by Susan | May 13, 2018 | Out and About in Maine
There have been reports of a snowy owl wintering at Nubble Light at Cape Neddic as recently as a week ago. Leaving Portland heading south, I passed the exit for Cape Neddic. Do I stop? Do I keep going? Will I regret it if I don’t stop? I stopped. The hour...
by Susan | Apr 25, 2018 | Birds and Wildlife, Out and About in Maine
On this gray, rainy evening I spotted an Osprey in a tree overlooking the river in East Machias. It was so dark and gloomy that I had to play with the photos to register the details. Two things stand out to me – how crazy long their talons are and how...
by Susan | Apr 24, 2018 | Out and About in Maine
I spotted this pair of birds strutting around in the river mudflats as the tide came in this evening. At first I thought they were sandpipers, but on closer inspection they appear to be Greater Yellowlegs. The shore birds are returning – a sure sign of...
by Susan | Apr 17, 2018 | Out and About in Maine
On my drive home tonight I spied a Great Egret on the salt pond next to the river. She had the company of a Great Blue Heron until I pulled over to snap photos. She stood so still in the landscape as if hiding in plain sight. In a flash she snagged a fish. And took...
by Susan | Mar 24, 2018 | Out and About in Maine
It took six days of driving between Paul and me to bring Hannah home for just five days. Given the phone calls I had during mid-term week, it was pretty clear that Hannah needed to come home as much as I wanted to have her here. Life seems so much fuller when...
by Susan | Mar 19, 2018 | Out and About in Maine
Home from college for a few short days, Hannah and I took off on a drive this afternoon. The proud owner of a shiny new Canon, a gift from her grandmother, Hannah was eager to experiment. It was so fun to be taking photos with her rather having her simply being my...
by Susan | Mar 12, 2018 | Out and About in Maine
The drive into work this morning this morning was beautiful. Wherever I passed through fog, the trees were beautifully frosted as if coated in powdered sugar. The contrast between firs and the lacy branches of the deciduous trees was striking. I loved the way the...
by Susan | Feb 27, 2018 | Out and About in Maine
Maine’s landscape is ever changing. As winter’s cold temperatures take hold and the ice builds up on the river, little fishing huts dot the horizon. Crazy temperature swings have caught a few ice fishermen by surprise – evident by the stray shack...
by Susan | Jan 15, 2018 | Out and About in Maine
After a long morning of problem-solving work issues, not budging from my desk, I needed to move. Hannah and I set off in the car without a destination and landed atop Pigeon Hill. At 19 degrees. Our last Pigeon Hill trip was with dad last June. Our last winter hike...
by Susan | Jan 14, 2018 | Out and About in Maine
A winter’s day Sunday drive. On this marsh, yesterday’s high waters flash froze before receding. The crackle and tinkling sound of breaking ice was like a background music score. A new day, a new beach to explore. Colder than yesterday with a high of 19...
by Susan | Jan 13, 2018 | Out and About in Maine
A January thaw has descended on the region. Temps in the 50s paired with high winds and torrential rains have all but washed away the snow and ice. When the rain tapered off today it felt almost balmy outside so Hannah and I headed to the beach for a walk –...
by Susan | Jan 9, 2018 | Out and About in Maine
It was a balmy 32 degrees Downeast today – a most welcome change from the sub zero temps that have lingered. Traveling the roads the past few days has been harrowing. Snow on top of ice is never fun. Today, rich with sunshine, gave the crews a chance to clean...
by Susan | Dec 19, 2017 | Out and About in Maine
I spied this bald eagle perched over the river today and paused for a photo. And then there were two. It’s so good to be back in Maine where the traffic is slow – it doesn’t matter if I stop the car in the middle of the road for a photo...
by Susan | Dec 13, 2017 | Out and About in Maine
As I was cruising about Downeast this week, I couldn’t help but notice the pops of red in the landscape. The snow created a wonderful backdrop for this winter berry tree. And the winter berry shrubs that tend to grow along the highway. A red lobster boat....
by Susan | Oct 28, 2017 | Out and About in Maine
I’ve been working a lot lately and as a result, feeling a bit sedentary. I miss my hikes with Hannah. Paul’s been a sport coming out with me a few times, but he doesn’t like the types of hikes I enjoy. Wendlilee invited me out for a walk at Petit...
by Susan | Oct 27, 2017 | Out and About in Maine
When the splendor of the maples has dimmed and the oaks and aspens alone give color to the landscape, there are the barrens. Magnificent, garnet-colored blueberry fields sweeping to the horizon. Save
by Susan | Oct 14, 2017 | Out and About in Maine
When the weekend forecast looked gray, I played hookey on Friday and headed to Acadia National Park with Paul. My end game was to see Cadillac Mountain in full autumn color. At home, color has mostly faded, the leaves losing their hold on the season. Acadia seems to...
by Susan | Oct 7, 2017 | Out and About in Maine
In search of an adventure, Paul and I headed down the coast to Castine this first Saturday in October. A small coastal town home to Maine Maritime Academy, Castine had all but rolled up her carpet for the season. I was delighted by the architecture and the trees in...
by Susan | Oct 2, 2017 | Out and About in Maine
Before I turned on the radio this morning. Before I learned of the horror that occurred in Las Vegas. Before this Monday turned sad, I had these beautiful, peaceful, moments.
by Susan | Sep 25, 2017 | Out and About in Maine
I stumbled across this picture Hannah snapped for me during one of our outings. The sign reads, “No Hunting or Trespassing.” Do you think those ducks can read?
