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a nearly 1,000-foot vertical and exposed climb up the face of Champlain Mountain labeled “strenuous.” With a rambunctious young son and little safety gear, we skipped it. But, the southeastern point of MDI contains a truly pleasurable hike down to a sand beach, one of the few nonrocky beaches on MDI. After reaching and crossing the beach, we continued along the Great Head Trail, which is steep and challenging in places, but never more than moderately difficult. The views gained when reaching the heights of this rocky headland were well worth the exertion required and proved to make for a great morning excursion. A short distance further, a wayside stop at Thunder Hole was crowded, but picturesque, even though the calm conditions prevented the buildup of trapped air in the narrow channel from making its thunderous escape. So, we pressed on to the 100-foot- tall pink granite cliffs of Otter Point. Further down the
The crystal-clear water of Jordan Pond sparkles while the North and South Bubble peaks provide the backdrop. Park guests can hike to the peaks of both Bubbles ... if they have the stamina.
Loop Road, we stopped at the Jordan Pond House – site of the only restaurant within the park boundary. Always a popular lunch spot, the nearly perfect warm and calm conditions made dining on the lawn preferable, with its ample seating and amazing view of Jordan Pond and the glacier-scarred Bubble Mountains beyond. Be sure to partake of the local fare they’ve been famous for serving since the 1890s: flaky and delicious popovers with jam and Maine-blueberry infused teas and lemonades (all worth the cheat-day from your low-carb, low-sugar diet). After overstuffing ourselves, the trails and pathways along the shores of Jordan Pond proved the perfect antidote. At 1.2 miles long, up to 150-feet deep and covering 187 acres, it is certainly not your typical pond! Jordan’s pristine, clear waters and breathtaking vistas encourage you to keep moving just to see what views are hiding around the next bend.

12 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
JULY 2019