Maine and Bar Harbour

Maine

Is a person who lives in Maine a Maine-iac?  We’d have to say that on the road at least Maine-iacs are very polite, drive slowly and always show patience to Kiwi drivers who have obviously lost their way.

Maine is the USA capital for blueberries, and lobster.  Our visit was directed by our stomachs rather than our sense of adventure.  Also there is a vast amount of beautiful coast both inland and sea.  The population is only 1.3 million so there is plenty of shoreline and wilderness for everyone -it is huge and very uncrowded.

We based ourselves in Bar Harbour for a few days and explored the Acadia National Park.  The hikes were extremely pleasant, small rounded peaks and a wild sea coast.  A highlight was the Precipice Trail, which was more of a rock climb, with iron rungs, rails and ladders fixed to the cliff in places to make it easier.  Like the Via Ferrata in Europe only without the ropes.

The most memorable part of Maine though was the lobster.  Lobster roll, Lobster on Caesar, Whole Lobster with butter, Lobster linguini, Lobster with sherry sauce.  And of course lobster ice cream.  We tried it all (except the ice cream!).   To go with the lobster, we had locally-brewed Atlantic Blueberry beer, Autumn Spiced lager, and Californian Pinot Grigio.  For deserts, the local speciality Blueberry pie, Pumpkin pie and the Indian Pudding - corn meal and molasses!  Delicious..............

Lots of interesting people were on holiday in Bar Harbour when we were there, including a Panty-Hose-wearing man,  the fully-clothed beach sunbathers, and loads of Harley riders without helmets.

We had deer wandering on the lawn just outside our motel in the morning, even though we were just on the edge of the town.

See you in the funny pages!  (traditional Maine-iac farewell, and no, we’ve no idea what it means either ...)

Thanks to Tiernach Farrell, who worked in Maine as a student, for directing us to the best lobster bar in Camden. And for giving us the lowdown on local language.

Click Here to see our photos of Maine