Acadia:
The Complete Guide ,
by James Kaiser
What sets this new book apart from other
books about Acadia National Park
is, without question, the amazing photographs that author James
Kaiser has included in Acadia: The Complete Guide. If
the book had been printed in a larger size and hard-bound, it
could easily have been a "coffee table book." There
are over 150 absolutely gorgeous color photographs depicting
the flora, fauna, and astounding scenic views found in and around
Mount Desert Island and the Acadia National Park in Maine. The
presentation of the material, the design of the book's cover
(both front and back include half-fold sections that can serve
as book-marks) and the wonderfully clear and easy-to-use maps
are first-rate and make this guide an armchair adventurer's
best introduction to the area.
Since the focus of this Web site is road trips,
we pay special attention to guide books that can be used by
roadtrippers. Although I really liked this book and enjoyed
reading it immensely, it does have one drawback. The author
chose not to include any lodging recommendations, even though
his coverage about various camping options is the best I have
seen for the area. Instead, he suggests that readers look
on his Web site for lodging suggestions.
Although the site provides listings in Bar Harbor,
Northeast Harbor, and Southwest Harbor as well as for the
Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut, it would be more useful
for travelers if these were in the book. Hopefully the author
will add them in future editions, along with the same kind
of excellent description he includes about camping, dining,
and entertainment options.
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Champlain Mountain on Mount Desert Island
Sea kayacking on the Acadian coast |
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All of that aside, this book is a jewel. I really
liked Kaiser's explanation about the vagaries of the weather
in Acadia and his recommendation that all visitors ignore
any weather forecast they may have heard and always pack for
hot, cold, and rainy weather on every outing. He has put together
some "perfect day excursions" for sunny days, rainy
days, and for those who are in top physical condition. The
section on ecology in the region is the best I have ever read,
and the photographs of local wildlife are simply awesome.
In particular, the images of the bald eagle, two raccoons
and the Atlantic puffin are really memorable.
The one section of the book I liked the best
was the author's coverage of the various hikes that are available.
The photo and description of the Precipice Trail on the east
face of Champlain Mountain is still increasing my pulse rate
as I write this article! One day I'd love to take the Acadia
Mountain hike with its 581-foot elevation change and breathtaking
views of Somes Sound. After a hard day of hiking, sea kayaking,
or just plain wandering, the author's recommendations for
night life entertainment in Bar Harbor should be pretty appealing
to those who find themselves in the area.
For roadtrippers, the description of the
Park Loop Road is quite good, and the author blends in just
enough historical background to bring this famous 27-mile
scenic road into sharp focus for current travelers. Beyond
the aforementioned gorgeous photography, readers will enjoy
this book because it provides a glimpse into the lesser known
worlds of the island towns and offshore islands near Acadia
National Park as well as some of the most popular tourist
destinations in Maine.
Mark
Sedenquist
6/19/05
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