Day 6 - Where John make's a questionable life choice
Well I am writing this blog post. That is a good thing. Today was a great day. But there were moments where me writing this post were probably suspect. Let's start from the beginning. I tried a new breakfast place out, Everyday Joe's. Interestingly enough this place was on my list originally and then it said it was closed. But apparently the place was bought and reopened. I think this week was the first week it was back open. Breakfast was massive blueberry pancakes and some eggs. They hit the spot.
As you may have learned reading this blog I have been changing stuff on the fly a lot. Today was going to be a nice day so I had planned on hitting the Gorham Mt Trail. As I was heading along Park Loop Road towards the parking lot for Gorham I saw the parking lot for Precipice Trail. A trail I had originally planned to do but had backed off due to the rain. I slowed and in my mind the decision was made. You really do only live once and you can not let these moments slip by. Precipice Trail it was.
Before I show you these pictures I need to make it very clear. I had read the National Park Service blurb about this trail. I knew it was dangerous and it was steep, very steep. I really had no clue. Not till this evening did I read the other stuff. People have died on this trail. It is not for the faint of heart. It is considered a non technical climb. Meaning no gear is needed. Iron rungs, ladders and assorted help is along the trail.
The trail is a rock scramble followed by steep, slippery, ledges and ladders and just plain oh my god what have I done. Not even a quarter of the way through I had realized this was once again one of those moments where I have really made a bad choice. But at this point I am going to keep going. Keep going I did. Each time getting a little bit closer to the top, Champlain Summit. It was easily the most dangerous thing I have ever done. I can not really think of anything else that comes close. It was also one of the hardest things I have ever done. Can not think of anything remotely close right now. At the end though.. that view. Wow. What a view.
After getting to the top. I was so relieved. I have to tell you when I started this trail. There were two people starting it right after me. I saw them back a ways when I was finally past the first rock scramble. But at the top I was alone. Or at least I thought. As I was taking that final picture above I hear a voice "hey want me to take a picture?"
I was like what the hell. Where did this guy come from. I asked and he had come up the trail behind me. He had to have been moving super fast. To be young and carefree again.
The downward hike was so much easier. It was down the trail then a walk alongside a road for a bit. Here are some cool numbers. The total hike was 2.96 miles and it took me 2 hours 45 minutes round trip, from car up trail down other side back along road side trail. That first mile, almost straight up, took me 94 minutes. Yeah... it was hard.
After this I was full of life though. I headed back to the Lighthouse Inn for a wardrobe change and to take my bike for one last big ride. Made sure I was super warm, baselayers in place etc. Was going to ride from Echo Lake to Seal Cove Pond. It was a ride that was suggested on website so sure was going to try it.
This ride was fun. It was what my bike was made for. Gravel back roads twisting through the backwoods of the National Park. Was super fun and even though they were actual roads with names nary a car in sight. The out and back ride dumped me at a picturesque Seal Cove Pond where I gobble some lunch and then back I went. Overall it was an 10.76 mile ride.
My day in Southwest Harbor was not over yet though. I knew a few places supposedly opened for dinner around 4 or 5 so I decided to head over to Bass Harbor where I had taken one of my favorite pictures of my daughters in 2018.
Bass Harbor Head Light is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country and it as always did not disappoint and even had a nice rough surf to go along with it.
After Bass Harbor I headed back to the place I thought was going to be open at 4. The sign out front said they would be but the place was locked up tight as can be. I walked around maybe they just were not open yet... nothing. So back to Bar Harbor I went. Ended up at the Thirsty Whale where I met the wonderful April. She was a local who actually gave me the best compliment I have ever had. She asked if I were local and I said no. She was like oh I am usually really good at picking out tourists you really fit in here. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy. We talked about Maine and other stuff for the rest of dinner. Was really awesome. Then it was back home to the Lighthouse Inn.
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