In its crawl seaward, the mile-high glacial ice mass of eons ago scooped out lakes and rounded the mountain tops of Mt. Desert Island, leaving a canoer's paradise in its wake.

Most of the ponds on Mt. Desert Island provide excellent canoeing and have easy assess. Long Pond is the largest lake on the island and can be approached from three access points.

Swimming is allowed in the northern half of Long Pond, and the water can be delightful in July and August.

The south end of the pond is also park property, and Beech Mountain and Mansell Mountain zoom up on either side of this narrow strip of water. Hiking trails lead up to both mountains from the shore, providing an excellent opportunity to combine a day's canoeing and hiking.

Also on the west side of Mt. Desert Island is Echo Lake. Boats can be launched at Ike's Point just off Rte. 102 between Somesville and Southwest Harbor. A swimming beach is located at the south end with lifeguards and a changing house provided.

For an especially quiet experience, Seal Cove Pond is a choice, seldom-used area. A boat launch area can be reached from fireroads north of Seals Cove.

SALT-WATER CANOEING

Salt-water canoeing can be treacherous. An exception, however, is the end of somes sound north of the Rte. 198 bridge. As withBass harbor Marsh, consult the tide tables and plan to ride the high tide in.

Expert canoeists may want to choose a calm day and paddle around the Porcupine islands off Bar Harbor. Do not venture beyond the breakwater.

Tidal currents in Somes Sound can play havoc with light craft, so those venturin out there should stick close to the shoreline. Porpoises sometimes frolic in the Sound. All ocean canoeing should be restricted, however, to the very knowledgeable and experienced.

Law requires that Coast Guard-approved life jackets be carried for each passenger. An idea better than carrying life jackets is to wear them. It's accepted practice.

CANOE RENTALS:

Mansell Boat Rental, on Manset Shore Road off 102A in Manset. (207) 244-5625.
National Park Canoe Rentals, Pretty Marsh Road (Rt. 102). Mount Desert, (207) 244-5854.