Butch Visits Bar Harbor Maine!

First, just so you know, you can click on any of the pictures to get a bigger view. OK, now … we made Butch’s first long trip last week and it couldn’t have been to a better place! I don’t think that there is a more dog friendly place on the planet than Bar Harbor Maine. I’m sure there are places that are as dog friendly, but I don’t think that anyone will surpass the dog amenities that Bar Harbor offers dog owners overall. We went up to meet with “WOOFboard.com” to do a reading and Q & A for the upcoming release of “My Buddy Butch – Confessions of a New Dog Dad” and to join in with the other Boston terrier owners who are part of this terrific on-line community. I can honestly say that I have never met a nicer group of people (and dogs). They came from many different states, a few of which are Minnesota, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusettes, and Ohio naturally.

 Despite a few days of foggy, rainy weather, the sun did manage to pop out for the last day and a half that we were there. It was all very new to Butch – the whole travelling thing – so he did not eat very well the first couple of days but he did manage an appetite on the 3rd day. After a morning activity that was planned with the group, Butch and I had the rest of each day to ourself to go and explore. We went to Acadia national park up on Cadillac Mountain on the first day but it was pretty foggy and Butch complained about the view.

We did walk around the park a bit so that Butch could sniff around, meet some new people, talk to a few other “out of town” dogs to find the best poop spots and generally get the lay of the land.

He then tired of my picture taking and felt that he should let me know about it.

  We stopped for lunch in the Acadia Park. This nice big restaurant located in the park featured “popovers” an excellent local fare that was accompanied by blueberry jam. I didn’t know this but Maine must be the blueberry capital of the world. They had everything blueberry you could imagine. Even though it was foggy, we still sat outside because it was not too cold. We had to imagine the view of the lake from our seat. 

There were still many people in the park hiking the miles of trails and biking up to the summit in the fog. I’m sure it was much more comfortable than doing it in the sweltering heat! After lunch we walked around a bit more and made our way back to the car. Later in the day the sun came out as we continued our drive through the park.

 Butch took his usual posture, sleeping, between stops. Luckily Butch does not get car sick and seemed to enjoy the ride. I took a few quick shots.

 As the weather improved Butch was able to get some alone time, 6 feet away from me, and ponder the amazing view from the highest point on the east coast of the United States. He wanted me to capture some “presidential” posed shots with the scenic background.

Here is Butch looking regal on Cadillac Mountain. He looks kind of like Teddy Roosevelt … “BULLY!”

This trip was definitely worth the weather and meeting all of the great people. Just getting away from the grind did wonders for me. It gave me a chance to see what needs to be done to take good care of Butch on a long trip. He listened to me very well, did not damage anything in the room, and felt very safe with me in all situations. All in all he didn’t complain too much except for the people who were staying in the room above us. It was like they were holding the Vaulting trials for the Olympics up there and Butch was non-too-happy about the noise. Thankfully it lasted only one night!

Some really great eating spots to check out are “Jack Russels Steak House” a great little place serving great food and drinks in which dogs are welcome in the outdoor eating area. Also, Peppers Pizza and Subs where you can eat in or take out. I had a fantastic pizza there and the sauce tasted just like my grandma’s who was from Italy!

I want to thank Woofboard.com for inviting me. The Atlantic Oaks Hotel for their “dog friendly” facility, and Bark Harbor Pet store in downtown Bar Harbor for being so nice to us. Also Planetdog.com, mygooddogtags.com, and Hertz rental car for the in-car GPS. I don’t know how I ever drove without it before!

Butch and I HIGHLY recommend a trip to Bar Harbor for your family and dog. We drove all the way from Ohio and it was worth every mile!