OK, the internet seems to be cooperating (thanks to some tinkering by Adam!), so I'm almost caught up with my posts. Today we started early toward Beech Mountain. Russ bought James Kaiser's Acadia: The Complete Guide, and I read it cover to cover in 3 days. It's an amazing book, even if you aren't coming to Acadia. There was just enough detail so that I really learned a lot, but not too much detail on any one subject that I got bored. Each topic had about one page of text - perfect. Well, Mr. Kaiser rates a few of Acadia's hiking trails. I automatically discounted the "strenuous" trails, and quickly flipped past the "strenuous, ladder" trails, but I thought we could handle the "moderate" trails. After all, we all survived Scott's off-trail Glen Onoko experience, right? Well, let me tell you, Mr. Kaiser's "moderate" is my pouring-sweat strenuous and Russ's "I refuse to go any farther, I'll wait for you here." Adam and I continued on from the overlook toward the summit, only to find that Russ had the right idea. We turned around when we saw this:
No, no, no. No ladders! This is why I skipped over the "strenuous, ladders" trails!
So, we decided that what is needed at the beginning of these trails is a ranger who looks at you and says "Yes, you can hike this trail." or "No, don't go up there...you'll die." Sort of like the thing at amusement park rides that says you must be this tall to ride.
But, I got some nice pictures on the way up.
Overlooking Echo Lake
Echo Lake Beach
Red mushroom
The path upwards
Then, at the bottom, one last, short excursion to Echo Lake Beach.
The view of Beech Mountain from the beach.
The lake.
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