Book Your Vermont Fall Trip Now

Chad and I took another trip with Wildland Trekking this past autumn to Vermont. We flew into Burlington with the main goals of hiking (while we still have good knees and stamina for elevation gains) and leaf-peeping. 

We built in extra days at the start and end of our trip in case of travel snafus. Lesson learned on our trip to Ireland, when we nearly missed our connection in Atlanta due to a delayed flight on the way there. On the way home we got stranded in Boston for an extra day due to a ground stop at the Boston airport.

Burlington is super charming, but unless you are visiting people there, a full day is plenty for walking around seeing the sights. It's interesting to walk a few blocks up Church Street to people watch there and at the nearby City Hall Park. 

In Burlington, Lake Champlain Waterfront Park offers pretty views, with a walking and biking path along the shore. Champ, or Champy to their friends, is Lake Champlain's version of the Loch Ness monster. Sadly Champ did not show themself during our visit. 

We walked from our hotel to the Lake Champlain Chocolates Flagship Store on Pine Street. We bought a few treats for ourselves, and a few to send to family and friends.  Lake Champlain Chocolates are not only delicious, but also high quality and made with care at a family owned and operated certified B corp.

For casual meals in central Burlington, we liked American Flatbread Company for salad and flatbread pizzas, and August First - a bakery, cafe, coffee shop, with one of the best hearty salads I've ever had. City Market is a grocery co-op with a nice selection of local produce, a salad bar, a hot bar, and plenty of ready made snack and meal options. 

Our Wildland Trekking guide picked us up at our hotel early the next morning to start our adventure. Venturing out from Burlington, our Wildland Trekking guide, Dara, took us to Shelburne, Waterbury, Warren, Waitsfield, and Stowe.

Shelburne Farms was idyllic fun with miles of walking trails through rolling pastures and a small botanical garden near the main guest house. We ended our trekking there with a cheese making demonstration and samples. Before leaving Shelburne Farms, we visited the farm store and the bakery stand.  Shelburne Farms also hosts a food truck with picnic tables near the main barn. When we went, parking was free with free admission to the grounds.

Our next stop Shelburne Orchards, open only in September and October, featured live music, apples galore, cider, fresh made apple cider donuts, apple picking, tractor hay rides, and a few food trucks when we went. The vibes were relaxed, fun, and wholesome. Dara purchased about six different kinds of apples, so we could sample some new-to-us varieties. We found a shaded picnic table and rested a bit, enjoying the music. 

Next up, Dara drove us to the Mad River Valley covered bridge. There are several covered bridges in the area. The first time we saw one was super charming, but we got numb to the quaintness of covered bridges pretty quickly, and started pondering the safety and practicality with today's heavy vehicles. Our modern concerns kill the magic of these bygone beauties.

In Warren, we stayed at the Warren Lodge, which was cozy, clean, and comfortable. A creek ran behind the building with a deck for lounging and a little pedestrian bridge over the creek. Nearby hikes included Silver Lake and Falls of Lana via Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, and Sunset Ledge as part of the Green Mountains Long Trail near Lincoln Gap. I loved these hikes for the leafy canopies shading the trails. Silver Lake was especially beautiful.

Silver Lake

In Waitsfield, we visited the Lawson's Finest Liquids Taproom for a tasty beer flight. This taproom also has a restaurant, and is a certified B corporation.

Near Warren, we visited Baird Maple Syrup farm with a tour of the grounds and production area, and a syrup tasting. It was interesting to learn about maple syrup production, and a quintessential Vermont experience. Plus, we got to pet the resident cat there.

When visiting Waterbury, unless you are really into ice cream production, skip the Ben & Jerry's factory tour which is sometimes difficult to schedule, but do visit the free admission Flavor Graveyard on the edge of the parking lot. The headstones of past flavor offerings are informative and funny.  You can buy ice cream scoops at the main building service windows, without having to enter the gift shop fray (unless you want to.) Also skip the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, which is a giant gift shop, Instagram bait area / tourist trap, with a hectic parking lot. We enjoyed the apple orchard in Shelburne so much more than Cold Hollow Cider Mill.

In Stowe, we spent two nights at the von Trapp Family Lodge and Resort, and wow, it's one of the nicest places I've ever stayed. Think Alpine style architecture mixed with The Sound of Music origin story family lore and history, luxe guest rooms, and gorgeous views! There are apple trees near the main lodge that drop many varieties of delicious apples. They encourage guests to grab an apple off the ground and enjoy. If a stay at the Lodge isn't in your budget, you can book a von Trapp history tour for about $30 each person that includes a 70 minute tour/presentation and a day pass for the expansive grounds with lovely hiking and biking trails. You'll also find a brewery, a restaurant, and a coffee shop on site. 

Stowe is super-cute, complete with a covered bridge and many photo opportunities. We spent about 90 minutes in the main touristy shopping district, which was plenty for us. We mostly enjoyed the Old Yard Center Cemetery in the shadow of the big church steeple with headstones dating back to 1798! 

Easy nearby hikes include Smuggler's Notch viewing area and Moss Glen Falls. We also hiked the Pinnacle Trail to Stowe Pinnacle which was moderately challenging with rocky scrambles, and nice views at the top. 

Smuggler's Notch

Moss Glen Falls

Our fearless Wildland Trekking guide, Dara, drove a van up Mount Mansfield Toll Road so we could hike up to "the chin" at the top of Mount Mansfield. Locals refer to the various parts of Mount Mansfield as if it were a face with a forehead, eyes, nose, and chin in profile. The toll road costs $85 per vehicle -- ouch. Our guide and driver, Dara, must have nerves of steel, because the road was very steep grade, narrow with limited pull-out areas to allow passing traffic, and scented with burning brake pads. Dara is a seasoned pro, so she got us safely up and down the steep curves. The hike to the top of Mount Mansfield was a rocky scramble. The views were nice from the top, but honestly not sure if it was worth the effort, cost, or scary ride on the toll road, especially if you don't have seasoned pro driving you. 

Mount Mansfield Summit a.k.a. the chin

Speaking of our seasoned pro, Dara was so fun as a guide! She imparted nature knowledge, told us all the local information and lore, kept us safe, and made sure everyone in our small group feel included with easy conversation starting questions. I would be so happy to take another trip with Wildland trekking, and especially with Dara as a guide.

I loved visiting Vermont with fall foliage near peak season, which in 2025 was at the very end of September into the beginning of October. It was bucket-list worthy!

Book your fall travel to Vermont now. *Click here for the link for Wildland Trekking.* Or, build your own trip, but be forewarned about the Mount Mansfield toll road!

autumnal confetti

Manic Hobgoblin's 2026 Resolutions

If you're new here, or if you forgot, Manic Hobgoblin lives in my head rent-free. Sometimes he yells with conviction about things I should be doing or helping him do. Sometimes Manic Hobgoblin whispers silly ideas on rapid repeat until I take notice. Sometimes Manic Hobgoblin goes dormant, then rears his full force of persuasion at an inopportune moment. He's been making many demands of my time and attention lately, such as going to test drive some new cars. Consequently, I am late to publish his resolutions for 2026. Apologies. Here they are.

1. Speak only in obscure riddles. People will find it delightful and intriguing. People may infer more depth and insight than intended. 

(Editor's note: Manic Hobgoblin has been doing this for years. It's not a new resolution. It makes for many misunderstandings. Speaking in riddles, or with implied secret meaning, is not intriguing, but irritating.)

2. Master the art of ballroom dancing. 

(Editor's note: Sounds time consuming, but best wishes.)

3. Complete abandoned projects from the past such as, but not limited to, DNF books, culinary school for pastry arts, EGOT status, and piano playing. 

(Editor's note: Nope. I quit all the above examples, and more, for valid reasons. I refuse to assist Manic Hobgoblin with this resolution.)

4. Successfully appeal the Securities and Exchange Commission decision to revoke trading and brokerage license series 7/66. Make some money moves. Do some big deals.

(Editor's note: If Manic Hobgoblin approaches you with an investment opportunity, politely decline. Back away slowly, and get to a safe place, preferably with multiple witnesses available. Manic Hobgoblin no longer has a sponsor firm or a valid license to provide any financial services.)

5. Buy a struggling professional sports team. Offer options and rights to the film about the team's Cinderella story before the playing season even starts.

(Editor's note: Oh, Manic Hobgoblin, you are exhausting. This might work?)

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I personally don't make New Year's resolutions. I have set a book reading goal of 55 books for 2026. In 2025 I read 78 books, with full disclosure that approximately 20 of these were audiobooks. I find that listening to an engaging podcast or an audiobook helps me stay on task during chores and manual tasks such as gardening. I have a home project on the horizon. I have been test driving new cars with my sweet husband, but haven't made any decisions yet. 

Holiday Shopping Guide

It's ti-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-me to think about gifting to loved ones, family, friends, frenemies, your secret Santa person, your arch nemesis, your pets, and/or yourself. My nieces and nephews opine that cash is king, but sometimes you want to be a bit more thoughtful.

Buy second hand first. My favorite online retailer for preowned items is The RealReal. Most of my Kenzo, Kate Spade, Rag & Bone, and other designer fashion items are from The RealReal. Sometimes I get items that still have the original tags attached! I love the photos of each unique item, and the honest condition report for each item. Shop The RealReal.

Local thrift stores are an opportunity for treasure hunting. There is an Austin Goodwill store known as "Gucci Goodwill" for its proximity to a wealthy neighborhood in town. I scored a matching set Tahari skirt and blazer in pink and orange tweed that I wore for years. When I got tired of it, I donated it back to Goodwill. I've also found vases, a cake dome, and even new items that were overstock, perfect for gifting!

If you know me at all, you know I love a good story. I'm a big public library patron and supporter. Shocker, haha. But you shouldn't gift a library item, so for gifting I turn to Half Price Books for a vast selection of used and new books, puzzles, DVDs, CDs, vinyl, and more. I also love bookshop.org for books and E-books. 

Shop local whenever you can. In Austin, I really love Blue Genie Art Bazaar during the Christmas season and in May for spring market. Year round I love Atown for gifts with an Austin theme and/or by local artisans.

If I can't keep it local, I appreciate roaming the aisles of World Market for interesting new items. They excel at snack selections, seasonal tea and regular tea, advent calendars, Christmas ornaments, toss pillows, throw blankets, jewelry, and spa/bath goodies. I love the smell of coffee, tea, and teak furniture whenever I walk into a World Market store. 

When Chad and I were in Burlington, Vermont in October, we visited the Lake Champlain Chocolates flagship store. These are high quality chocolates offered in classic, regional, and seasonal flavors and themes. Bonus points for being a certified B corporation.

If you are feeling super generous, or maybe you want to book a trip for yourself and a loved one in the coming new year, check out Wildland Trekking. I love taking guided hiking trips with Wildland Trekking. They can take all of my travel money. The guides are knowledgeable, kind, and fun. The itineraries are expertly curated. I prefer inn-based trips, but they also offer more rugged camping trips. Wildland Trekking offers trips all over the world. Bonus points again for also being a certified B corporation.

Speaking of certified B corporations, I love The 7 Virtues for personal scents. My fave is Clementine Dream, because I love a bright citrus scent that isn't too sweet.

I know that gifting art can be super tricky as taste in art is super subjective, but one of my favorite artists is Shanna Van Maurick. Her website features cute, quirky, slightly gothic, pastel artsy stuff in different forms at many different price points. 

My pets love items from Chewy. Our dearly-departed dog, Janie, loved a Benebone. The cats love sparkle balls, pop-up tents, and cardboard houses. We also get prescription diet food for our resident furry friends from Chewy. 

Wishing you a festive and peaceful holiday season! And a very merry Christmas to those who celebrate!

Why I Became a Ghost

Spooky season serves ghostly tales and haunting legends much to our equal delight and dismay. Sometimes one must pause to ponder, "Am I the ghost? No, I don't think so. But maybe?"

To set the scene, I'd been going to my hair-stylist (hereafter known as X) for about six years. X did excellent color. X created beautiful balayage on my hair ranging from Malibu Barbie pink highlights, to golden honey gloss, to warm caramel ribbons. I left happy with the color 95% the time. There was the one time, I asked for pink gloss, and left with magenta, but the color soon faded to a more pleasing shade. X also gave good haircuts, but color was X's main area of expertise.

When I first started going to X, X was going through a breakup. X gossiped about their ex-romantic-partner, which wouldn't have been a big deal, except X's ex worked in the same salon, and got to hear it all firsthand from the other side of the row of mirrors. Scary! Imagine having a front row seat to your ex-partner complaining about you. Imagine also that you have sharp scissors and extremely hot styling tools at the ready. Even more scary! X's ex-partner quickly found a job at another salon. 

Fast forward a few months, and X started dating one of the owners of the salon. Wow! X did not learn that lesson about how messy it can be to date a coworker, and leveled up to dating the boss. I also started to notice that if X didn't like someone at that salon, the other person didn't stay working there for very long. I know that correlation does not equal causation, but the common factor in swift departures from the salon seemed to be X. 

Approximately three years into my six year relationship with X, X was still dating the salon owner/boss, and bemoaned some of the difficulties of dating a "much older" person. X talked about the age gap, and how awful it was to be from a different generation with different priorities and perspectives. I stayed silent in my knowledge that I was the same age as X's romantic partner/boss. I let X unwittingly dig that proverbial grave deeper and deeper. 

X rarely remembered anything about me, often confusing me with other clients. That's fine. People you pay for services are not your friends. People you pay for services do not owe you emotional support. That said, I low-key did not appreciate some of X's very stereotyped observations of my age. X, read the room! Also, X's romantic partner/boss was often in the salon to hear it all. Not to mention all of their shared coworkers at the salon hearing the selfishly tepid and tedious relationship gossip. 

Over the course of the time I went to X, the cost kept rising, much faster than inflation rates. The bill for services rendered leapt from: expensive and worth it, to downright offensive, to more than some people's monthly mortgage.

Fast forward again to about a year ago, I got a ghastly haircut from X that I did not want. I asked for long, loose layers, and left with choppy, thick curtain bangs which were just shy of a lady mullet. X kept saying "curtain bangs" while I repeated "long, loose layers." The haircut wasn't horrific, but it wasn't what I wanted. At all. I knew the hairstyle wasn't ideal when the salon receptionist exclaimed with wide eyes, "Oh! You got bangs! Um, wow." 

Reminder: X did excellent color. So I returned a few months later for a trim and a color refresh. X told me that their cosmetology license was expiring soon. X then proceeded to paint my highlights, and look at the phone to take the cosmetology license renewal exam. Yes, you read that right: X highlighted my hair while simultaneously taking an online exam. At one point, X loudly exclaimed, "Oh no!" Startled, I asked what was wrong. "I let a video run while I was painting your hair. The next exam question is what was the video about? I'm going to have to rewatch it. You need to sit for fifteen minutes while your hair processes, anyway." I don't think that X was actually finished with my highlights, but X walked off muttering about the video. 

After my hair color was complete to X's distracted estimation, X asked what I wanted for my haircut. I told X that I wanted a trim on the ends, but to please not trim my bangs. I did not say aloud that I desperately wanted to grow out the bangs, but I did think it. X looked at my hair with unmasked disdain, then said, "Don't ever cut your own bangs. If you're having trouble styling your hair, come to me. I can show you some styling tips, or reshape your layers." Then X shook their head and sighed. 

That was the moment that killed our six year relationship. Our relationship died not with a bang, not with a whimper, but with silence. I ignored reminder text messages to set my next appointment. I unfollowed on social media. I unsubscribed from emails. I ghosted X.

Over a year later, the choppy, thick curtain bangs continue to haunt me, as I grow them out. Do not mourn for me. I've moved on to a better place. I doubt that X even remembers me. 

#goals

Some people like to announce their goals and plans. Perhaps they announce goals in an attempt to maintain accountability, or perhaps as an act of optimism, or seeking validation and feedback as they progress. Some people opine that one should not announce their goals, in case others try to negatively judge, discourage, or impede them. Still other people choose to not announce their goals and plans, because simply announcing goals gives them the positive hit of dopamine (or other happy brain chemicals), without actually accomplishing anything, and making them less likely to complete said goal(s). 

Honestly, I don't like to keep secrets. I've usually been an open book. Sometimes my tendency toward transparency worked well in the past, sometimes not.

I currently have three very separate outcome if/then contingency flow charts happening in regards to my personal goals. I'm not sharing. Please know that I'm so distracted at any given moment trying to keep silent goals from spilling. I may put a few red herrings on the hook when people fish for information. I simply do not want the pressure of stated goals when so much is beyond my control.

If/when I manage to accomplish some of the goals, I'll broadcast it here... three to six months after the fact. 

Click here for a good Ted Talk on goals.

Days Without Illness

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Chad went to the San Franciso area for a work trip, arriving back home on January 25th. He brought with him the worst souvenir in the form of pernicious germs. Chad exhibited common cold symptoms upon waking up on his first day back at home. I guessed that it was only a matter of days before I also fell to the germs. I made an unscheduled trip to the store for sick supplies that included Nyquil, Gatorade, coughdrops, Kleenex (brag, we're fancy with the name brands), and soup. Chad worked from home for a few days, and returned to the office by the time I started feeling sick. The first illness brought no fevers, but plentiful sniffles, sneezes, coughing, general discomfort, mouth-breathing and tiredness. This was all mild relative to what awaited both Chad and me soon. 

I recovered from illness A within about four days. Promptly upon my recovery from illness A, Chad came down with illness B, which we think was influenza. Illness B brought fever, chills, joint pain, body aches, more coughing, more sniffles, and more mouth-breathing. Chad worked from home again for several days, logging off early each day for naps. While I cared for him, I got a front-row preview of illness B for a few days before I also succumbed to the germs. By the time Chad was feeling well enough to return to the office after his round of illness B, I was sick. Really sick. When I emailed the library to let them know that I'd be out, my supervisor replied with commiseration, urging me to "rest, rest, and rest." 

Five days of misery followed. I alternately had a fever so hot that I needed to lie on the cool tile floor of the kitchen, then felt such chills that I had to pile multiple blankets on myself. I spent most of those five days either in bed or on the floor. The worst day of my symptoms, I gathered enough strength to make my usual breakfast of yogurt, berries, and 1/3 cup of flaxseed oat granola. One of my cats loves to lick the dregs of my yogurt after I finish breakfast. Occasionally I have to fend him off from fully sticking his furry face in the yogurt while I'm trying to eat. So on this day, while very sick, I prepared my yogurt bowl, then felt a wave a heat from fever overtake my core. I left my yogurt bowl on the kitchen counter, to lie on the tile floors. My sweet cat put his whisker face on my forehead, and telepathically communicated, "yeah, lady, you're down bad with the fever. I smell it on you." Naturally, his next mission was to help himself to the yogurt so thoughtfully left out for him on the counter. No amount of verbal protest on my part swayed him from his delicious prize. I stood very slowly, mindful of my illness, and put the yogurt bowl into the refrigerator, out of the reach of my dairy obsessed boy. 

As I was briefly upright, I felt an urgent need to go to the bathroom. I must stress, urgent need! I made my way into the bathroom, and sat on the toilet, as one does. While seated, I thought, I'm still so feverish. I need to get myself into the dry bathtub as soon as I'm done on the toilet. Oh no. I feel kind of woozy. 

I regained consciousness a while later. How much later? Haha, I don't know. Less than ten minutes? My other cat walked between my feet on the floor, seemingly concerned at my current ability level to dole out treats. My head was wedged between the bathroom sink and the back of the toilet tank. A basket of feminine supplies residing on the back of the toilet tank acted as a pillow in my moment of need. I literally laughed out loud as I surveyed my situation. I slowly stood, pulled up my pajama bottoms, washed my hands, and trudged in a half stoop to the bed. I slept for three and a half hours. When I awoke, I thought about texting Chad at work to let him know what happened, but I didn't want to worry him. What could he do? Rush home to watch me lie on the floor and binge old sitcoms and YouTube videos? 

You might be wondering why I didn't go to the doctor for some Tamiflu to help alleviate illness B? Haha, yeah, so all five of the primary care physicians I've ever seen in Austin retired over the past six years. I don't have a primary care physician currently. Nor did I possess the energy or will to try and find a new doctor in my moment of need and misery. That reminds me, I need to find a primary care physician. They'll probably announce their retirement soon after my first visit with them. 

While Chad and I tag-teamed illnesses over the course of three weeks, we missed out on several special scheduled events. Jack, I'm sorry that I didn't make it to your show even though I bought tickets far in advance. I'm sad about the hard-to-get dinner reservation I had to cancel. 

I'm thankful to be feeling healthy again. I'm thankful for being able to breathe through my nose. I'm thankful to not suffer coughing and sneezing fits. I'm thankful to be able to exercise, and go for nightly walks again. I'm thankful that I caught up on housekeeping chores. I'm thankful to be back to my regularly scheduled life. 

Days without illness: 32 and counting.

Acadia National Park with Wildland Trekking

Chad and I are always looking to escape the Texas summer heat. We love visiting state parks, national parks, and national forests to enjoy scenic nature, and remove ourselves from screens and from city traffic and noise. We had never been to Maine prior to our trip in August 2024. We aren't getting any younger, and wanted an adventurous trip while we still have good knees for hiking and upper body strength for climbing.

I love a thoughtful guided vacation, with someone more knowledgeable than myself about different places planning the stays, the activities, and the meal procurement. Honestly, I sometimes get sick of the trips I'm planning before we even go when I research (some might say over-research) and book everything on my own. I like to leave the planning to a group of professionals, and then to be pleasantly surprised by the itinerary and activities. I chose Wildland Trekking because I wanted a small group (eight people or less) with a dedicated trail guide. Spoiler alert: Wildland Trekking gets five stars out of five for such an enjoyable trip. 

Our small group of fellow hikers were all so kind, fun, and patient. Our group included myself, Chad, Daniel, Carli, Rob, Juliet, and our sweet, nimble, knowledgeable tour guide, Anthony.  Anthony made sure to strike a balance between motivating us to keep a good pace, and stopping to admire views. While we hiked, Anthony advised us on best safety practices, and doled out knowledge about local plants and wildlife. Logistically he knew all the best parking spots, which roads were one-way loops, and where to catch the various trailheads. 

Breakfast each day was takeout from local restaurants. Anthony sent a menu link to our group text. We each sent our orders. We usually ate breakfast on the large front porch of our guest house. Lunch each day was DIY from "the goodness spread". The goodness spread was a picnic blanket set up by Anthony with all the DIY lunch groceries we needed to make our own healthy lunches: stuff for a sandwich or wrap, some fruit, nuts, yogurts, and coconut waters. Anthony delighted in offering us each a square of chocolate after lunch breaks. Dinners each evening were in local restaurants that could accommodate various dietary restrictions and preferences. Wildland Trekking took care of all the meal reservations, paying for all meals, and tipping for meals. (Seriously, I only pulled out my wallet once to buy some whoopie pies from a local bakery during free time in Bar Harbor.)

Yes, we climbed many ladders like this!

On the first day of our Wildland Trekking tour Anthony picked each of us up in the big passenger van from our respective hotels in Bangor, Maine bright and early. When we arrived at Acadia National Park, Anthony had us circle up outside the van for introductions and a quick icebreaker question of what brought each of us on this particular trip. The "circle up" led by Anthony reminded me of youth groups and summer camps, and helped to endear a group of strangers to each other, and to our shared experience of hiking and exploring together. 

We covered many miles on the first day of our trip, but eased into it without too much elevation gain. Our group took the Island Hopper free shuttle bus operated by the National Park Service to Jordan Pond for a hike all the way around the tranquil pond carved out by glaciers with views of the Bubbles rock formations. The Jordan Pond hike was a fairly easy loop with just a few areas of rocky scrambles. The scenery did not disappoint, offering up tree canopies, tranquil water, abundant critters, and giant rock formations. 

Next we took the Island Hopper to walk along Sand Beach for moody, foggy vibes with ocean waves providing the soundtrack. We hiked up through a forest area to Thunder Hole, a naturally carved inlet along the rocky coast, so named for the thunderous sound of ocean waves crashing. The day we went was particularly awe-inspiring thanks to Hurricane Ernesto fueled wind and waves! 

Waves crashing at Thunder Hole

Steep stone steps made me thankful for good knees!

The second day was a tough day due to challenging steep elevation gains, persistent rain, thick fog, and slippery conditions. Despite Anthony's gentle guidance and safety tips for footing, there was some slipping and sliding on rock shelves as we ascended steep inclines in the rain. A heavy blanket of fog made the summit of Dorr Mountain anticlimactic as it obscured any views. Anthony advised us to don our rain jackets, and to be mindful of our core temperatures in the cool rain and heavy fog. 

Thankfully, we took the easier, gentler switchback path down Dorr Mountain through more wooded areas with pretty coastline views revealed as the fog decreased. I liked it so much better than the steep steps and ladders that we took up Dorr. We were all chilly, but also sweaty from exertion, and varying degrees of rain-soaked. Sensing that morale was drooping, Anthony took a group vote, and we decided to head back into town early, and take the afternoon to rest, recover and have a bit of free time to nap, shower, and/or explore Bar Harbor before our dinner reservation that night. 

Bar Harbor, Maine delivers quintessential Americana in a charmingly small tourist town. It is just gorgeous. You can be as bougie or as casual as you like in your fashion, and fit right in. I was happy to have a little free time to explore Bar Harbor before dinner a few evenings. The early risers in our group did some exploring before breakfast each day. Alas, I am not an early bird. I am a lifelong night owl. While in Bar Harbor, I recommend the Wild Maine Blueberry pie and whoopie pies (cake-like chocolate cookies sandwich with fluffy cream filling in the center) for sweet treats with local ingredients and origins.

The third day of our Wildland Trekking tour was a relatively easy, breezy, tranquil day. Our trip to Schoodic Peninsula started with a ferry boat ride from Bar Harbor. We spotted harbor seals, dolphins, and bald eagles, in addition to rock formations and coastlines during the boat ride. Traversing the mostly level trails on Schoodic Peninsula felt similar to a super-sized terrarium with abundant moss and lichen absorbing sound and giving off a pleasant earthy scent. We also enjoyed gorgeous coastline views, wild berry bushes, and fuzzy caterpillars along the way. We lingered on a pebble beach at the end of our hikes for the day, and enjoyed the calming sounds of the waves and the pleasant warmth of the sun. 

mossy vibes on Schoodic Peninsula

Liking all the lichen on Schoodic Peninsula!

Our fourth day with Wildland Trekking featured the challenging adventure of scaling Beehive Trail Loop, a 450 foot cliff with steep drops, ascended via rungs and ladders. Fear of heights and scaling Beehive do not play well together. Fortunately, weather conditions were ideal (dry with high visibility) for our climb that day. Before we started up Beehive, Anthony had us "circle up" in the parking lot, and share what our anxiety or fear for the day might be, and how we planned to meet it. The answers people gave were honest and a bit vulnerable. My own answer was that I was anxious about the uncertainty of climbing the challenging course up Beehive, and that I would meet it with positive determination. Anthony described the climb up Beehive as"high consequence" should you trip, slip, or fall. I found it challenging and a little fear-inducing. In my head I kept thinking, "keep your eyes up and forward." That worked for me. Admittedly I don't have a fear of heights. I'm oh-so-proud that Chad and I scaled Beehive! 

Climbing Beehive!

Anthony donning a seaweed beard extension

As if climbing Beehive wasn't enough adventure for one day, we also had ocean kayaking around Bar Harbor on the agenda in the afternoon. I love kayaking, but usually do so on gentle lakes with minimal waves. Ocean kayaking presented a new challenge for Chad and for me. Our kayaking guide, while knowledgeable about flora, fauna, local lore, and celebrity summer homes in the area, misjudged the outgoing tide that day. We got caught by the lowering tide at a natural land bridge, and had to kayak an extra mile around the other side of a small island. I liked the extra kayaking, and smiled the whole time. Don't threaten me with a good time!

Our fifth and final day with Wildland Trekking started with a visit to Bass Harbor historic 19th century lighthouse. The lighthouse interior is not open for visitors, but there is a plaque outside with information. We took a trail through the forest and scrambled over coastline rock formations to get some good photos. 

A short van ride took us to the parking area for our final hike. Without a hint of irony, Anthony said, "Let's bag another summit." Up the trail we went for views of Echo Lake and to to the summit of Beech Mountain. We enjoyed a leisurely picnic lunch at picturesque Sand Cove Beach. It felt like the final day of summer camp, in that I was so tired, thankful for the experience, and a little wistful that it was ending. 

Bass Harbor historic light house

last hike

During the van ride back to Bangor after our last hike, Anthony asked for each of us to share reflections from our trip. We said goodbye to our trip companions as each got dropped off at respective hotels. I enjoyed the company of each person, and would happily go another trip with any/all of them. This hiking trip was definitely physically challenging, and I'm so proud that Chad and I did it!

We were back at our hotel in Bangor by 4:30 PM to shower and sleep before a prescheduled 5:30 AM pickup time for a ride to the airport the next morning.

Click here if you want to book a trip to Acadia National Park with Wildland Trekking. This is not a sponsored post. We genuinely had such an enjoyable, awe-inspiring, and well planned trip, that I want everyone who is interested to support Wildland Trekking. They have a variety of trips in addition to Acadia National Park. 

Also a positive review and product link for Bombas hiking socks, which feature a wool blend for good cushion and for staying dry. Again, this is not sponsored. Chad and I both really like these socks for hiking. No blisters for us!

Before our Wildland Trekking trip began, Chad and I opted to fly to Bangor one full day early, so that we were adequately rested before our physically demanding hiking started. We also wanted to see Stephen King's former home (now an office for one of his foundations) in Bangor, and a few other local sites referenced in Stephen King books and subsequent movies. We definitely felt some of the sources of inspiration for the fictional town of Derry. 

Stephen King's former home, now office for foundation

Artfully carved tree at the Stephen King House

Not menacing at all, haha!