And when our extended weekend rolled around, we were ready to hop aboard the Downeaster to Maine. From Portland, we picked up our rental car and continued up to Bar Harbor, one of Dane and Micki's favorite places (and the location of the Obamas' latest vacation — we missed them by a week).
Our first order of business was lobster. On a recommendation, we stopped at Trenton Bridge for the catch of the day.
Then we watched them boil.
I'm not particularly fond of lobster as food and have a hard time eating anything that makes it to the dinner plate with a face. But the guys assured me it was the best lobster they'd ever had.
The next morning after indulging in tasty blueberry pancakes, we strolled down to the docks and hopped on the nature cruise around Frenchman Bay.
We learned about lobster fishing and how Maine is protecting its lobster population, saw seals and a bald eagle nest, and marveled at the expensive cottages (i.e. mansions) along the shore.
After lunch, Micki and I spent the afternoon on Oli's Trolley through Acadia National Park while the guys attempted to buy fresh lobster from the lobstermen. When we saw them again after our tour, they didn't have dinner but had managed to turn into lobsters themselves. Never go on the water at 10 a.m. in patchy fog without wearing sunscreen.
We finished our day at low tide, when a bridge emerges from the bay and you can drive from Bar Harbor to Bar Island. Just make sure you're back in town before high tide leaves you stranded!
Bar Harbor is picturesque — reminiscent of Colorado mountain towns we enjoy. And the coast of Maine is stunning. This made it fun and easy to snap lots of gorgeous landscape photos — the adjective "gorgeous" specifically modifying "landscape" and not necessarily "photos" (see more here). Maine is very photogenic. We'd love to go again to spend a little more time in Acadia National Park exploring the trails and taking in the views.
Thanks to Dane and Micki for a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city!