The Quietside of Acadia
Mountains rising from the ocean,
forests stretching to granite cliffs,
lakes nestled in glacial valleys,
crashing surf on a rocky shoreline.
It is little wonder that nearly three million people come each year to Mt Desert Island
(often just called "MDI")
to enjoy Acadia National Park.
So, how can an island that hosts millions of people have a quiet side?
MDI is roughly circular with a fjord, Somes Sound,
through its center that nearly cuts it in two.
Acadia covers just over half of MDI,
about a third of the park is west of the Sound.
Most tourists to the island head to Bar Harbor on the northeast coast,
which is home to several large hotels and is a popular port on the cruise ship circuit,
Tremont and Southwest Harbor are the principal towns on the west side of MDI.
First settled by fishermen,
the towns retain their maritime heritage boasting healthy fishing fleets and myriad boat yards.
|
|