Wabi-Sabi Sole

Finding Beauty with Imperfection

Category: Beech Mountain

One Final Summit

By

On August 14, 2025

In 2025, Acadia National Park, Beech Mountain, Hiking

Well, as we left Acadia, it was time to say goodbye to my beloved Vasque Hiking Boats. While I was coming back down from our mountain goat trek to get to the bubbles, Dave was guiding me where to place my foot because I was coming down “blind” – not able to see down & where to place my feet. As he was directing me, he said, “I hate to be the one to tell you this, your boots are falling apart.” What? And well, that explains a lot. Between this trip and the trip we made to Utah in December, I noticed that my boots felt funny and not as cushy. I even replaced the insoles to try and help the situation. Well, the situation couldn’t be helped because the soles had separated from the shoe and the gel cushion had dry rotted and was flaking out the side.

I bought these boots in July of 2007 before my mom and I went on a hiking trip to Santa Fe, NM. At the time I spent somewhere between $150-$200 for them and I thought that was pretty expensive. Considering they lasted 18 years, I suppose I got my money’s worth. Dave and I started a list of where I have hiked with these boots:

  • Santa Fe, NM
  • Taos, NM x 2
  • Canadian Rockies (Banff & Jasper)
  • Glacier NP
  • Waterton- Glacier International Peace Park
  • Yosemite NP x 2 (Half Dome once)
  • Isle Royal NP
  • Mount Fuji x 3
  • Numerous hikes all over Japan
  • Lassen NP
  • Crater Lake NP
  • Big Sur, CA
  • Redwood NP x 2
  • Colorado x 3 (Aspen, Breckenridge, Boulder, Denver, Crested Butte, Maroon Belles and others)
  • Rocky Mountain NP
  • Arches NP
  • Canyonlands NP
  • Dead Horse State Park, UT
  • Park City, UT
  • Kings Canyon & Sequoia NP
  • Hot Springs NP
  • The Wave, UT
  • Grand Staircase National Monument
  • Bryce Canyon NP
  • Zion NP (Angels Landing)
  • Acadia NP
  • Countless State Parks
  • And numerous other “local hikes”

Rest in Peace my hiking friends. I hope the next pair of hiking boots treat me just as well.

Acadia NP Day 4

By

On August 13, 2025

In 2025, Acadia National Park, Bass Harbor, Beech Mountain, Hiking, Lighthouse, Wonderland Trail

For our final day in Acadia NP we decided to explore the lesser known/ lesser traveled west peninsula of Mount Desert Island.

Acadia National Park

We tuned into our favorite narrator “Albert” as we drove. He provides entertainment and information. Our first stop was at the Beech Mountain trail head. Beech Mountain trail is a short loop that climbs up giving you spectacular views of Bass Harbor and Long Pond. Both were lovely.

Off we go!
Rocky path
Steps
More up!
More steps
Roots

I took this picture because this tree is already fighting! He’s growing on the granite rocks! I can only imagine how impressive he will be in the next 20-30 years. Grow strong, friend!

The summit view and breeze were worth the steps!

The descent included beautiful views of Long Pond.

After our hike, we jumped in the car and returned to Alfred’s narration. He recommended we stop in Southwest Harbor and walk the town. I am happy we listened. We stopped for ice cream and I was able to get my Maine Blueberry 🫐 ice cream. It was so delicious.

Continuing the drive, we headed to Ship Harbor Trail. This trail is flat, family friendly and has forest and shore views. As well as a few boardwalk trails.

The pink granite that makes up most of Acadia was on full display along this part of the coast. So beautiful!

The trail was a figure 8 which gave us a chance to see more of the forest.

Trees growing on rocks
Reindeer Lichen

Once we completed the hike, we jumped in the car and drove a half mile up the road to hike the Wonderland trail. This trail was a short flat out and back.

Both trails we hiked
Coastline
Last hike selfie
Wild rose
Bee & thistle

Those hikes were perfectly lovely. The reviews I read gave them much more positive feedback. I would give them a sold 5/10. Again, great for kids and families.

We returned to the car for one final stop on this peninsula. We needed to snap a picture of the famous Bass Harbor Lighthouse. It’s still there and still photogenic.

Bass Harbor Lighthouse

For our final vacation dinner, Dave made us reservations at Havana in Bar Harbor. We ordered cocktails and that’s when I noticed the card on the table. So cute, the staff gave me a happy birthday card.

For dinner Dave ordered paella and I order one final lobster dish. Both were delicious.

Paella
Lobster Moqueca

The Lobster Moqueca was incredible. The dish is made with coconut cream, onion, red peppers, and lime juice. It was served with jasmine rice and lots of lobster!

We didn’t have room for dessert, but, they had a sweet surprise.

Thank you for following along with me as we explored Acadia NP. Although, a smaller national park, it has so many hidden treasures and amazing hikes. We didn’t do everything- we did what we could and enjoyed every moment. Until next time!

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén