This was a free day and Chad had set us all up with comprehensive lists of trails to follow and maps. It was a glorious day with not a cloud to be seen.
Ian and I were on our own and walked into Bar Harbor, taking a route which took us past a quilt shop - noted for later when it would be open. We went to the village square information centre to buy a detailed trail map and to take advice on routes up Cadillac Mountain. We bought a sandwich at a cafe and sat in sunshine until the free island bus arrived. There are several of these which follow different routes about the island.
At the end of the north trail off the mountain, we got off the bus and set off up the track. It started in woodland with soft walking on leaves but soon became rockier. It was quite a climb of two miles and quite steep. Every now and then, there would be breaks in the trees with beautiful views north over Bar Harbor and south west towards the mainland. Some of the trees have changed colour but as a mass they looked mostly green.
Near the top, there was a woman holding forth to visitors about the raptor projects in the area, with a number of signboards. We had already seen several, which we presumed were eagles, but it is difficult to see what species against the bright sky. The woman did point out an osprey passing through, many of which make their way right down south for the winter.
At this point, Ian was waiting for me to finish listening and spotted Chad heading in the opposite direction to us.
At the mountain top, we decided to carry on down a bit on the south trail, to get out of the wind and away from the masses before we stopped for our picnic.
This trail started quite easily with gravel underfoot and then manageable steps. It soon became steeper with some deep drops over rocks that meant sitting down first. In other places, there were wide open expanses if smooth rock and all along the trail, special cairns to highlight the way, as well as the blue streaks of paint on the rocks.
The park ranger had been quite right to suggest walking in this direction because the views across this island, the sea and other islands were extensive and in front of us rather than behind. It was a stunning walk, though we were quite glad when we eventually dropped down to the road to be picked up by the bus back to town.
We had a quick visit to the quilt shop where I bought a pack of four fat quarters in autumn colours. Then a visit to an ice cream shop where we each had a single scoop waffle cone the size of a bucket.
There wasn't long back at the hotel, in our rather gloomy room, before we caught the shuttle bus back into town. I wanted a little longer to see shops before dinner, but just bought some stock birthday cards and Ian bought a group card for Chad.
This was our last evening of the tour, so although it was a free day, we had agreed to eat together and Chad booked a restaurant. This meal was very noisy and quite fun but sad because it was our last together. Chad asked each of us to say what we had particularly enjoyed about the holiday, which was difficult to answer because there were so many special moments.
Keith cause a degree of hilarity but also poignancy when he referred to Chad as our glorious leader. There is no doubt that he has been great - very accommodating, patient, good-natured and fun with never a hint that he was tired. This could be despite having driven for miles and hours and then switching to sorting food, checking in at hotels or arrangements for the next day.
On the way back to the hotel, a deer loped in front of the van.
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