Frozen floodwater a rare sight

ACADIA NAT’L PARK — It’s a weird winter wonderland out there around Sieur de Monts Spring and the Wild Gardens of Acadia.

A succession of snowstorms, rainstorms, freezes and thaws over the last couple of weeks has left the ground and parking lot covered with ice — from a few inches to several feet in places.

As a result, the area is temporarily closed to motor vehicles. But that hasn’t stopped scores of intrepid skaters from strapping on blades and gliding along hiking trails, including the nearly 2,000-foot boardwalk over the bog section of the Jesup Path.

Park officials said Monday that they won’t be able to assess any damage that the flood-freeze-thaw cycles may have done to the Sieur de Monts Nature Center, Spring House, Wild Gardens, restrooms or parking lot until the ice thaws and the flood water recedes.

“Ice and flooding in any natural area leads to conditions that change by the day throughout the park,” said Christie Anastasia, Acadia’s public affairs specialist, on Tuesday. “Snow can cover ice, water can drain out from under ice, and people should exercise caution and good judgment in all these areas.”

Park officials also have issued a statement urging caution on the park’s carriage roads: “Recent winter weather events have led to obstacles and challenging conditions … including washouts, fallen trees and icy chunks.”

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Dick Broom

Reporter at Mount Desert Islander

Dick Broom covers the towns of Mount Desert and Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert Island High School and the school system board and superintendent's office. He enjoys hiking with his golden retriever and finding new places for her to swim. [email protected]

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