Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.

Henry David Thoreau

Our 42nd and last Day in Acadia

Saturday August 17, 2013
Acadia National park

 

 

 

The question is how to close a wonderful visit.

 

This is our very last day at Acadia National park after 6 weeks here.  We want to close with a hike.  Day Mountain??  Flying Mountain??

We also want to talk to two other campgrounds on the Western side of the park about monthly and seasonal rates.  So we choose a Flying Mountain, Valley Cove, St. Sauveur Mtn, Valley Peak Loop Trail.  It’s located on the western side.  Day Mountain, which will have to wait for next time,  is on the Eastern side of the park. Our book says this is a 3.6 mile hike.

We plan to leave early and be finished early to go by and see the campgrounds on our way to the grocery store and back to Winnona to begin packing up.

Sounds like a great plan.

 

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 010

 

When we wake up we are socked in with fog.  Now ordinarily we wouldn’t go out to do a hike with views on a foggy morning but today is our last day. This is our last hike here,  so on we go.

We are on the trail at 6:10am.   There are about a dozen nice wooden steps at the very beginning………for a very short way and then it is a rock field path.  I pick my footing carefully.

 

 

 

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 012

 

 

The trail is alternately steps and rocks and roots.

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 014

 

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 015

 

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 018  

 

Until it becomes scramble over some larger rocks.  See where the light blue trail marker is leading us?

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 020  

 

About 15 minutes later, here we are at the 254 foot summit of Flying Mountain where I’m squinting so badly I look like I”m in pain.  Yes it’s a really short “mountain” but we got here by going pretty much straight up.  Do not laugh if you are currently hiking the Rockies.

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 030

 

 

What is David looking at just in front of the summit marker?  He sees that folks have been hiking this trial for a long time.  There are two survey markers from 1934.  Yes I’m one of “those people” who takes pictures of the markers.  Don’t you??  I’m wondering why two markers are here within feet of each other.   Anyone know why the survey would do that?

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 045

 

The survey calls this Fernald Hill.  Hill is much more appropriate me thinks.

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 033

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 043

 

 

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 025

 

At the summit,  we get our first views and find that the early morning fog hasn’t lifted at all.   So we hang around for a while waiting to see if we can actually see any of the Somes Sound views promised.  It’s only a 3.6 mile hike so we figure we have plenty of time.

 

 

 

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This Acadia mountain is very  accommodating.  It has provided a chair so I can watch and wait for the fog to lift.  I love seeing the mist and the water droplets. The fog drifts.  It teases me by opening the views for a minute and then closing them all up again.   I think ‘ha I can see the mouth of the sound’ and by the time I get my camera up it’s gone again.   Brigadoon! 

 

 

 

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 041

 

In about 20 minutes the mist has actually lightened some.  We can begin to see the grassy peninsula below us known as Fernald Point.  The road to the trail head is Fernald Point Road.  Wonder why they changed this hill’s name to Flying Mountain unless that was it’s “historic name”.  The park is returning all the trail names to those given in the early days of the “rusticators”.

At the summit of Flying Mountain you can turn around and return to your car or continue on to the Valley Cove Trail which is where we are going.

 

 Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 052

 

Time to move on down the path.  More things to see and discover like a tall bush berry.  Are they huckleberries?  They aren’t blueberries. They are almost black.  They are yummy.

 

 

 

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 058

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 060  

 

We are walking up the sound on the hills above it.  As the sun rises higher in the sky, it begins to burn the fog away.  We can see some of the water, a sailboat and a lobster boat checking pots.

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 056

 

As the the words Valley and Cove imply, the trail starts to drop down that distance we just climbed up.  We’re headed toward Somes Sound mostly over very rocky paths, some steps included.

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 075

 

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I am startled when I see these rectangular holes.  There are only two large woodpeckers in the park, the pileated and the black backed.  I’m very familiar with the holes of the pileated since they nest and live year round at the farm.  I never saw anything square or rectangular.  I speculate that these holes were created by the black backed woodpecker which I know lives here but I have never seen.  Another reason to return to Acadia.  

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 076

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 078 

 

 

 

 

black backed woodpecker

 

Later I google it, of course, and YES I am right it is the black backed.  He’s also known as the Arctic three toed woodpecker.  I borrowed this picture of him from the web.  Wish I’d seen him in person.  But even his square holes are exciting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sound comes in to view and soon we are down in “the cove” on the rocky beach.

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Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 091

 

 

 

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I am appalled when I walk over to lean against the big rock in the water.

Someone has painted it!  You can see it beside my hand where I am looking and also on the front of the rock which is pictured below.  This is the first of this sort of defacement I have seen in Acadia National Park.  I am very sad and angry at whoever thought it was cute to do this.  I wonder if this were not my last day here, could I get some paint remover and get this off.  What an insult to such a gorgeous place.

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 096

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 098

 

On a more positive note, someone has provided a wooden plank bench across two big rocks under a cedar tree.  You can’t see much of David in this photograph other than his feet.  The bench makes a nice spot to stay a while and watch at closer range both the sail boat moored in the cove and the lobster boat.   Are they the same ones we saw earlier in the mist??

 

 

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Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 104

 

Of course when we leave it is UP hill again.  This time it gets more serious.   This is not a trail for those with fear of heights or ledges.  We are crawling over giant boulders which are part of what looks to me like a former rock slide.   No one mentioned this in the description of the hike.  Too late to turn around now.  Thanks to David for sending me out first so I could be in all the pictures.  :-)

 

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I stop in the middle to take in the view of the rock slide and the distance.  I think my friends Bill and Tricia will probably skip this trail.

 

 

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Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 122

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 126

 

David is contemplating the situation before heading on out.  He doesn’t stop in the middle, he just goes on across.  Notice I am looking back over my left shoulder not my right one.

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 125

 

 

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The next section would seem hard if we hadn’t just done the rock slide scramble.  Can you see me way up at the top of this rocky hill climbing on all fours??

 

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Next we come to some very welcome steps no matter how straight up they go.

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 131

 

 

Only problem is that they lead to this sheer cliff face rock slab onto which they have put some steel rods holding stones up next to the stop of more steps.   The steps are unique if you don’t mind walking across this open rock slab to get to them.   This is a spot you absolutely do not want to hike when it is wet so forget getting here early in the morning.

 

You may have to look closely to see the stones on the far left at the top of the rock face just before the little bush.

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 133

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 136

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 134

 

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Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 137

 

While I’m standing safely on those steps, I look back at where we have been.  WAY over there is Valley Cove with the little beach and the abused rock.   I also look back at David getting ready to start across the rock face.

 

 

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 139

 

 

  Can you believe that this rocky business is called the Valley COVE trail and we have yet to even start on the Valley PEAK trail?

From here we cross a few trail obstacles and then a series of very boggy muddy spots.  Some have log bridges, some do not.  We then have a stretch of tricky root path before we finally come to a lovely stream which flows down from into Somes Sound.

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 149

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 152

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 154

 

 

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The stream looks like a great place to stop and have a snack but the mosquitoes have that same idea.  They don’t seem to bother this red squirrel who sits in the middle of the path and chews away.  He finishes, runs up a tree and scolds us mightily for I have no idea what.

 

 

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 167

 

 

We reach the end of the Valley Cove trail and turn onto the last section of our hike, Valley Peak Trail.  Sounds like more UP doesn’t it??

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 173

 

It is pretty much up but I’ll let it speak for itself.

 

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Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 181

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 183

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 186  

 

The pay off is some great views of the sound which was fogged in this morning.  We are now up higher than we were then and have even better views.

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 192

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 193

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 200  

 

I look down at the lobster boats and see this one just pulling out of a circle he’s made.  I assume he’s picking up or dropping off his pots. But maybe he’s just doing it for fun.

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 199

 

 

After this little respite, it’s back to more climbing UP.  Or should I say crawling UP?

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 201

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 202

 

 

But More great views of the mouth of Somes Sound.

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 209

 

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 218

 

We move on and detour taking a short side spur on the St Sauveur trail to bag that peak since we’ve come all this way -  elevation 674. 

 

David points out the view from the summit.  Glad we didn’t climb all the way up just for this.

 

 Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 220

 

 

More beautiful woods.  More gorgeous views and we reach THE VALLEY PEAK – finally.

 

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 223

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 227

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 228

 

 

And now it’s DOWN over 500 feet in about half a mile. 

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 233

 

 

We finally reach the fire road which we take a short FLAT distance back to Ruby.

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 247

 

 

We hugged a lot of BIG trees on this hike and repeatedly heard the cries of the Peregrine Falcon which we MAY have seen gliding down toward Flying Mountain.

My knees are starting to complain.  My toes are seriously tired of that last steep downhill stretch.  David says he feels fine.  Maybe it’s that Beehive hike that has put him in better shape than I am at this point.

The hike turns out to be nearly twice that long as billed in the description in our hiking book and, at least for me, the most difficult hike we’ve done while we have been here.  But it was also very beautiful and quite different in each section.  It has made a perfect closing to our hikes in Acadia.

 

Time to celebrate and say a last good-bye to this area!  We stop at Down East Lobster Pound on the way home and pick up 3.5 pounds of lobster to share.  We add some corn and broccoli and the feast is on.

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 258

 

David says his Shipyard Monkey Fist IPA is Gooooooood!  He wants me to mention that Shipyard, located in Portland,  is “probably Maine’s biggest brewery”

 

We sure are going to miss pretty much everything about Mount Dessert Island.

 

Flying Mountain to Valley Cove trail to Valley Peak 263

21 comments:

  1. I have been so impressed with your stories about Acadia National Park, all your hikes, the beautiful rocks, the blue waters and green hills (mountains?). The "ponds". It has been wonderful and your sharing of it with your photos and words has been spectacular. Travel safe, both of you.

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  2. Those views are spectacular, even with the fog. Glad you got it both ways. This looks like a rough trail. You'll be ready to hike the canyon next. But we don't have huckleberries, which I absolutely love. Shame about the painted rock, but I'm glad you didn't see that everywhere. I'm sorry you're leaving Acadia, but look forward to your next adventure.

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  3. Ditto all of the above ... that last picture of you and David is so special, Sherry. well, except for that poor ol lobster ... ;)

    gonna miss Acadia! and no I can not believe ... absolutely mind boggling that someone would deface something that gorgeous... for what purpose? they carried paint on this hike to just do that?!

    hate it... looking forward to your next adventure!

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  4. Wow, what a hike. I'll have to remember it when we get to Acadia...and NOT do it. I don't think I could stand the drop offs or climbing on all fours. You certainly got some exercise on it, didn't you?

    That woodpecker is amazing. I've never seen them make rectangular holes in the trees. Too bad you didn't get to see one in person, but at least you knew there was one around.

    That last picture could be on a Maine post card, or an rv'ing advertisement. It's a great shot.

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  5. Well Guys... that was just such a wonderful hike to mark the end of your visit!!! We have enjoyed going along to all these great places we did not have time to visit. Definitely will be back to check them out. Did you have time to visit the campgrounds on the Western side and if so, hope you share what your learned?!?!

    Safe Travels and Happy Trails... Know you will love Lubec!!!

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  6. I've been told Flying Mountain was not one for Chelsea...I see that's correct! On the plus side, we did FINALLY get soup and popovers :-). Can't wait for the Campobello reports, I'm sure you will cover every inch of it.

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  7. You guys look grrreat! That hike does sound like Beehive. Way to go! Neat woodpecker holes and at least some good views - I like the fog. And lobster and beer to finish it off. Yum!!! Got some good exercise and food on your last Acadia day. Lovely.

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  8. Awesome hike, awesome views and a wonderful finish (with the lobster). I think you are both going to miss this place. Thanks for sharing with everyone.

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  9. What a fun, challenging and beautiful hike! Love all that rock scrambling. Nice way to end your time at Acadia.

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  10. I am just catching up on your last few posts and am falling in love with all things Maine again, even the early morning fog looks beautiful! As I was reading about this hike, it seemed way longer than 3.6 miles, then you discovered it was twice as long. I love how undaunted you both seem to be by the challenging obstacles along the way, a perfect metaphor for how you have faced David's health challenges.

    My love for Maine definitely includes lobster and Shipyard IPA. I might be motivated to do that hike with such rewards at the end.

    Lots of great photos, but I agree with Karen. The last one is a prizewinner.

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  11. Hi Guys! Love the fogged in view- it's beautiful. Who ever heard of square woodpecker holes? That looked like a challenging hike but the views were worth it. It's great that you got to spend so much time in Arcadia and really get to see a lot. Where are you and the ducks going next?
    OOOXXX Pam

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  12. Nice photos but my favorite one is the view from atop the fog. We will definitely go back to Acadia one summer, and I will definitely go back to your blog posts of the past 42 days there when I feel like smiling. World class hikes at a magnificently beautiful place!
    Syl

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  13. You certainly saved a spectacular hike for last.

    Brigadoon ... possibly the worst movie ever made and any reference to it makes me laugh. Thanks for the laugh :0)

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  14. What a great trip. We have enjoyed it with you. Very interesting about the Black Backed Woodpecker and the square holes.

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  15. Trail? What trail? I can't believe some of these pictures -- again, beautiful and terrifying -- particularly that sheer rock face. Oh, me. My stomach started hurting.

    It was a wonderful way to go out though and I love the picture with the lobsters. I've so enjoyed this virtual stay at Acadia. I will have to be satisfied until I start making plans for my own trip. Safe travels!

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  16. You are SO cute, both sitting there in your bibs!!! What a GREAT last hike. Can't figure out how you know where to go all the time, are the trail really well marked? AND those markers, maybe they made a mistake and later corrected??? Safe Travels!! Oh and that lobster looks awesome!!!

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  17. You picked another winner, and thanks to the early start we were able to get on to see the other two campgrounds and get back at a decent hour too. Despite being longer and more difficult than expected, it was a rewarding hike as all of Acadia's trails have been. We will miss this place, but we will come back too.

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  18. Thanks for all the great tales of all that you have done at Acadia ... it was almost like we were there in person.

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  19. You guys are amazing! That hike along with the Beehive that David did make my hands sweat.

    Excellent way to say "see you later" to Acadia. I know you'll be back!

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  20. Wow, beautiful pics! Looks like a place I would love to visit. You two both look really great. I'll have to try a Shipyard Monkey Fist!

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  21. I'm glad I would never even be tempted to hike such a trail! I loved the early morning fog pictures. Everything is so silent and mysterious and spiritual in the fog and mist, I think.

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