbing excursion.  I never understood why he continued to make those retreats, until I was sitting at the summit of the North Bubble feeling my anxiety dissipate.  

Maine really is the way life should be

Stephen & Personal Revelations 

Following my ground breaking epiphany, we headed towards the trail that would lead us to the South Bubble.  This hike was much more challenging; steep boulders composed the trail to the summit.  Along the way we spotted a rock that reminded of us Florida; a manatee-face-rock!

Once we reached the South Summit,  the view was just as exquisite as the previous Bubble.  As the only people on the summit, I decided to seize the day and embrace the anxiety free Katie I had recently rediscovered. 

Always try to do one risky thing a day 

Once we made our descent to the parking lot, we met up with the Frazers and went to Jordan Pond House for lunch.  Jordan Pond House has a history of hosting numerous high society events for the Rockefeller's and other socialites that would vacation on Mt. Desert Island.  Since summer hadn't officially kicked off yet (students were still in school) we were able to secure a reservation to dine on the lawn overlooking the lake.  

After lunch we walked down to Jordan Pond, a 187 acre pond with a maximum depth of 150 feet.  The water is crystal clear and swimming is not permitted because Jordan Pond serves as the water supply for the adjacent village, Seal Harbor (where Martha Stewart resides).  The pond was formed by the Wisconsin Ice Sheet during the last glacial period.  (Wishing my students could have been along & seen evidence of ice carving lakes/ponds).  

Posted on the Rock

Our final Acadia stop for the day would lead us to Cadillac Mountain; the largest mountain in Acadia National Park with a summit of 1,528 feet.  We drove to the summit, although there were walking paths and bike trails for the brave.  Due to Cadillac Mountain being the highest point within 25 miles of the shore on the east coast,  you can see Nova Scotia, 100 miles away.  

Following our long day at Acadia, we played badminton, which the Frazer's apparently were born to play, along with chess (which I was born to play).  I was able to flaunt my chess prowess by placing Stephen in checkmate, and then immediately falling into checkmate myself three minutes later.  I blame the Pinot Nior. 

Note to self: Do not challenge the Frazer men to yard games (Borderlea side yard during cocktail hour)

-xx