This will most definitely be an exciting few days on the wild, spectacular and untrammeled Downeast Coast of Maine! For our two full days, Sat. (7/19) and Sun. (7/20), we'll experience two of the most scenic hikes on this undiscovered part of the coast. On Sat. (7/18), we'll drive up to Campobello Island in Canada, a short drive over from Lubec, Maine. We will all need passports for this! On Campobello, we'll hike the scenic 5.5 mile Liberty Point loop trail skirting rockbound cliffs and coves, likely spotting bald eagles, seals and whales along the way! There's even a cool (literally!) fog forest to experience. That afternoon, we'll walk out to the East Quoddy Head Lighthouse at the northern tip of Campobello, one of the most picturesque on the Atlantic seaboard - and only accessible at low tide.
On Sun. (7/19), we will hike what many consider the most spectacular trail along the whole Maine coast - the Bold Coast Trail in remote, picturesque Cutler. This 5.5-mile loop trail has breathtaking ocean views rivaling those of California's Big Sur coast. The scenery is beyond spectacular there - towering, plunging sea cliffs, crashing surf, magnificent spruce trees, pocket coves with cobble beaches, whale watching and peat bogs - all be part of this extraordinary hike.
On Monday (7/20) there is an exciting option to take a 2-hours boat trip from Steuben out to remote Petit Manan Island Wildlife Refuge. There we'll be able to see the unusual puffin colony and observe these striking, rare sea birds (including their chicks!) - along with viewing the dramatic lighthouse. The cost of this boat trip is $75 each, and if you'd like to go, I can assist you with buying the ticket.
This will absolutely be a fun and really memorable trip! I can recommend reasonably-priced accommodations for your stay in the Machiasport/Machias area (including Hipcamp sites) for the three nights (7/17, 7/18, 7/19). The first night (Fri., 7/17), we'll all meet at 6:00 pm at my cottage in Machiasport (see directions) for a pizza dinner and socializing on my deck overlooking beautiful Machias Bay. The other two nights we'll also get together for dinner, including a cookout at my place. There will be a very small donation requested for the two dinners at my cottage ($8-10/night).
If you have any questions whatsoever, please be sure to give me a shout!