September 12
Peter suggested today’s itinerary, and it was a winner.
He led the way in his car to “Grandpa’s Beach”. After a short walk through the woods and marsh grass, we were at a very pretty beach. Peter left me to walk for an hour by myself. It was wonderful – the waves were very rough. I had just returned to my car when Patricia texted me that the sign to White Point was down, and Peter returned to fetch me and point out the turnoff.
White Point
The parking at the White Point trailhead was very limited, but I did the best I could. Then a wonderful walk on the cliffs and headland there.
Neils Harbour – Chowder House
After a quick look at the Neils Harbor Lighthouse, I went to the Chowder House, which had just opened for lunch — and there was already a line. I had the lobster roll. It was delicious!
Mica Trail
Finally an opportunity to walk for awhile – Mica Trail is about 2.5 miles to the top. Just as I was starting, a couple with a large dog was coming down the trail. The trail was gravel with boardwalks across the frequent streams and boggy areas until about halfway up, and then a sign indicated that the trail further on was no longer maintained. It was a combination of rocky, muddy and ankle-high water.
I kept going until I ran out of trail markers, often following the dog’s pawprints in the mud. It was beautiful, and, similar to the Bog Trail, the plants were amazing: sphagnum moss, reindeer moss, pitcher plant, blueberries, spruce, aster, goldenrod, and tamarack/larch. Even though my boots were soaked and muddy and it was windy, I wasn’t cold. But it was near 5pm when I returned to the trailhead, and I was glad to be done before dark.
Back at the hostel, an interesting conversation with several folks while my boots dry on the dryer.