Two back-to-back climbing days in Acadia National Park reminded me just how humbling and invigorating the ocean can be.

After a travel day full of delays (and even a broken overhead bin fixed with duct tape!), we made it to Bar Harbor—a charming coastal town steeped in maritime history. But the real magic started in Acadia.

At Otter Cliff, I rappelled down to sea level, waves crashing nearby, and climbed back up toward the sun. The granite was textured and clean, the sky clear, and the Atlantic wind filled with energy. Crack climbs, chimneys, technical moves—it was a day of variety and joy.

Day two brought a shift in weather: mist, fog, and eerie stillness. We climbed slabs and laybacks on the South Wall and explored Great Head. Wet rock taught precision. The ocean was a constant companion, whispering just below the cliffs.

It was a beautiful reminder that climbing isn’t just about movement—it’s about presence. And Acadia demands it.