To cap off the summer of 2011, once all the kids had returned from their summer camps, we planed a family getaway to the North Country! But once we saw the fall soccer practice schedule, we contemplated a cancellation as we knew the boys would not want to miss practices. Instead we decided on an abbreviated itinerary and began to pack…
Things kicked off on a Friday night with our celebration of Shawn’s 30th birthday (again!) at The Shoe. Happy birthday Mom!
The next morning, we were off bright and early for Acadia National Park on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. We arrived early in the afternoon at the Oceanside KOA and checked into our comfy little Kamping Kabin that would be our cozy home for the next few nights.
Our next step was to hit the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, buy our Acadia park pass, and plan some of the places we’d want to see in the next couple of days.
A reconnaissance tour of Bar Harbor followed including a stroll on the Shore Path and a nice harbor-side dinner at Stewman’s.
There was a scary moment when Shawn was very nearly abducted by a rogue lobstah…
We’d later finish the day with a campfire near the foggy bay, a few S’mores, and a beer or two…
The next morning, we were out for a tour on the lobster boat Lulu with Captain John! We were expertly piloted through the rolling fog for a tour of the harbor seals’ favorite resting places followed by a lesson on lobstering. Very interesting stuff!
We’d spend the remainder of the day exploring. We walked from Otter Point to the obligatory but disappointing Thunder Hole and then toured the summit of Cadillac Mountain.
We had a nice dinner overlooking the park in Bar Harbor where a great band was playing as part of the Bar harbor Jazz Festival.
We started our next day with a leisurely brunch, played some Pirate Golf (Josh won!), toured the Western side of the island, and finished the day in Southwest Harbor with a cocktail at the Cafe Drydock and an awesome lobster feast at Beal’s on the pier.
Next morning, we were off to Quebec!
Our hotel was fantastically located in the heart of the old city. Our room was behind that little round window in the upper right of the photo…
We strolled the city to get oriented – and found some great street performers to watch!
We dined in an Italian pizzeria in celebration of Jake’s 15th birthday. He was pretty happy to score a new iPhone!
There may even have been a visit to a local pub to finish the day…
We started the next morning with a walking history tour of Quebec led by our guide in period clothing, Sarah. We learned a lot about the history of the city, its French and British periods, and its battles for freedom!
We then took ourselves a tour through the Irish part of the city, past an overpriced hockey exhibit, and onto the fresh produce market. Though we couldn’t bring any of it home with us, the fruits and vegetables were delightful! One farmer even gave Jake a free apple in honor of his birthday!
That afternoon, we’d take a trip to nearby Montmorency Falls. Quite the drop! And good fun.
That night we’d dine in the Irish section of Quebec – we loved all the open air cafes!
Later that evening, we watched the Image Mill presentation on the Bunge grain silos. Pretty amazing stuff!
The next morning it was home to the USA so the boys could attend the first soccer practices of the year and be ready for the fall season! Back to the rat-race!
For the strong of heart, there are a gazillion more pictures here.
Awesome trip report. Awesome pictures. Awesome lobstah attack!
I recognize one of the pubs, your hotel, and many other things from when Heather and I went to Quebec City, even the short trip you made to the falls!!!