It's a hiking challenge in Harpswell, Maine to hike 8 waterfront trails in 2 days. Unfortunately, it was back in June. But I thought it would still be cool to complete the 8 hikes listed as part of the challenge. I will not do it in 2 days (it's just not possible with a 14 month old at home)...instead I thought my challenge would be to complete all 8 hikes by the end of our summer with the little man on my back. If we did 1-2 a week, we could definitely do this. And since Nolan loves the outdoors, I think he'll enjoy our weekly excursions. PLUS Harpswell is just a beautiful area and I love that it's only 15-20 minutes down the road. Most of the trails are a part of the Harpswell Land Trust. Most towns in our area have a land trust and open the trails on these beautiful parcels of land to the public. Now, I know this is no "40 4,000 Footers" list like New Hampshire has, but this is baby steps!! (which I have completed at least a dozen of those hikes on the list, by the way)
So our first hike was one Buckley and I have already done with my good friend and her dog (also, Buck's best girl) and it's definitely a favorite of mine. It's called the Cliff Trail. It's a very pretty hike through the woods where children can stop and build fairy houses. It also peaks at Harpswell's highest point and the views are just breathtaking (and sometimes stomach-taking at first). I was able to drag Joe away from some outside yard and shed work and we all went for a "Family Hike." It was nice to get out together. Buckley chased countless number of poor, innocent chipmunks and one very angry red squirrel. And Nolan and I started a little backpack fun where we pretend the tree branches are going to tickle him and he squeals with joy when the branches brush up against him. Then he reaches out for more.
Here's some pics:
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And we're off! Family self-portrait  Good times  |
Such pretty views just minutes from home! We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful area of Maine.
On to hike #2! Nolan had woken up from a nap, Joe was busy roofing the "addition" to his shed, and I decided I was going stir crazy at home. Nolan and I headed out to the Devil's Back trail on our own. This is a newer trail and I couldn't find any information online about whether or not dogs were allowed. Come to find out when we got there, our furry friend was more than welcome. Since I really enjoyed this hike, we will definitely be heading back with Buck in tow. There were a couple of spots for him to enjoy a dip in the ocean. Online the hike was described as easy. I guess when you don't have a 25 pound toddler on your back, it is! There were definitely a few steep spots that I had to think about my footing and use the help of some sturdy trees to negotiate my way up the trail. I got a really good workout in on this hike! One half of the loop was this way, and the other half was fairly easy to get through. We had a lot of fun exploring this 1.4 mile loop. A pretty location in the woods with some nice water views along the way. At the end of our hike, we went down on the rocks to snap some pictures and engage in Nolan's new favorite pasttime of throwing rocks in the water. He could've stayed there all evening. I'm sure we'll be back.
A little tricky to find, but glad we did!
Heading out at the start of the trail!
Nolan loved this boat and waved every time it came into view along the trail
Fun in the sun
I have no idea what he's pointing at....
Down in the little cove
"One, two, three, throw!!!"
After our hike, we decided to head a little further down the road to this cute little place called the Island Candy Company for ice cream. I perused the list of flavors and decided on some blueberry ice cream. Yum! It was delicious and we fought over the spoon constantly until the very last bite! The perfect cool treat after our hike.
So, that's 2 hikes down, 6 more to go! Can't wait to choose which one we'll do next. After Harpswell, we'll have to pick our next area to conquer! :)
