Frenchboro Walk n Roll and Nature Tour

Having postponed our original trip because of rain, about 20 hikers were eager to reach the rocky shores of Frenchboro Island. Thankfully, the weather was particularly inviting after many weeks of seemingly endless showers.

A dozen people followed MCHT member and naturalist Peter Blanchard on a half-day trek across the southern shoreline. A few of the group had never been to a Maine island, while others contributed their own knowledge of the flora and fauna to Peter's boundless stories. They were then treated to a narrated, scenic boat tour back to Bass Harbor.

I joined the smaller group to spend the entire day on the island, exploring the 6.2-mile loop around MCHT's preserve. Winding over the rolling northern shoreline we were treated to stunning vistas of Mount Desert Island and Frenchman's Bay. We enjoyed our lunch on the narrow isthmus that connects the island's main portion with Rich's Head. Picking up the trail on the southern shore, MCHT Regional Steward Terry Towne deftly shared some great stories about his experiences caring for the preserves trails and the flora and fauna. One of the most intriguing sites I found was a hollow frequented by minks. After wrapping around Deep Cove we passed a number of rocky beaches, stopping momentarily at one to bask in the sunshine and enjoy the company of our fellow companions.

Returning to the village, we were treated to a tour of the town's museum led by the island's eldest citizen, Marjorie Giamo. Her life story, engaging personality, and tales of Frenchboro's past were captivating. One of the famous lobster roll from Lunt's dockside deli was the perfect cap to an incredible summer day on this Maine island as we grabbed the evening ferry back to Bass Harbor.