Every trip to Bar Harbor we checked the tides, pick a time, and cross the sand bar to Bar Island. Every time there's always a little question about whether or not we'll get down from the top of the island to the sand bar, before the tide comes back in.
Well, this year, we missed it! From the scenic overlook at the top of the island, we looked back at the sand bar and saw it was getting very small. We ran down the trail and come out of the woods to see that dreaded site - the sand bar was (mostly) covered by the tide! Since the water was only about a foot deep, it certainly wasn't a serious problem, and it made for the most memorable Bar Island trip ever!
Later in the day, we planned a hike up Cadillac's North Ridge Trail, followed by a pick-up at the top. This is only about a 2-mile hike up, and I was looking forward to it since I hadn't hiked Cadillac in years. Alas, it was not to be (for me). I was tying my boots at the house when Owen bumped into an 8-foot-tall, 100-pound, wood-framed antique mirror. Turns out it wasn't secured to the wall, and it tipped over. Owen was at the bottom and wasn't hit at all, but the wooden frame landed right on top of my head! I had a dent and a lump, and decided not to hike and risk more swelling. Kristan and Sean ended up hiking Cadillac, and afterwards I ended up in the emergency room to get it all checked out (just a flesh wound!).
Friday, August 23, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Acadia Mtn and Echo Lake
We decided to sample some of the west-side attractions, so we hiked Acadia Mtn today. It was a short climb with OK views of Somes Sound. I recall better views from St. Saveur Mtn. Trails weren't "perfect" like most others we hiked this week, but that made it a little more interesting.
The best part of the outing was discovering the trail down to Echo Lake after the hike. It's a short walk from the parking lot down to the lake, but there isn't a beach, just a "cliff". Still, the kids loved it, jumping right in. It's really a beautiful lake, and we all want to go back next year and spend more time swimming and relaxing there.
The worst part of the outing was lunch, usually my favorite part! Again, we wanted to try some west-side attractions, so we ate at the Cafe Dry Dock in Southwest Harbor. From the hostess to the waitress, the service was careless and slow. The food was mediocre too. I rarely have bad things to say about restaurants, but we won't be returning here.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Asticou Terraces, Thuya Garden, and Eliot Mtn
This was really hard to find. Eliot Mtn isn't even on some maps!
Best parking was along Rt. 3, east of the junction with 198 and the Asticou Inn. We parked at the Asticou Azalea Garden, a very zen Japanese-like garden with parking on 198, just north of the Rt. 3 jct.
It was nice walking thru there, but it was a bit long of a walk along Rt. 3 from there to our real first destination, the Asticou Terraces. I liked the groomed terrace trail very much, again very Japanese-like in the trails, terraces, and little structures on the paths.
We flew thru the Thuya Garden, but it did seem very nice. Continued thru to the real path up Eliot Mtn. It was a nice simple hike. Not much for trail markers and it was heavily wooded, so no idea how far to the summit was at any point. Not much for views either, due to the trees and the low mtn height, but it was a nice hike, esp. with the start (or end) in the Asticou Terraces.
Beehive
Went up the steep Beehive trail today. Wasn't sure the kids would like it, but Sean and Owen loved it. Ethan was not thrilled about it, but did it to stay with everyone else.
Went over to the Bowl afterwards, which is actually our first time ever going there. A nice pond, but nothing special other than just being a remote alpine pond.
Walked down the Bowl Trail, which was still a little steep but pretty easy.
This was a great hike, although it's tough with the parking and crowds at Sand Beach.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Champlain Mtn
Hiked the Beachcroft trail up the west side of Champlain. Parked along Rt. 3 south, on the right, just past the Sierre du Monts park entrance. Walk a tiny bit south and cross Rt. 3 to find the trailhead.
The first half is all stairs and then some flat rock along the cliff edge. It feels like you're reaching the top after 30-45 minutes, but it's a false peak! (Actually, it's called Hugenot Head.) You have to go down a notch and then up to the real peak.
It's a great hike, but it's twice as long as it looks at first! At the top, views of Dorr and the harbor are great.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Bajafondo
The Stage on Sixth, Sat/Sun, 1am
These guys really rocked the Day Stage earlier in the week, so we wanted to see them in a more intimate club setting. They did not disappoint! I already bought the album to listen to on the way home!
These guys really rocked the Day Stage earlier in the week, so we wanted to see them in a more intimate club setting. They did not disappoint! I already bought the album to listen to on the way home!
Vampire Weekend
Stubb's, Sat/Sun, midnight
Definitely one of the big events for SXSW! I only knew a couple of their songs, but it was a good concert. Band didn't really chat with the crowd though, so I still prefer all the rest of the small venues we usually go to.
Definitely one of the big events for SXSW! I only knew a couple of their songs, but it was a good concert. Band didn't really chat with the crowd though, so I still prefer all the rest of the small venues we usually go to.
Parenthetical Girls
Ten Oak, Sat, 11pm
Caught the beginning of this show after the last one we saw here. They had a fun new-wave sound, and a cool name. Need to check out an album later!
Caught the beginning of this show after the last one we saw here. They had a fun new-wave sound, and a cool name. Need to check out an album later!
Ivan and Aloysha
Ten Oak, Sat, 10pm
Saw these guys again, just as a layover between gigs at far ends of the city.
Saw these guys again, just as a layover between gigs at far ends of the city.
Bronze Radio Return
Rebels Honky Tonk, Sat, 10pm
Good rock band, with a bit of country thrown in. Appropriate for a bar named Rebels Honky Tonk!
Good rock band, with a bit of country thrown in. Appropriate for a bar named Rebels Honky Tonk!
Lighthouse & the Whaler
Karma, Sat, 9pm
I have a free EP from them, and love it! So glad to see them live, and can't wait to pick up the new album!
I have a free EP from them, and love it! So glad to see them live, and can't wait to pick up the new album!
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Frightened Rabbit
Mohawk, Sat, 5pm
These guys popped up in our schedule many times, but they always conflicted with other bands we wanted to see more. We finally caught them at non-SXSW gig. They started 20 minutes late, but we might never have gotten if Ed hasn't known someone who worked here!
After all the build-up and expectation, I half-expected it to be a let-down, but it was pretty good! Too much guitars (5!), but otherwise good.
These guys popped up in our schedule many times, but they always conflicted with other bands we wanted to see more. We finally caught them at non-SXSW gig. They started 20 minutes late, but we might never have gotten if Ed hasn't known someone who worked here!
After all the build-up and expectation, I half-expected it to be a let-down, but it was pretty good! Too much guitars (5!), but otherwise good.
The Parlotones
Stub Hub Live, Sat, 3:15pm
Only caught the end if this, but these guys were very good! I had their name wrong for months (thought it was "Parlortones"), but much later found the correct spelling and finally found their albums!
Only caught the end if this, but these guys were very good! I had their name wrong for months (thought it was "Parlortones"), but much later found the correct spelling and finally found their albums!
Mary Epworth
Norwich Sound & Vision, British Music Embassy, Sat, 3pm
Band from the northeast of England, featuring 3 women and 1 guy. Kind of a mellow country-rock sound, pretty nice, but nothing I'll be buying.
Band from the northeast of England, featuring 3 women and 1 guy. Kind of a mellow country-rock sound, pretty nice, but nothing I'll be buying.
Ginger and the Ghost
Aussie BBQ, Maggie Mae's, Sat, 2:15pm
I assume Ginger is the red-haired lead singer. Reminds me of Goldfrapp, very showy, costumes, dancy electro-pop.
I assume Ginger is the red-haired lead singer. Reminds me of Goldfrapp, very showy, costumes, dancy electro-pop.
The Audreys
Aussie BBQ, Maggie Mae's, Sat, 1pm
Another nice folk duo. Australia doesn't seem to have sent too many rock bands this year. They were good, but not terribly unique, and the sound was horrible (reverb from the show downstairs?).
Another nice folk duo. Australia doesn't seem to have sent too many rock bands this year. They were good, but not terribly unique, and the sound was horrible (reverb from the show downstairs?).
The Falls
Aussie BBQ, Maggie Mae's, Sat, 12:45pm
A simple folk duo like Civil Wars, but with a 4-piece string section too! They brought up another artist to play 1 song with them, Jack Carty, playing later today too. Very nice folk/country music!
A simple folk duo like Civil Wars, but with a 4-piece string section too! They brought up another artist to play 1 song with them, Jack Carty, playing later today too. Very nice folk/country music!
Andy Clockwise
Aussie BBQ, Maggie Mae's, Sat, 12:15pm
I got a free CD or download from this guy at SXSW 2010, but I didn't see him that year. His free album included a song with Lissie on vocals, whom we saw in 2010 and again this year.
I didn't like that free album too much (except for the amazing song with Lissie), but this concert was very good!
I got a free CD or download from this guy at SXSW 2010, but I didn't see him that year. His free album included a song with Lissie on vocals, whom we saw in 2010 and again this year.
I didn't like that free album too much (except for the amazing song with Lissie), but this concert was very good!
What Made Milwaukee Famous
Javelina, Fri/Sat, 1am
The walk to this place was ridiculously long, but they're an Austin favorite, and Ed really wanted to go. The band is very good, a mix of indie-rock and Southern/country-rock.
The walk to this place was ridiculously long, but they're an Austin favorite, and Ed really wanted to go. The band is very good, a mix of indie-rock and Southern/country-rock.
Hey Ocean!
Maggie Mae's (downstairs), Fri/Sat, midnight
I've heard of this band before, but didn't really know them. This show was terrific, and I have to pick up an album!
I've heard of this band before, but didn't really know them. This show was terrific, and I have to pick up an album!
Skinny Lister
Meduse, Fri, 11pm
Started very late, so we had to miss Brown Shoe way up on 6th. But so worth it! British folk? Irish fight songs? Australian anthems? All of that! Loved them!
Started very late, so we had to miss Brown Shoe way up on 6th. But so worth it! British folk? Irish fight songs? Australian anthems? All of that! Loved them!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Yearbook Committee
Meduse, Fri, 10:45
Walked in on this band when we got here early for Skinny Lister. Great sound, and gave away a bunch of CDs.
Walked in on this band when we got here early for Skinny Lister. Great sound, and gave away a bunch of CDs.
Said the Whale
Townhouse, Fri, 10pm
I really, really love this band. Every album is brilliant!
We saw them at SXSW 2 years ago though, and the show wasn't very exciting. I liked this show a lot, but more for the songs than the stage presence (or the sound quality). Would recommend any of their albums!
I really, really love this band. Every album is brilliant!
We saw them at SXSW 2 years ago though, and the show wasn't very exciting. I liked this show a lot, but more for the songs than the stage presence (or the sound quality). Would recommend any of their albums!
Brodka
Esther's Follies, Fri, 9:15
Left the last show, which was ok, to catch this Polish electro-pop act. They had a VERY cool music video and good buzz, so I was excited to see them/her.
A very fun lively show, with a lot more guitar than I expected, which was great! Must check out the album.
Left the last show, which was ok, to catch this Polish electro-pop act. They had a VERY cool music video and good buzz, so I was excited to see them/her.
A very fun lively show, with a lot more guitar than I expected, which was great! Must check out the album.
Blaudzun
Cedar St. Courtyard, Fri, 9pm
Don't know much about this band/guy (except he's from The Netherlands), but it was great! Definitely check out the album!
Don't know much about this band/guy (except he's from The Netherlands), but it was great! Definitely check out the album!
Diamond Rings
VEVO, Fri, 8pm
Missed this guy at the 2011 SXSW, but I have an album and so glad I saw him this year!
Mix David Bowie or Morrissey with more synths, and that's the album. Live, he just played the guitar solo, and it was awesome!
Missed this guy at the 2011 SXSW, but I have an album and so glad I saw him this year!
Mix David Bowie or Morrissey with more synths, and that's the album. Live, he just played the guitar solo, and it was awesome!
Wild Cub
Sonicbids, Maggie Mae's, Fri, 5pm
Never heard of them, but this was the last show at Sonicbids, and they were pretty good.
Never heard of them, but this was the last show at Sonicbids, and they were pretty good.
Rah Rah
Sonicbids, Maggie Mae's, Fri, 4pm
This was my most anticipated show! After getting their free sampler from NoiseTrade last year, they became my favorite new band. When their new album (The Poet's Dead) came out, I bought it right away. Loved it so much, I bought it for Ed too, so he could hear them before SXSW.
I recently heard Grant Lawrence (CBC Radio 3) say they were one of the best live bands he's seen. So, my expectations are high!
They weren't as good live as Royal Teeth here earlier, but I *loved* seeing these guys live finally!
This was my most anticipated show! After getting their free sampler from NoiseTrade last year, they became my favorite new band. When their new album (The Poet's Dead) came out, I bought it right away. Loved it so much, I bought it for Ed too, so he could hear them before SXSW.
I recently heard Grant Lawrence (CBC Radio 3) say they were one of the best live bands he's seen. So, my expectations are high!
They weren't as good live as Royal Teeth here earlier, but I *loved* seeing these guys live finally!
JD Twitch
British Music Embassy at Latitude 30, Fri, 3pm
Part of the Showcasing Scotland event. Quite packed due to the free food and unlimited free drinks!
I don't normally like DJs, but this guy was pretty good.
Part of the Showcasing Scotland event. Quite packed due to the free food and unlimited free drinks!
I don't normally like DJs, but this guy was pretty good.
Imam Baildi
International Day Stage, Fri, 2pm
A Mediterranean/Caribbean band, with a lead female singer (singing in Greek?). The show took an interesting turn when they brought out a rapper from Santo Domingo, working with both English and probably Spanish. Wouldn't buy the album, because it's not really my kind of music for repeat listening, but I'm glad I saw them! Total fun live band!
A Mediterranean/Caribbean band, with a lead female singer (singing in Greek?). The show took an interesting turn when they brought out a rapper from Santo Domingo, working with both English and probably Spanish. Wouldn't buy the album, because it's not really my kind of music for repeat listening, but I'm glad I saw them! Total fun live band!
Iron and Wine
Radio Day Stage, Fri, 1:30pm
Only caught the end of this because we stayed for the whole Royal Teeth show.
A very good folk singer!
Only caught the end of this because we stayed for the whole Royal Teeth show.
A very good folk singer!
Royal Teeth
Sonicbids, Maggie Mae's, Fri, 1pm
Young band from New Orleans, who hit it big at last year's SXSW. Very fun, cool, indie/alt rock. Check out the album!
Young band from New Orleans, who hit it big at last year's SXSW. Very fun, cool, indie/alt rock. Check out the album!
Cold Fronts
Sonicbids, Maggie Mae's, Fri, noon
Didn't really like this band. Nothing stuck out about their music.
Didn't really like this band. Nothing stuck out about their music.
The Trouble with Templeton
Sonicbids, Maggie Mae's, Fri, 11:30am
Never heard of them, but I liked their alt-rock sound, with a slight southern twang. Turns out they're from Brisbane, Australia. A must-buy for the album!
Never heard of them, but I liked their alt-rock sound, with a slight southern twang. Turns out they're from Brisbane, Australia. A must-buy for the album!
Marnie Stern
Maggie Mae's Gibson Room, Thur/Fri, 1am
Heard Marnie as part of the NPR SXSW sampler. Liked the sample, and liked her album title, The Chronicles of Marnia.
Heard Marnie as part of the NPR SXSW sampler. Liked the sample, and liked her album title, The Chronicles of Marnia.
Amanda Shires
St. David's, Thur, 11pm
After getting her free Daytrotter Sessions album last year, I bought her full album. In concert, it was just her (on mandolin and violin) and a guitarist. Very much like her album - beautiful music, but most songs aren't very memorable (except for Swimmer and Train). "Tiger Bill (Bulletproof)" was a new song, and it was great!
She did chat quite a bit, which was great as not many singers do!
Overall, I recommend her, but wish the songs were "stronger", or more were quirky like Tiger Bill.
After getting her free Daytrotter Sessions album last year, I bought her full album. In concert, it was just her (on mandolin and violin) and a guitarist. Very much like her album - beautiful music, but most songs aren't very memorable (except for Swimmer and Train). "Tiger Bill (Bulletproof)" was a new song, and it was great!
She did chat quite a bit, which was great as not many singers do!
Overall, I recommend her, but wish the songs were "stronger", or more were quirky like Tiger Bill.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Chaos Chaos (formerly Smoosh)
Smoosh is a SXSW legendary success story. I've wanted to see them for years, even though their electro-pop isn't normally my thing.
The girls have grown up (a bit), changed their name, and changed their sound a bit from what I understand. But, it's still great fun pop, and the drummer (Chloe) is esp. something to watch!
The girls have grown up (a bit), changed their name, and changed their sound a bit from what I understand. But, it's still great fun pop, and the drummer (Chloe) is esp. something to watch!
Braids
Swan Dive, Thur, 7:15pm
We were a little late for this, after eating dinner at Eddy V's with our new friend, TK. Diamond Rings was in the same time slot, but much farther away, so we choose Braids. Not bad electro-pop, but would have preferred Diamond Rings.
We were a little late for this, after eating dinner at Eddy V's with our new friend, TK. Diamond Rings was in the same time slot, but much farther away, so we choose Braids. Not bad electro-pop, but would have preferred Diamond Rings.
Lissie
Day Stage at the Convention Center, Thu, 5pm
I saw her here 2-3 years ago, and it was fairly mellow/folksy. This was much more rocking!
I saw her here 2-3 years ago, and it was fairly mellow/folksy. This was much more rocking!
Delorentos
Caught the end of this concert at the International Stage in the Convention Center. Wow. A really good rock band. They hail from Ireland, Dunlin I think. Definitely check out their album!
Family of the Year
Convention Center Day Stage, Thur, 4pm
I missed these guys at SXSW 2011, but have several albums now (after missing them!
Can't say enough good things about this band!!!
I missed these guys at SXSW 2011, but have several albums now (after missing them!
Can't say enough good things about this band!!!
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