ACADIA NP (Day 4 - part 4)

We stopped for lunch around 3:30 in the town of Southwest Harbor.

I had an amazing crispy chili and lime tofu burrito.

We arrived back at the visitor center parking lot around 4:30. It was no longer crowded and we easily found a parking spot. So instead of taking the shuttle (since it only left every 30 minutes and might be difficult to catch it again from each stop), we decided to drive ourselves. In most areas, there was ample parking.

We first made a quick stop at an overlook.

While still crowded, there were actually places to park along the road.

We skipped Sand Beach because it was still quite crowded and went to Thunder Hole.

Beneath the ocean's surface, the rugged seafloor looks much like the mountains around us. Over the last two million years, a series of glaciers shaped this area. The last of these left a large mound of rocky debris about 360 miles out to see. This submerged moraine influences the currents of the Atlantic Ocean by deflecting war water from the south and circulating colder currents from the north. As a result, the Gulf of Maine contains cool, oxygen-rich water which allows for a vibrant marine habitat.

Here, the relentless force of the waves have carved a narrow cave in this granite ledge. When the cave is suddenly filled with water, it traps air. This creates a thunderous burst of noise and ocean spray.

Apparently the best time to hear the thunder is two hours before hight tide. While we didn't experience anything as pictured in the sign, we did get a few loud claps and lots of gurgling.

The stairs down ... The waves enter this side canal and...

... then fill the cave under this ledge.

Rapidly filling...

... and then bursting back out with a loud sound

The tide rushes in.

A curious gull

We continued our drive along the loop road...

We made a brief stop overlooking the Otter Cliffs...

(right) People on the Otter Cliff trail

... then walked the Otter Cliffs trail. It was a lovely woodland walk along the rocky shore.

A plaque honoring John D. Rockefeller, Jr. (1874 - 1960)

These groves of spruce and fire, these granite ledges, this magnificent window on the sea, were given to the United States by John D Rockefeller, Jr. He was among the first to sense the need to preserve America's natural beauty and to set high standards of environmental quality. This quiet, dedicated conservationist gave generously of his time, wisdom and resources to help establish this park and others for the physical, cultural and spiritual benefit of the American people.

(left) The Otter Cliffs, now with people standing where we were at the overlook

The gentle clang of a bouy ... A floating marker for a lobster trap

Taking the same trail back ... A lovely harebell

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