On May 13, a trip to the L. L. Bean Outlet Store in Ellsworth, ME led to an impromptu decision to stay overnight at the Anchorage Motel in Bar Harbor in order to catch a sunset and a sunrise the next day from the top of Cadillac Mountain, located in Acadia National Park.
We arrived at a parking area on the west side of the mountain well over an hour before sunset to be in a good sunset viewing spot. At the time of our arrival, there were only a few cars in the parking lot. By the time we left, the parking lot was overflowing with cars, with a few parked in a manner that blocked other cars in. This sunset wasn’t as spectacular as one may want, but was still enjoyable.
Catching the sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain has been a “bucket list” item for us, and likely for many others who visit Acadia National Park. To ensure we could get a ‘good spot’, we awoke at 3:15 AM, drove 20-30 minutes to the top of Cadillac Mountain in order to catch a 5:06 AM sunrise. Once we arrived at the Cadillac Summit Road, we were already behind other cars making the ‘pilgrimage’ to the top. Within a few short minutes, we had several cars behind us as we drove up the summit road.
Having arrived at the top shortly before 4:00 AM, the parking lot was quickly filling up. The temps were in the mid-40’s, and there was a steady wind making it feel like the temps were in the 30’s.
Seeing the sunrise was a joy to behold. Being surrounded by so many people who were also there to see the sunrise, was not so joyful. By the time we left (not long after sunrise), the parking lot was full to overflowing! Just too “peopley” for pre-season!!
Discover more from Joyous Vagaries
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.