Acadia National Park amazed us, and we also caught up with Paul Bunyan.

Strap yourselves into your travel chairs, we’re back on the road and we couldn’t be happier to be sharing our travel experiences with you. In this post, we begin our journey affectionately called “Canada or Bust”. First stop, a place people call “down east Maine”. Downeast Maine refers to the eastern coastal region of Maine, stretching from the town of Ellsworth eastwards to the Canadian border. We’re talking about the rugged and rocky Maine coastline, with its historic fishing villages, and the first National Park east of the Mississippi, Acadia National Park. And OMG, what a park. As awe-inspiring and picturesque as Yellowstone. It seems Mother Nature substituted spouting geysers and the fantastic colors of the “Grand Prismatic Spring” with thunderous sounds of the sea crashing into the rocky coastline at “Thunder Hole”, and the majestic granite outcropping of “Otter Point”.  

Judy, Morgan & Steven Walking to Echo Beach

Acadia National Park is located on the 108 square mile Mount Desert Island. The park encompasses much of the island, which also includes several small towns such as Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Southwest Harbor. Our RV campsite in Southwest Harbor abutted the Acadia Park hiking trail network and we had easy walking access to Echo Lake Beach and the Beech Mountain Trail. Which is where our story will begin, because we returned to this lovely spot several times for hiking and to go to the beach with chairs in hand.

 

Beech Cliff Trailhead

Echo Lake is a picturesque freshwater lake encompassing 236 acres and reaching depths of approximately 66 feet. Motorboats are prohibited, maintaining the exceptionally clean water, so you can actually see the minnows swimming by the shoreline. Additionally, the lake's water temperature is notably warmer than that of the ocean.

Acadia National Park is a distinctive destination that highlights the rugged coastline of Maine. The park encompasses a diverse array of landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rocky shores.  As the only national park in the northeastern United States, Acadia offers remarkable scenery, vibrant sunrises and sunsets, abundant wildlife, and numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. With such a wide range of activities available, we endeavored to document as much as possible during our visit. We were also pleased to have our daughter, Morgan, and her friend, Dani, accompany us for several days, which contributed significantly to the overall momentum of our activities.  

We spent much of a day at Sand Beach, a highly frequented location that requires early arrival due to its popularity. Nestled between impressive granite cliffs, the beach features sand composed primarily of fine shell fragments and is bordered by notably cold ocean waters, with temperatures typically in the lower 50-degree range. From our position beneath a beach umbrella on the 290-yard stretch of shoreline, we enjoyed remarkable views of the surrounding granite cliffs and adjacent pine forests, while waves from the Atlantic Ocean consistently broke upon the shore.

Sand Beach

You cannot go to Acadia without taking a car ride around Park Loop Road. This is a 27-mile-long loop around the outer edge of the park which features some of the most stunning scenery. There is Thunder Hole, where people go at high tide to hear the noise made from the waves crashing into a rock formation that creates a thunderous roar. Further down Park Loop Road there is a place called Otter Cliffs. At 110 feet above the ocean, they are one of the highest coastal headlands in North America. There are so many scenic overlooks and breathtaking views, it would be hard for me to do them all justice. The whole loop is a must do for any trip to Acadia.

Rodick's Lobster Roll atop Cadillac Mtn

Cadillac Mountain Road is another notable attraction in Acadia, featuring a 3.5-mile drive up the rear side of Cadillac Mountain to its summit, which stands at 1,527 feet above sea level. While not the highest peak we have ascended by car, it offers some of the most remarkable views, including clear vistas of Bar Harbor, Bar Island, Bald Porcupine Island, Turtle Island, and much of the Mt Desert Narrows inlet. The most sought-after time to visit Cadillac Mountain is at sunrise, as it is renowned for being the first location in the United States to witness the sun rise. Due to high demand, vehicle access is regulated through a “timed entry” system, requiring visitors to secure a reservation online, especially for sunrise slots around 5:20 am. Instead of opting for sunrise, we scheduled our visit during sunset, successfully obtaining a 6:00 pm entry slot. We drove to the summit with a picnic dinner featuring lobster rolls, salad, and dessert, and observed the sunset at 8:20 pm. The experience was truly memorable, and the view from the summit at sunset will remain unforgettable.

    

 

Wait, I’m not quite done. There’s just so much to do in Acadia, and whilst I still have your attention, let me tell you, as briefly as I can, how we spent a morning walking around Jordan Pond on Jordan Pond Path. This 3.3 mile trail circles the glacially formed pond, which is noted for its clear freshwater and views of surrounding mountains. The path follows the shoreline and includes segments along boardwalks, sections with rocky terrain, and areas featuring both wooden and stone bridges.

Steven, Dani, Morgan, Judy at Jordan Pond

Steven, Morgan, Dani, Judy at Paul Bunyan Statue

Without a doubt, the highlight of Morgan’s visit was attending “Timber Tina's Great Maine Lumberjack Show.” This engaging event features two teams of lumberjacks competing in a series of 12 events, including wood chopping, sawing, tree climbing, ax throwing, and log rolling. Over the course of the 90-minute performance, attendees also receive an informative overview of the logging industry in the 18th century, highlighting Maine's historical significance as a leader in the timber trade. Timber Tina serves as the host and master of ceremonies for the event. Her given name is Tina Scheer, and she has achieved distinction as a world-class competitor, significantly contributing to increasing opportunities for women in lumberjack competitions. Timber Tina also provided information regarding the Paul Bunyan statue located in downtown Bangor, ME. For anybody who has followed this blog, you know that I'm drawn to quirky sideshow attractions. And I have a particular soft spot in my heart for Paul Bunyan, who I first spotted in Bemidji, MN. (See blog post “The Charming City of Duluth, MN and a visit with Paul Bunyan”, posted July 22, 2024.) So, when I heard that there was a 31-foot-tall statue of Paul Bunyan in Bangor, well we all just had to go. It did not disappoint!

 This stop was mostly about the National Park itself, but we did do some other fun things both on and off the Island. We took a “Bar Harbor Ghost Tour” where we heard ghost stories of the Wabanaki Indigenous spirits, as well as personal accounts of ghostly activity in and around the Bar Harbor area. Whilst in Bangor, ME, we took time to visit the Orono Bog Boardwalk. This is a one-mile loop trail located in the Bangor City Forest, which extends into the Orono Bog, a unique ecosystem with its diverse vegetation and wildlife.

Readers of this blog may be aware that, generally, Judy and I spend about a week camping in one area. Initially, during our RV travels, we moved every 4 or 5 days but have since extended our stays to allow for a slower pace. On this current "Canada or Bust" trip, our stops range from 8 to 9 days, providing additional time to explore local areas and absorb the local flavors. Our first stop is an excellent example of this newly found freedom. On this stop, with the extra time we got to travel around not just in Mount Desert Island & Acadia National Park but also north and into Bangor, ME. We’re off to an amazing start to this trip and we are taking you all along for the ride.  Let’s see what we find on our next stop in St. Andrews by the Sea in New Brunswick, Canada as we tell… the Rest of the Story.

A little warm up trip to Scusset Beach Reservation, on the Cape Cod Canal.

It's great to be on the road again, even for a short trip to a familiar place. We stayed in our home state, with only a 90-minute drive and took a second car. Scusset Beach Reservation is a place I've frequented since high school. Recently, I discovered that the state park offers RV camping services. After paying out-of-state rates across the country, we enjoyed "residential" camping rates at this beautiful beachside reservation. 

One of the best parts of camping locally was being able to share 1^st hand, our RV camping experience with so many friends and family. Many of our friends came from the Boston area to join us at our beach front campsite. The weather could have been way more helpful. Just another two Saturdays in a row where the weather absolutely sucked!! That being said, when you spend 12 days at a campground, odds are you will get a couple of stellar beach days, which is indeed what happened.

However, it was on one of those rainy days when Judy and I had a chance to go visit the Sandwich Glass Museum, owned and operated by the Sandwich Historical Society.  This museum is home to a collection of 19th century industrial glass, as well as a training ground for modern day glassblowers and glass artists. There are live demonstrations, and glassblowing classes, as well as a wonderful history of the Sandwich Glass Industry, which was far more extensive than I thought.

We saw a lot of wild animals on this trip. Among the more common sightings, such as bunnies and deer, we had the opportunity to capture footage of a red fox trotting along the side of the road. While driving to our campsite one day, I noticed the animal approximately 100 yards ahead, leisurely moving along the roadway. Contrary to our expectations, the fox did not retreat into the brush as we approached. Judy was able to record the following video as we drove by. It was not until we were close that we noticed the animal had caught a squirrel and was taking it someplace for dinner.            

Scusset Beach Reservation is located on the Cape Cod Bay side of the Cape Cod peninsula. Technically, Cape Cod does not begin until one crosses either the Sagamore or Bourne Bridges, which span the Cape Cod Canal. This busy man-made shipping canal was initially constructed between 1909 and 1914 as a private venture. It was later taken over by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1928 and rebuilt into the larger canal and recreation area that exists today. Here are three interesting facts:

1. The 7.4 mile canal has no locks. 
2. Because of that, the current can run in either direction, & changes direction every 6 hours.
3. Tides in Cape Cod Bay are 5 feet higher than Buzzards Bay, and they occur out of phase with each other by about 3 hours, creating stronger than usual currents within the canal.

One of the most acclaimed attractions is the paved 7.4 mile trail that runs on both sides of the canal between Cape Cod Bay and Buzzards Bay. Very wide and well maintained, this paved trail is the perfect spot to walk, bike, or rollerblade. (Judy walked there almost every morning) So, seven months after undergoing a total knee replacement surgery, I decided to test my new knee by strapping on my recently neglected in-line rollerblades for a test drive of the new knee. The knee performed exceptionally well, although I experienced some soreness in my back and shin muscles. Roller blading is back on the list of enjoyable activities.

 

 The highlight of this trip was undoubtedly the time spent visiting with friends and family throughout the week.  I would like to note that Judy and I, who spend a lot of time together, often having the opportunity to meet new people, but spending so much time on the road can sometimes be a bit solitary. Not at Scusset Beach! We welcomed a lot of visitors, too many to list here, and we appreciated spending time with each and every one of them.

This was a great local trip! It was nice to get back in the RV again and start traveling. This was kind of like a shakedown cruise. We were able to reacquaint ourselves with all the supplies needed to go on the road for another 2 ½ months starting the end of June. So, we’re headed home for a brief stay where we will reload and resupply for our upcoming 2,300-mile trip through New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec, Canada. We will start our travels in Southwest Harbor, Maine in the venerable Acadia National Park, for the July 4^th week - it should be a fantastic stop which we would love to share with you as we tell… the Rest of the Story.

Who is this “Neil the Northpoint” and why is he so important?

Embarking on long journeys with our home-on-wheels has been an adventure unlike any other. Over the years, readers have shown curiosity about the lifestyle behind these extended trips—some spanning over 100 days! Questions often revolve around the logistics of travel, how we can get along in such a small space, and what does the RV look and feel like, particularly on the inside? So, this blog post will be all about the 5^th wheel trailer we affectionately call Neil the Northpoint, and many of the comforts we enjoy on the road.  

(If you want to know why we call the RV “Neil the Northpoint”, please check out the Sept. 30, 2024 blog post titled “1,000 Islands is more like 1,800 Islands, depending on your definition of an Island”.)

Neil the Northpoint

Unlike many of our previous posts, which primarily consist of written content accompanied by images, this post will incorporate video clips to enhance your understanding and visualization of our experiences while travelling. As a side note, there is a reason it’s called “Glamping”, so please do not be to judgy! 😇

Let’s take a Trip Around the Outside First.

Lots of Storage....

Entry and Operations Panel with Full Bath...

Bedroom and Living Room...

We do a lot of Cooking in the Kitchen...

The Back of the Camper has a Bunk Room & 1/2 Bath...

One Last Space We Call the Loft...

Some statistics for those of you who are interested:

        Camper weight fully Loaded:     16,350 lbs (4 ton)            Camper Height:     13’6

                   We carry fresh water:     80  gallons (4-5 days)      Camper Width:      8’0

             We can hold wastewater:     About 50 gallons              Camper Length:     40’

Overall length of Truck & Camper:    53’ long hitched   

           Approx size w/ slides open:   317 sq-ft.

Judy and I did extensive research before buying our 5th wheel camper. We chose a floor plan that maximizes living space for us as a couple, unlike many other campers with floor plans that focused on sleeping capacity. A salesman introduced us to the term "Couples Coach," which inspired our blog's address: https://www.couplescoach23.blogspot.com.  And when we do have guests, the bunk room and associated ½ bathroom make for a great guest suite. 

This is my 51^st blog post. I can’t believe it! My first blog post was published on June 3, 2023, just about 2 years ago. This milestone represents how far we’ve come in sharing our journey. Thank you for being part of our adventures, and we look forward to continuing to explore and share our discoveries, as we tell… the Rest of the Story.

And We’re Back!

Welcome back, dear readers! Did you miss the blog? C’mon, be honest! Yes, it has been a while since I last posted. Whether you stumbled here out of curiosity or you have been faithfully following along, we’re thrilled to bring you along for our next great adventure. But, before we divulge the destinations of our next couple of trips, we should probably get you all caught up on what we have been doing these last four months or so. 

The short answer is, “Not Much”.  Recovering from full knee replacement surgery has been a slow and challenging journey, marked by an ongoing regimen of home exercises and bi-weekly physical therapy sessions. It’s an amusing yet humbling reality when the highlight of mid-February morning turns out to be a trip to the physical therapist’s office, where lingering beyond a 30-minute appointment becomes the closest thing to an escape from the monotony of home life. The good news is that about 2 weeks ago, some 5 months post-surgery, I seemed to turn the corner in my rehabilitation, and starting to see some substantial improvement. Very encouraging! Neil (the Northpoint) also spent some time in the repair shop to have service and continuous maintenance items attended to. Now that the weather is starting to improve, the process of getting the RV road-worthy has begun. Yahoo!

We are just itching to get back on the road. The excitement! The adventure! The sights, sounds, and scenic expanses are just calling us back. But before we embark on our summer grand journey, we’ve decided to ease ourselves back into the RV lifestyle by exploring destinations closer to home. Having stayed at several state parks in other regions, it seems only fitting we try out a Massachusetts State Park. So, we are spending 10 days in early June at Scusset Beach State Reservation, located in Sagamore, MA. This gem of a state park is situated at the furthest point towards Cape Cod, without fighting the infamous Cape Cod bridge traffic. One of the highlights of Scusset Beach is the 7-mile biking trail that follows the canal from Scusset Beach to Buzzards Bay. It’s a perfect opportunity to stretch our legs, soak in the fresh sea air, and enjoy the scenic views. We’re also excited about sharing the joys of RV life with local friends willing to spend the afternoon, or morning, at the beach. The best part? It’s only a 60-mile journey from home, making it an accessible and stress-free way to ease ourselves back into motion.

After spending 10 days at the beach in June, we will commence an extensive journey consisting of 11 stops over a period of 75 days, covering 2,100 miles through July and August, into Canada. This trip, which we have named "Canada or Bust," holds particular significance for us. We have loved all our visits to Canada, and there have been several of them. During this journey, Judy and I will retrace our previous trip to Canada, which took place in August 2017. At that time, traveling across the country in an RV was merely a grand idea. Judy and I rented a smaller RV and embarked on a 10-day excursion through New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. Despite the limited time, we maximized our travel experience by spending only a few days at each stop. This was one of the trips that solidified our decision to retire early and explore the country in an RV. The only issue we had with the whole experience was that we wanted more time! More time to linger along the coast. More time to explore the historic low tides of the Bay of Fundy. More time to wander the endless beaches in Prince Edward Island. And more time to explore Yarmouth and Halifax, Nova Scotia. This trip will give us the time to soak in the experiences that were dearly missed on our 2017 foray. We vowed we would return, and here is our chance to follow through.

Overview

Canada or Bust - Summer 2025

• Our first stop is Southwest Harbor, Maine, near Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine.  

• Crossing into Canada, we follow the Atlantic coast and stop at St. Andrews, New Brunswick. Located in Passamaquoddy Bay, it offers views of the historic low tides of the Bay of Fundy. Ministers Island is accessible via a sand bar at low tide, which is covered by 15 feet of water at high tide. We were here in 2017 and have picked out a lovely RV spot with views of the bay. 

• Next, we put “Neil the Northpoint” on a ferry and travel from St. Johns, NB to Digby, Nova Scotia. Our destination is Darling Lake, NS which is just 7-miles north of Yarmouth, NS.  Another familiar stop from our 2017 trip. 

• From Darling Lake, we head north towards the capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax. Shubie Campground, in Shubie Park, is as close to camping in the middle of Halifax as is possible.  Nestled between Lake Micmac and Lake Charles, this looks to be an amazing stop. After our stop in Halifax, we head to Prince Edward Island, where we have two scheduled stops. Our first stop is at Cavendish Campground which is part of Prince Edward National Park. We visited this location in 2017. The campground features amazing sand dunes and beaches that appear untouched by humans. Our second stop is on the opposite side of the island, adjacent to Hillsboro Bay, and an easy drive to the capital, Charlottetown, PEI.  

• When we leave Prince Edward Island, we will head due north Campbellton, New Brunswick, at the mouth of the pristine Restigouche River. Our campsite will offer unobstructed views of the magnificent J.C. Van Horne Bridge and the river.

• We figured out an interesting way to visit Quebec, which is the next stop on out trip. We will be staying at a campground directly across the St. Lawrence River, in a town called Levis.  From here we can take a ferry over to the city of Quebec. 

• As we approach the Labor Day weekend, we will be returning to the United Staes with a stop in central Maine on the south side of Moose Lake, a town called Greenville. Greenville is the historic gateway to the north country of Maine, and a center for outdoor recreation.  

• Our last stop is on Long Lake in Southern Maine, a town called Naples. This area is considered a vacation haven, and it’s usually quite busy (some would say mobbed or overcrowded), but we will be visiting the week after the summer vacation ends, so we expect calm and quiet experience.

Alas, by mid-September we will be back in Massachusetts, where we will start preparing for a mammoth trip to the southwestern United States, scheduled for the fall, winter, and early spring of 2025 & 2026. Details to be announced in a later blog post.

To summarize, it goes something like this; the past 5 months have been some of the most mentally challenging times since we retired in 2023. Staying busy over the winter and rehabilitating from orthopedic surgery made for several a dull day…but we’ve rounded the corner. We’re leaving on our first trip in less than a month, and very much looking forward to it. As the title of this blog post suggests, “We’re Back”, and looking forward to telling… the Rest of the Story.