My last cup of coffee was spent drinking in this scene before packing up and heading out to Bar Harbor. A loon popped out of the water close to the dock as if to say goodbye. I tried to memorize the gentle sounds of the water sloshing the rocks and the gentle movement of the dock. There may have been a tiny tear left there, but I have a sketch of the scene that will hopefully be a watercolor souvenir of that sacred place.
Whether boating, kayaking, or just being close to water, I feel like moving water leaves a cathartic-type impression and I think I understand the draw more than ever. We were incredibly fortunate to reserve this waterfront cottage for our first experience as Airbnb(ers) because we needed only nights and this darling cottage with the private deck was breathtakingly perfect and available for only those two nights! We were inspired by the hosts who are living a dream by living at the main lakehouse during the summer and renting out several cottages on the idyllic waterfront property.
Portland had the artsy, trendy vibe I loved. Acadia had the breathtakingly rugged views. Bar Harbor had an air of wealth. Common and loved in each of these is the rich history. I yawned through history lessons and only memorized dates to pass tests, but now. Now is different.
The yacht (behind the man that always seeks out the town green) was privately purchased for seven million. Time For Us was a gift of dedication to the woman of his dreams after much sacrifice to his workaholic lifestyle that eventually contributed to his wealth. After almost losing this rare jewel of a woman, he presented her with the yacht he had named Time For Us, after realizing that his greatest desired wealth in life was his time spent with her. He committed to sailing six months out of the year with her to various homes along the coast of the New England states.
Well, that was the story I told the man sitting beside me on the green. It could have belonged to the couple I walked past that was mid-vow in wedding attire in front of this grand, historic Bar Harbor Inn.
If you were wondering why I was on a semi-private path in front of an inn that we neither staying or dining at, it’s because I saw a beautiful sailboat disappear behind an island. I chased the sailboat around the corners of the property.
I had almost given up hope that the sailboat changed direction, when…..
It appeared. There’s something so right about a sailboat in a coastal town so rich in history!
We bought salted caramel lattes at a little cafe and both realized that another thing we agree on is that coffee isn’t coffee and espresso isn’t espresso unless it’s d-a-r-k. I always say I like my coffee like I like my men–strong and dark. (My man is blond, blue-eyed and relatively white, but he is strong and he knows I like him a lot. 😉 We semi-enjoyed our too-creamy drinks as I once again committed to always asking for light cream whether espresso or coffee.
We sat on another town green until I pointed out a firehouse and then I disappeared into Bar Harbor for window shopping and he returned with a Bar Harbor Fire Co. t-shirt and a job opportunity in our new favorite state. I love it. But, PA is home and my heart lives there.
Bar Harbor. Rich in history. Enchanting.
We drove 15 miles in the opposite direction of our next destination to experience Tracy’s Diner boasted lobster meal. Pretty sure all humans are expected to have a fresh lobster meal when in Maine and this was our first. Owner-caught fresh lobster and local corn with homemade blueberry pie using local berries lived up to the positive reviews….after we learned from the waitress how exactly you eat a lobster. And after the first piece went flying.
Next destination: Belfast