Day Trip: Monhegan
If Rockland/Camden area is the ‘Jewel of the Maine Coast’ then Monhegan is a rough cut gem of blue/green tourmaline.
Along with 100 plus other passengers, we awaited the call to board the Elizabeth Ann out of Port Clyde. It was a picture perfect day, 80 degrees and calm winds. Our mission, to hike the trails and see the cliffs on Monhegan
We enjoyed glorious scenery from the top deck. So many photo ops, so little time!
After an hour and 15 minutes we were approaching the landing.
We arrived anxious to get on with our journey to the opposite side of the island and the cliffs. Not wanting to weigh ourselves with lunch, we began our trek up the hill on the wide path away from town.
My compadres and I were already feeling a bit of a burn from the long winter of inactivity. The path narrows quickly and we realize that this is going to be a challenging hike (for me anyway).
“This is the million dollar view right here,” exclaims Matthew. We are at the top of Burnt Head trail. I am so sorry but the camera does not do it justice, I guess you will just have to see it for yourself!
Along the far side of the island on trail #’s 1 and 1a, we encounter a high pool, wildflowers that stop us in our tracts, and a graveyard of bleached trees.
I have to hike up to where??!
Satisfied with our Mohegan cliff experience we head back to the landing by way of Whitehead trail, #7. Total hike, 2-2 1/2 hours.
Taking a few minutes to have a bite to eat before the Elizabeth Ann takes us back to the mainland, we discuss our impressions of the island. Open, exposed, the atmosphere reflecting light from the sun onto the mirror that is the sea, overexposed as in photography were some of the thoughts that came to mind…. but I was still searching for the words that expressed my feelings. “The salt air has had a preserving effect on the island, it feels like a snapshot of the past,” Matthew stated as we took in our last views of the port. I think he said it best.
Notes for your next Monhegan trip: hiking the Burnt Head/Whitehead loop
Eat a late breakfast at the Port Clyde General Store, take the 10:30 boat. (Make sure to reserve ahead.) Bring a substantial snack and at least 2 bottles of water per person. Wear hiking shoes, hat, plenty of sunscreen, and bring a warm jacket for the boat. Everything on the island is more intense, sun, wind, heat, cold. Stop for a light meal and refreshing lemonade before heading back to the 4:30 boat. Enjoy!