Shannon Bryan on her skiff. Photo courtesy of Shannon Bryan

Shannon Bryan is an outdoor writer, the founder of Fit Maine, and interim vice president of communications for the nonprofit Friends of Acadia. She lives in Isleford from spring to fall, and that’s where her perfect day would begin.

On my perfect day, the sun rises before me – but just barely.

I’m out the door while dew still lies on the grass and snails take their time crossing the damp stones of the sidewalk. I put on the life jacket before picking up my paddleboard from the lawn. In just a few moments I’m climbing over the cobblestones of Gilley Beach.

The waters around Islesford (also known as Little Cranberry Island) are no stranger to wind and waves, but on my perfect day they are calm and smooth. The early morning sky is painted in sherbet colors and the calm waters around me reflect the orange and pink hues.

My paddleboard is a 12.6 foot long, blue-green beauty that I bought from Acadia Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Bar Harbor. Owner Chris Stout has a knack for getting people on paddleboards, whether by getting them to buy one or by leading a group of out-of-towners around on a reliable fleet of rental boards.

The solo goal this morning: near Baker Island. Most of the 162-acre island is owned by Acadia National Park, although most visitors never see this part of the park (there are ranger-led tours to Baker Island, which also teach you a lot about the island’s history). I’m lucky enough to get to explore the island often. I walk the island trail through meadows, past the Gilley estate and Baker Island Lighthouse, and through moss-covered forests until I step onto the “dance floor” – a flat expanse of granite overlooking the open Atlantic Ocean.

I watch the waves. I drink my coffee. I float over tide pools and take too many videos of snails and sea anemones.

The view of Isleford from Shannon Bryan’s paddleboard. Photo by Shannon Bryan

When I get home, my partner Ian is awake and ready for an adventure. We go by boat to Mount Desert Islandalthough I often talk about the Cranberry Cove Ferry – one of two ferry services that allow locals and visitors to explore the Cranberry Isles. Before we leave, Ian and I have brunch at Islesford Dock Restaurant (I love the beet salad with roasted potatoes on the side) and stop by to shop the pretty handmade goods at Islesford Pottery and chat with owner Marion Baker.

With our stomachs full, we head to MDI to enjoy one of the benefits of being close to Islesford: hiking in Acadia. I love Mansell Mountain When I’m looking for a workout, I climb these impressive granite steps – there are many of them – and Buchenberg for a summit picnic under the fire tower.

My work with Friends of Acadia has also given me a closer look at all those who contribute to Acadia’s conservation: the trail and road workers who build and maintain the trails, the rangers who welcome us and guide us in the right direction, and the researchers whose work aims to keep the park’s ecosystems resilient.

Shannon Bryan hiking in Acadia National Park. Photo by Ian Unger

Today Ian and I are busy Sargent Mountainstarting on the road and walking up through the forest, panting happily as we go. Eventually the evergreens give way and we are guided by cleverly placed cairns over soft pink granite interspersed with tough subalpine vegetation. At the top of Sargent, we sit in the sun, dab our brows and admire the view. And of course, we eat snacks (Little Lad’s Herbal Popcorn, mixed nuts, an apple and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups).

After we have earned a hearty meal (including the snacks), we make our way to the Peter Trouts in Southwest Harbor, where we sat at a picnic table outside. The fried chicken here is to die for, but my heart belongs to the wedge salad, a huge piece of iceberg lettuce lavishly topped with buttermilk dressing, gorgonzola, fried chicken, and pork belly. Served with a homemade margarita.

As we head home on the boat, the water is crystal clear on a windless summer evening. The sun is setting behind the mountains of Acadia, ready for bed after a long day. And so am I.

Sunset from the dock at Isleford. Photo by Shannon Bryan

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