Page 8 - Volumer 13 Number 7

The shoreline below the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is perfect for taking in the south-facing views of the Atlantic Ocean, while romping along the rocky coast. The author’s daughter takes a rest while his son (middle right) continues to explore.
of tourists in with their attractive fleet of single-engine aircraft and helicopters. They can admit passengers through a gate near the approach end of Runway 35 for the purpose of loading them for a local air tour of Acadia. This is an experience not to be missed, especially if you can score your ride in a one of the several open- cockpit biplanes they operate on a warm summer day. Aerial tour options range from quick 15-minute loops around Bar Harbor and Acadia to more specific and inclusive tours of an hour or more; even sightseeing via gliders are offered.
Back on Highway 3, heading southeast from the mainland, travelers must cross tiny Thompson Island. A stop at the information center there is worthwhile for gathering maps and tourist info for both the park and surrounding areas throughout Down East (the local term for most anywhere along the southeastern coast of Maine). Thereafter, you are mere minutes from entering the first national park east of the Mississippi River.
Mount Desert Island
Acadia makes up about half of Mount Desert Island (MDI), half of Isle au Haut, plus 18 smaller islands, and a portion of the Schoodic Peninsula, which lies east across Frenchman Bay. On MDI, you’ll find the majority of resorts, hotels and B&Bs along the island’s northeast coast and within the town of Bar Harbor. We chose the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel, which offered terrific views, a nice evening restaurant and kid- friendly amenities (pool, free breakfast, etc.), all for midrange pricing. However, many higher-end options also exist –
Various ILS and RNAV-GPS approaches are available at both ends of the runway, including CAT II, CAT III, LPV and L/VNAV minimums options (if you are appropriately equipped and qualified). Bangor Approach can even provide you with radar services for an ASR approach (workload permitting), if you’re inclined to practice your if-all-else-fails approach procedures! Once on the ground at BGR, any King Air pilot will feel right at home with Bangor Aviation Services’ standard turbine-level FBO services and amenities.
Whether you are driving from BHB or BGR, you’ll travel Highway 3, which passes right along the southern boundary fence of Bar Harbor airport. During good weather, Acadia Air Tours – the local aerial sightseeing company – stages their aircraft from this area to maximize visibility of their operation, hopefully luring passing cars
6 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
whether you’re looking for a three-star resort with spa, various activities and multiple eating choices, or an elegant four- or five-star bed-and-breakfast. Be sure to book well in advance during peak-season though, especially for the more unique and desirable lodging choices.
Since we arrived well ahead of check-in time, we chose to drive through the western portions of Acadia to the southern-most point of MDI (Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse). A short wooden staircase takes you down to the boulder-strewn coastline, where you too can ramble across the rocks below the lighthouse while enjoying spectacular views of the Gott Islands (and beyond) across Bass Harbor. Climbing back up, trails are available through the wooded areas and up to the still-functional lighthouse. Built in 1858, the lighthouse is one of four within Acadia, but the only one accessible by car.
JULY 2019