Mt. Desert and Acadia National Park (not so much Bar Harbor) have always had a special place in my heart. Every turn in the road evokes a memory from days past, beginning from my early childhood. We visited my mom’s parents in Bangor every summer and invariably came to the island. Our family camped there on a number of week-long outings. Later we brought Jeff and Rebecca here. Reagan and Carter are sick and tired of hearing me say, “When I was a kid . . .”

So my not so hidden agenda for this two-day visit has been to introduce Reagan and Carter to this special place. Yesterday hooked Carter with rock climbing at Thunder Hole. The boat trip? Not so much. Lobster rolls, ice cream and the band concert went OK. 

Today started with the North Trail climb to the top of Cadillac Mountain, something I’ve never done but always wanted to do. I started out with a bit of trepidation; a 70-year-old chasing 10 and 15 year olds up the hill? The climb was moderate and we did the 2.5 miles in an hour and a half. On the way up I had a smack-your-head moment: What kind of tenderfoot goes out without water and sun screen? But we made it and rehydrated at the summit gift shop. Nana picked us up at the top. 

We made a quick stop in Bar Harbor for takeout sandwiches on which we picnicked at Sand Beach. Then, time for the plunge. I primed the pump by telling the kids I doubted they could last more than 15 seconds in the 52 degree ocean water. Of course they thrived, spending upwards of thirty minutes at a time on several outings, body surfing, the whole nine yards. Better yet, Carter found climbing rocks at the right-hand end of the beach. He climbed in flip flops. I suckered Reagan into joining him with my phone to take photos so I wouldn’t have to. She climbed barefoot, just like Uncle Doug used to do a half century ago. I introduced them to the “secret” warm pool at the left-hand end of the beach. 

Sand Beach? A home run. That’s when I realized: mission accomplished. The Acadia hook is set. Another generation of Ricks love the place like I do. Check the corners of my eyes: tears? Yep. 

Next objective: the Longo kids. 

To cap it off we did popovers at the Jordan Pond House and then drove to Beals in Southwest Harbor for steamed lobsters, steamed clams and hot dogs on the wharf. And finally, ice cream at the village green. 

So tomorrow it’s back to the real world for Nana, Carter and me if Onawa can be considered the real world (it can’t). Poor Reagan has to go back to work – swim camp at Bates College in preparation for the State meet in a few weeks. But she’ll join us in two weeks with her folks at Onawa. And Rebecca, Esme and Griffin come on Thursday; Andrea and Chuck on Sunday. Never a dull moment!

It hasn’t been what most would consider a romantic 46th honeymoon getaway but for us it’s been a most rewarding and fulfilling celebration.