T H E   H E A R T   O F   A C A D I A

Acadia National Park
Central Maine Coast

Thursday, October 7, 2004

The day proves to be sunny but a bit nippy in the temperature department. To ensure heat retention, I dress for success in an effort to protect my lengthy appendages from the biting air.

I hop on my bike and start my ride. From Jordan Pond House I ride across the road and immediately encounter one of the carriage road entrances. Located just left of the entrance gate I discover Jordan Pond Gate Lodge. Acadia's other gate lodge, Brown Mountain Gate Lodge, is located near Northeast Harbor.

Inspired by rustic architecture found in France, the lodge's design attempts to blend into the natural settings of the park environment.

After dodging a horsepile I pass through the entrance gate then get schooled on the simple rules of carriage road engagement. It appears horses rule the roads, hikers and bikers must give way. Bikers must to give way to hikers so I guess I'll be at the bottom of the barrel during my ride today. But that's okay, it's a small price to pay to play in this wilderness playground.