Of Popovers and Panoramas

We left Stonington early this morning in search of Karen's coffee. Though the farmhouse up the road left a thermos and a request for $1.75, it didn't satisfy. Fortunately, 45 minutes north in Ellsworth, The Maine Grind proffered the Brain Gravy. Karen also had a scone. I ordered a hot chocolate and a croissant. This will be important in a bit. Stay with me.

Forty-five minutes later we reached the outskirts of Acadia National Park and tooled around a bit looking at mega-yachts and the cleverly concealed estate entrances of the hyper-rich before finally entering the park. First stop? The Jordan Pond House Restaurant, where Karen had heard amazing rumors of their popovers and tea. So that's what we got. The order includes two straight-from-the-oven popovers, choice of tea, butter and jam. Karen devoured hers; having just consumed a croissant I yielded mine after a few bites. She ate that, too. Then the popover girl came back to inquire if we would like our second. I demurred. Karen had her third, then declared, "I'm ready to climb the mountain in our car."

Our car, by the way, is the new Chevy Spasm, which has less power than my 40-year-old BMW. This tells you everything you need to know about the universe.

Anyway, the park is stunning, as you can see. A Maine version of Vietnam. Nice little ecology museum, a Native People's exhibit...I was about to ask a ranger which of the park's animals were the most delicious before Karen stepped in.

More lobster rolls for lunch, a trip to the aforementioned ice cream studio, the misadventure at the winery, and we're on our way back to Stonington.

Early night. Not much going on here.