Enjoying a Hike and Then Popovers

September 10, 2010

Last weekend when I was in Sweden, my tech guru, Eliad Laskin, took a little road trip to Maine. I needed him to upgrade the computers at Skylands, my home in Seal Harbor. Eliad kept a close watch on the weather reports, as Hurricane Earl was threatening to visit the northeast. Fortunately, the damage predicted was minimal as the storm blew off to sea. After completing his tasks, Eliad got to enjoy Skylands and a bit of Acadia National Park. Inspired by my photos of Jordan Pond, he set off for that amazing hike and then paid a visit to the Jordan Pond House, where they serve wonderful popovers.

: One edge of the lake has a wooden boardwalk. Hikers are asked to stay on the boardwalk to help preserve the beautiful and fragile surroundings.

: A cormorant perched and waiting for its next meal. These expert swimmers dive and pursue fish underwater.

: They are so adept at catching fish that in Asia, cormorants are used by fishermen who collar the leashed birds to prevent them from swallowing their catch.

: It was a magnificent day for a hike around Jordan pond. The remnants of hurricane Earl were long gone.

: The water in Jordan Pond is crystal clear, with visibility normally 46 feet and, on occasion, up to 60 feet! The maximum water depth is 150 feet.

: This pristine water serves as a public water supply for the nearby village of Seal Harbor.

: An elevated footbridge over an inlet stream allows for higher water levels.

: On very windy days, a white fluffy foam, caused by rippling water, washes up on shore.

: The pond is home to landlocked salmon and lake trout. Fishing is allowed, but boats with motors over 10 horsepower are prohibited.

: Another rim of the lake trail is a pleasant gravel path.

: Pond flora dancing with the ripples

: A tribute to Joseph Allen – Chairman of Seal Harbor Path Committee 1914-1945 – lover of rocks and high places, builder of trails, conserver of natural beauty

: This gorgeous pond is flanked on the west by Penobscot Mountain and on the northeast by the two mountains known as The Bubbles.

: The pond was formed by the Wisconsin Ice Sheet during the last glacial period.

: A lovely view of the pond across a verdant heath

: The Jordan family of Seal Harbor, for whom the pond is named, built their farmhouse near the pond. In the 1870s, the house became a restaurant, known as the Jordan Pond House.