Brown Woods (Bangor)

It's a busy weekend so I did a quick hike at Brown Woods in Bangor.  Although short it was nice to get outside even for a few minutes.  

Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary (Mount Desert Island)

The Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary is a 250 acre preserve on MDI managed by a nonprofit with the same name.   The preserve protects a significant amount of land around Somes Pond.  

I hiked the preserve's 1.3 mile Spring and Nature Trails today.   This was a nice relatively easy hike with scenic views of Somes Pond.

Appalachian Trail n/o Rt 15 to Bell Pond (Monson)

It has been raining intermittently this weekend throughout the state, at times quite hard, so when the forecast called for only scattered showers this morning I hoped the rain would hold off long enough to get a quick hike in.

I explored the AT in Monson early this morning, hoping the break in rain would provide an opportunity to see wildlife.   Parts of the trail from Rt 15 to Bell Pond were soaked and, as my boots and socks became soaked as well, I gained a greater appreciation of the challenges faced by through hikers on the trail who often have to hike in inclimate weather and often lack a chance to dry off and warm up afterwards.  

It was an enjoyable 2.5 mile hike nonetheless, with the rain holding off until the final mile on my return trip to the car.   

Compass Harbor Trail (Acadia National Park)

Just outside of Bar Harbor is the Compass Harbor Trail, a relatively easy 0.8 mile (roundtrip) trail that leads through the former George Dorr estate to the coast overlooking Frenchman Bay.  Dorr, known as the Father of Acadia National Park, was instrumental in the parks formation and expansion.

I explored the trail while my son climbed at Volta.   This is a nice walk leading to great views of the Mount Desert Island shore.   

Ron and Lee Davis Conservation Easement (Orono)

Tucked away in the southern end of Orono adjacent to I-95 is the 33 acre Davis Conservation Easement, managed by the Orono Land Trust.  An one mile trail runs along the perimeter of the preserve.   

I hiked the trail this morning, greeted by a pileated woodpecker on a nearby tree before even starting the hike.   Despite it's proximity to the interstate, the preserve feels secluded, although as the trail approaches I-95 traffic sounds become more pervasive.   This was an enjoyable walk nonetheless.