We were welcomed back into the U.S. with a long wait at the border – it seems that the Customs folks (oops, ICE men) were having some computer problems. And of course, they also elected to do a (thankfully!) quick search of my Holler! I would have been insulted, but Minkie convinced me that: a) it would do no good and b) it provided an opportunity to show off my treasured abode. So I did. Satisfied after a brief look in the fridge, they cleared us for entry, and off we went on our now longer journey to Schoodic Woods Campground – part of the Acadia National Park.
If you have ever been to Acadia, and not made the journey to the Schoodic Peninsula, you have truly missed a treasure. It’s a good hours drive from the crowds of Bar Harbor, doesn’t have the crowds, and is every bit as scenic. No, it doesn’t have Cadillac Mountain, but this Toad much prefers the solitude you can experience here.
Our first day at the campground was spent largely inside taking care of necessary chores – due to cold and windy day of non-stop rain. No matter – the TLs have clean clothes and the beer has been temporarily restocked.
Because of the rain, the trails on the following two days were quite wet, but that just added to the challenge of traversing root and rock. First up: a three mile out and back (for a 6 mi total) jaunt up the Buck Cove Mountain Trail to Schoodic Head. 
This is not an arduous trek, but again, it is a beauty. Through forest of spruce, fir, jack pine, birch, alder and maple – through meadow of blueberry and huckleberry – and across many a creek, this is a hike that (for the most part) travels gently upwards. Yes there are certainly a few sections to give you a bit of a workout, but most of the difficulty is the footing. And it is worth the views when you reach your destination.
Our second hike was a much shorter, three mile or so loop. And what a fun trail! Trailhead parking is along the one way road that follows the coast of the Schoodic Peninsula, where fall colors have begun to make themselves noticed.
More roots and rocks, but the way is considerably steeper, and includes a few little boulder scrambles.
Yes, the Park provides a few stairs here and there to protect against erosion, but don’t let the picture fool you. TLs will find themselves puffing before it’s all over!
And as always, when out in the woods, take the time to look down and admire the little things.
Here a pitcher….
They love to surprise you!
Note: for the next week or so, we’ll be staying with TL friends and family, so we’ll go dark for a short while, before taking up our journey further south!
Rollin' with a Road Toad 