Friday, August 3, 2007

Distance Travelled: 0 nm | Lay Day, Northeast Harbor

Up 0730. H packed a bag and went ashore for a run and shower. G and I stayed aboard and packed separate bags; G for swimming at Echo Lake, and me for climing Mt. Pematic. ¶ H returned 0940 and we headed ashore to catch our busses. Hand G headed for Echol Lake which was v. crowded but they had fun. There were ducks on the beach that would step over feet and walk on blankets in search of food. ¶ I took the Jordan Pond bus to Bubble Pond for the NE Pemetic Mtn Trail. It was Hot! and Humid! on the way up. Rigorous trail. Steep and rocky. Some places were almost bouldering. Great views on the ledges over to Bubble Pond and Cadillac Mtn. Climbed 1100 feet in 1.1 miles, much of that in about half a mile. Spectacular views from the rocky summit. Wish it wasn't so hazy! Left trailhead at 1030. Arrived summit 1130 and had a nice chat with pleasant Irish gentleman of about 60. Departed summit around 1150 and headed down SW Mtn Trail toward Jordan Pond. Views on ths side not as good. Ledge walking for the first half mile then steep descent. Met up with Jordan Pond trail and headed to the Pond. ¶ Arrived at Jordan Pond House about 1220. Read under a tree while waiting for H and G. Seated at JPH for lunch around 1245. Soup and Popovers for adults, grilled cheese and popover for G. Went to gift shop; got a sea glass book as wedding gift, then hopped bus for NE. ¶ Back aboard, G had a nap and we read. Late cocktails for dinner. G to bed. ¶ Around 1900 started seeing distant lightning. Took down awning just in case: numerous severe t-storm alerts for all over coast of ME. H went to bed but I stayed up to keep an eye on the storms. Not much wind or rain, but LIGHTNING!!! Saw one bold strike to the north, followed by a flash and green haze: all the lights in NE went out! Drunken wails and cheers from the wedding party at Aucocisco Inn. Power back on within 2 hours. Finally turned in around 0115.