Letters from Maine

Hurricane Earl

2010-09-04T06:55:00.001-04:00

Last night was nerve wracking, after a week in the 90s with horrendous humidity it certainly felt like hurricane weather. So we were all just waiting to see what would happen. Light rain started about 10 pm last night, gradually increasing and continuing through the night. At 7am this morning it is a tropical downpour, but still very little wind. The leaves on the trees are shivering with delight though, after the long, hot and dry summer. I am waiting until the rain has stopped to go down and see how much the pond has come up. It had retreated to the old river bed, a delight to shore birds and fishermen, feathered and human.

Summer is here!!!!

2010-05-28T09:30:00.000-04:00

All of a sudden we are having temperatures in the mid-90's in May! Some flowers are exploding into bloom while others are fading all too quickly.

It is wonderful to see my garden growing and developing, a vision in the making.

This pale yellow columbine is a delight, a plant that I actually purchased! The blue leafed hosta provides a suitable backdrop.

Lupins and poppies, common, but reluctant to be moved and establish themselves. This area of the garden is really starting to come into its own and I look forward to seeing how it progresses throughout the summer.

In the meantime, nature quietly continues to offer her own glory in the shape of numerous ladyslipper orchids scattered around my land.

Out on Penobscot Bay the schooners are setting out with the first fortunate passengers of the season.

Rising at 5 this morning I was able to catch this glorious sun rising through the mist!

Mornings in Maine

2010-04-27T18:28:00.001-04:00

Yesterday the mist was rising off the pond just as the sun was coming up. The light was glorious!

It never ceases to amaze me how different each magical morning can be!

The shafts of sunlight through the trees and golden mist were stunning!

The loons have been filling the air with their calls and I watched the pair for a while.

Trillium

2010-04-22T07:49:00.000-04:00

Glorious spring days, although sadly so glorious that the dreaded BLACKFLY are now out! The purple trillium are in bloom.

Still and sunny morning, storms forecast for this afternoon. So pretty this morning and I saw a robin in the front yard this morning, a rare site around the house. There was a pretty purple finch on the bird feeder yesterday at the height of a violent thunderstorm that produced something frozen and white falling from the sky. It was 60 degrees out, not hard enough to be hail, much more slushy, very strange.

I had purchased red pepper suet for the bird feeder as it is supposed to repel squirrels. They (the squirrels) love it and have almost finished it in a few days! There have been grey and red squirrels on the feeder this morning, to the frustration of the cats.

Pileated Woodpecker

2010-04-20T17:27:00.000-04:00

Lovely and warm today after a cool start, sunny with showers and interesting cloud effects.

Out in the front of the house, enjoying the flowers, I suddenly spotted my pileated woodpecker.

He spends the nights in a maple outside my bedroom window and in winter I can lie in bed and look at him looking at me from his bed.

Home in Maine

2010-04-18T16:38:00.000-04:00

After an exceedingly long journey it was so good to be back home in Maine. Missing my family and relieved not to have been caught by the volcanic eruption in Iceland!

I woke early my first morning back and took a morning walk down to watch the sun rising over Trues Pond.

Here is the sunrise reflected in the pond.

Unheard of, my daffodils are in full bloom in early April, although there was snow on them yesterday morning when I woke up!

It is possible to spend hours watching the changing colors and textures in water, Something that endlessly fascinates me.

More from Alfriston

2010-04-14T15:36:00.001-04:00

Back in Maine and beginning to recover from the flight. Looking through the photos reminds me of the joy of going out for a morning walk around the village in the early morning just as the sun was rising. This is the back view of St Andrews Church, taken from the banks of the River Cuckmere.

The main road into Alfriston is glorious in spring with this bank of daffodils.

A lane in the village of Alfriston leading down to the River Cuckmere in the misty morning light.

The River Cuckmere in early morning mist. It was so good to be there and to be able to enjoy this.

The River Cuckmere just to the south of Alfriston. It is possible to walk along the riverbank all the way to the sea.

The Village Store and Post Office. Now under new ownership and still providing even more high quality and gourmet food as well as staples.

Scenes along the village street. First the remains of the market cross and above The George, pub, restaurant and hotel.

One of my very favorite views in the area, Cuckmerehaven, where the river meets the sea. In the foreground the old Coastguard Cottages and beyond the white cliffs of The Seven Sisters.

On the way home.

Back in my home village

2010-04-03T12:47:00.000-04:00

Back in Alfriston, the village where I last lived in England. It is lovely to be home and it is warm and sunny.

This is the main street, busy with cars and tourists on an Easter weekend.

There is nothing like a walk down to the old church on the Tye.

Spring flowers are finally coming into their glory.

Snow in England

2010-04-01T11:20:00.002-04:00

Beautiful drive through the Peak District this morning. I must say I did not leave Maine and come to England with the idea of seeing snow! The castle is Peveril.

Trip to England

2010-03-31T15:46:00.001-04:00

The weather here has been typically English, a reminder of why I moved to Maine!

Exhausted after a long flight the next step of my journey was a 4 hour coach ride from Heathrow up to the north of England. Coventry is a strange town with scraps of its historic buildings remaining squeezed in around modern roads. Most of Coventry was destroyed by bombing in WW II. This looked as if it had formerly been part of a church complex judging by the windows.

I am based near Sheffield on the edge of the Peak District. The lovely view above is at Monsal Head in Derbyshire. The next 2 images are in the same area.

Growing up in England it was always a joy to see the frogs every spring.

This gorgeous skops owl was helping to raise money for a raptor rescue center.

Above and below are views taken in the countryside near Sheffield.

This fascinating twisted church spire is in Chesterfield and is quite famous.

And here is somewhere I had long wished to visit. Chatsworth House. A magnificent house surrounded by beautiful parkland including a herd of fallow deer.

The Peel Monument is in the center of the old part Dronfield, Derbyshire. There are 2 more photographs of Dronfield below.

Yesterday we drove out to the picturesque and historic village of Eyam, famous for having chosen to isolate during the bubonic plague in the 1600's rather than flee and spread the disease to other areas. The photographs below were taken close to the village.

Busy Weekend

2010-03-22T07:04:00.002-04:00

It is unbelievable, there is already a daffodil blooming in my front yard!!!!

Spent the weekend doing a Craft show at Plants Unlimited in Rockport. Setting up in a greenhouse it was delightful to be surrounded by all the plants and flowers.

There were about 40 crafters overall.

After a long and tiring weekend, an inspiring stop at Simonton Quarry on the way home produced a large selection of photographs which I am thinking of calling The Quarry Collection! I hope you enjoy these magical and mythical images.

A favorite spot....

2010-03-19T07:46:00.000-04:00

Wednesday was yet another of these amazing spring days Maine is experiencing. The wild turkey has made a huge comeback in Maine and they are frequently seen.

One of my favorite spots for photography is Simonton Quarry in Camden. The rocks around the old flooded quarries fascinate me.

As I skirted the quarries, this lovely combination of rock and old pine needles caught my eye.

This is probably where I picked up the tick I found on my arm yesterday! Much too early to be finding these! This rock formation appeared to be one I had not noticed before.

And for the first time the water cried out as the perfect art form, a candidate for my Colors of Water collection of photographs.

Driving home through Searsmont a family was collecting sap from the old sugar maples.

It has been an early maple syrup season, with perfect weather for harvesting.

Beautiful Spring Days

2010-03-17T08:47:00.000-04:00

Last Fall was one to the most beautiful I have ever seen in Maine and this Spring is looking as if it is going to be another record breaker.

Snow is holding on in the shady spots while the flowers are exploding everywhere. Down on the pond the ice is melting with more open water every day. I love the whispering sound ice makes as it melts.

Every morning I take a stroll around my garden and delight in the flowers showing their faces to the spring sun.

There are some very happy bees visiting already!

OK Wildlife Experts, What is this?????

2010-03-16T14:34:00.002-04:00

Gorgeous day here in Maine. Solomon and I took a walk down to the pond.

We were down on the dock when I saw something on the edge of the ice. We watched it swimming along and tried to work out what it was. My first thought was an otter, but when it climbed out on the ice it looked too small. And it ran very fast towards the shore near us. It was about the size of a cat, came very close and was not even remotely afraid!!!! Please, if anyone knows what this is, let me know.

This last photo is about 6' away from us, my rowing boat is to the left.

A Rainy Monday

2010-03-16T07:32:00.000-04:00

It was pouring with rain yesterday morning when I left the house. A big mistake as before I was a few miles down the road the rain had stopped and the sky was exhibiting what I describe as a "folded look". And of course, my camera was still at home. The cats certainly know how to deal with a rainy day, none of this silly leaping in the car and dashing off somewhere! Below is a photograph of Dryad who really knows how to relax!!!!! He is a funny looking cat on a good day! A real sweetie though.

Searsport and a Woodpecker Morning

2010-03-14T09:10:00.000-04:00

Yesterday started off pleasant and sunny and gradually the sunlight faded and a chilly wind blew in, the sort of wind that is really penetrating. It is years since I visited the waterfront in Searsport and the opening of a new solar store there was an excellent excuse. Solar hot water is my next goal. A solitary walker down on the shore emphasized the choppy waves.

Taking photographs directly into the sun has always appealed to me.

There was a scattering of old moorings on the shore and this detail of chain reflected in water caught my eye.

This morning was grey and windy, not an inspiring morning to have to get up earlier due to the clocks going forward. (How I wish they would just leave it on summer time!) The day was brightened by the sound of my pileated woodpecker who clearly shared my opinion of the day and was only just getting out of bed himself. I lay in bed for a while looking at him looking out of his hole.

The first crocuses are blooming!

2010-03-13T09:11:00.001-05:00

The first crocuses started blooming yesterday!

These is nothing quite so wonderful as those first spring bulbs! I try to plant more every year as the value for money is so huge! Spring does not normally begin to show in Maine until May (although it seems about a month early this year).

It always feels like a miracle when the fragile booms appear each spring after the long and bitter Maine winter and they fill my heart with joy.

Yesterday I sat outside and worked on my taxes with Magic for company. He is a beautiful glossy back cat who loves to roll in the dust!

Late yesterday afternoon I walked down and sat down by the pond as the shadows grew longer and the ice whispered its secrets.

Far across the pond a pair of geese honked a gentle courtship.

This morning the sharp frost decorated leaves with delicate white lace.

Ice Watching

2010-03-11T07:06:00.000-05:00

Really glorious weather with warm sunny days and cold nights, perfect for maple sugaring.

It was so lovely down at the pond yesterday that I sat out in the sun on the dock.

Solomon was delighted to come with me, but not so sure about the ice!!!!

The ice "talks" as it is melting or freezing and yesterday was no exception as it whispered all its secrets to me.

The warm day made a walk down the river valley in Liberty irresistible, the old ruined mills have long fascinated me.

First Kayaking of the Year!!!

2010-03-09T17:26:00.001-05:00

At last, the first kayaking of the year!!!!! I had been seriously thinking about it yesterday with all the lovely warm sunshine but the wind was just a little too strong. Today it was completely irresistible so I headed out this afternoon to a spot of open water towards the top of Trues Pond.

There was only a thin skim of ice at the launch ramp and all would have gone well if my balance had been a little better! never mind, only one wet foot. To start I paddled south down the pond but not far beyond the little island the open water ended.

So after paddling back up to the bridge I headed under it and followed the open channel north. To my delight, a large flock of Canada geese were resting on the ice.

They seemed much less nervous than in the fall, they must have known it was not hunting season.

With all the rain and snow melt the beaver dams had been washed out and paddling was easy up through the narrow channels. A distinct chill in the air persuaded me it was time to turn back for now. It is deeply satisfying to be out on the water once again, and in early March!!!!!

Spring is Coming!!!!

2010-03-08T07:13:00.000-05:00

Unbelievable though it is spring is really coming to Maine! Snowdrops and crocuses are in bud and even daffodils showing above ground! The ice is melting fast on the lakes, although to my horror I saw an ice fisherman and his vehicle on a lake yesterday!!!!!! On Friday I saw a woolly bear caterpillar walking across a snow-covered dirt road! And the first geese flew over on Saturday!

Fall is passing by

2009-10-18T09:35:00.000-04:00

The weather is getting colder and colder, a beautiful golden light outside, and rain on the way. Soon it will be winter. There are still patches of glorious color as seen yesterday in Hope.

Lighthouse Trip

2009-10-07T08:23:00.000-04:00

Monday was a glorious day for a kayak paddle in Camden Harbor and out around Curtis to take photographs of the lighthouse.

The drive home from Camden to Montville was a blaze of Fall foliage color, one of the joys of living in this beautiful state.

Fall in Camden

2009-10-05T23:00:00.000-04:00

An absolutely perfect day to take photographs of the schooners in Camden Harbor!

Here are the Schooners Grace Bailey, Merchantile and Mistress against a backdrop of the Camden Hills.

Fog and Rain

2009-10-04T15:55:00.000-04:00

A damp and foggy morning in Maine... As the season progresses the fall foliage color is intensifying.

The rain on these fallen leaves really enhanced the color.

There is something just so peaceful about a foggy, rainy day alone on a lake.

New Photography Web Site!

2009-10-03T16:03:00.003-04:00

I have been hard at work building a new web site to present my nature and scenic photographs from Maine. Currently photographs are available to purchase as prints, mounted prints, frames prints and photo cards. Please visit my new web site, Shelagh Delphyne Photography.

I took this stunning photograph yesterday. This Fall foliage photograph is now online.

Glorious Fall

2009-09-28T07:06:00.005-04:00

Fall in Maine! My favorite time of the year and we have had some really glorious weather. After some much needed rain, the sun is already peaking out through the clouds in anticipation of another sunny day.

The colors are coming along nicely with the red maples putting on their vivid early display! Every day the foliage color is growing in intensity.Hiking in the Camden Hills is always a joy and truly spectacular in the Fall. Last week I hiked up Bald Mountain with a friend, a delightful walk with stunning views. Above is the view from the top. The young red maple was seen on the lower slopes.

I am very excited to have my photography available to purchase online now!

Spring is sprinkling!

2009-04-07T21:15:00.002-04:00

Driving home last night in torrential rain last night there were frogs all over the road, another sign that spring is really here. Of course, today there are not many roads left as the rain washed many away. Still fine for the frogs though.

Spring Fling

2009-04-06T07:16:00.003-04:00

The spring bulbs are starting to bloom, such a wonderful and joyful sight! Each day another green shoot appears and I try to remember what it is!

The cats are more than ready to spend time outside and drive me crazy begging to have a leash on and go for a walk. Smokey is my tough cat and more than happy to tramp through the snow still remaining under the trees. Solomon has to be carried across the snowy bits!
I heard the geese back a week ago and this morning, being it was a toasty 40 F out I took coffee in the screen porch. The bird song was glorious and I was delighted to hear loons calling down on the pond!

Yesterday was a spring celebration in Belfast, Maine. Stores were offering tasty snacks and a group of mostly fiddle players were wandering store to store playing wonderfully joyful music. It really feels as if spring is here!

Spring is in the air

2009-03-29T08:51:00.004-04:00

Lake St George in March showing signs of the ice melting, it is so lovely at this time of the year!

One of the true rites of spring in this area of Maine, the St George River Race. I spent a happy hour crouched on the icy shore shooting photos. See more photos

And what a delight!!! The first snowdrops reaching up through the melting snow!!! The crocuses are up in the warmest spot, although not in bloom yet. It is so exciting to see the plants appearing where the snow is melting, to see what survived and what is actually appearing to do well. The proceeds from the composting toilet have been of great benefit to the garden and I am looking forward to another season of harvesting compost and exploding flower gardens.

Winter is here!

2008-11-22T12:25:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I noticed that the pond has started to freeze over after several very cold days and nights. Winter is definitely setting in and there may not be any more kayaking until spring.

Looking down towards the pond this morning it has turned white in the first real snow fall we have had this winter.

Brrrr! Here we go!

The Coming of Fall

2008-09-30T10:48:00.005-04:00

Smokey and Dryad are cousins and Smokey seemed to recognize this immediately. He loves his wild little relative.

This shot was captured during an idyllic evening kayak on Trues Pond.

The seasons of Maine are magical. In spring, the red maple blooms compete with all the different shades of pale green. As summer progresses the greens blend together until late summer and early fall when golds, yellows and reds begin to creep in until once more every tree is a different shade.

Here the changing trees are reflected in the water of Ruffingham Meadow in Searsmont with the reeds starting to blend into gold.

Pastel early sunset over Ruffingham Meadow

After a few days of rain we had a huge brush burning session and cleared much of the front yard.

Another "mistake". Dryad's brother Nixie on his terrified first day. All the remaining kittens were taken to the shelter, but it was full and Nixie came to join my family.

Fiddlehead ferns begin to change color quite early.

Red maples on the edge of a wetland

Red maples on Trues Pond during yet another magical kayak trip.

Late Summer

2008-09-30T10:21:00.003-04:00

It was with delight that I greeted the return of our pileated woodpecker to the tree outside the bedroom window. Hopefully he will stay for the winter.

Later summer mushroom hunting was rewarding after some heavy rains. The black trumpets below are delicious and easy to recognize.

And this is Dryad, a strange looking kitten with dark, charcoal gray striped fur and huge tufts in his ears.

A Fox in the Flowerbed!

2008-08-19T11:46:00.005-04:00

Early morning in Montville and a calm scene as mist rises from Trues Pond. There is a distinct chill in the air today. Some maples are turning color, fall is coming! When I returned to the house I spotted a red fox dashing across the flowerbed next to the screen porch! Sadly I did not have time for a photo.

The front garden, looking down the driveway.

Another gaillardia

A bee enjoys a small sunflower from a seed that escaped the bird feeder

Bee balm, a favorite with humming birds

My hibiscus that lives indoors through the winter.

Anemone

A toad, one of my favorite garden helpers with it's appetite for slugs!

Summer flowers

2008-08-11T11:34:00.007-04:00

First we had drought and heat and now endless rain! The garden is struggling, but here are some of the beauties that have survived the weather and are currently in bloom.Delphinium

Blanket Flower - Gaillardia

Oriental Lily - Stargazer. Their scent fills the air!

Hosta

Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal flower, native to Maine

Tiger Lily

Passion Flower - Passiflora

Purple Cone Flower - Echinacea purpurea

Daylilies

In the last couple of days I have seen some leaves beginning to change and heard the geese beginning to fly south. Looks like another harsh winter is on its way.

Summer Wildlife

2008-08-11T08:43:00.004-04:00

Living out in nature is one thing, close encounters with bears is quite another!
It was quite a shock to find this very large bear staring in through my living room window!

I am assuming this is who is responsible for all my nibbled hostas!

And the beneficial wildlife. This pretty little toad is one of many frogs and toads found in my garden and busy feasting on slugs.

Misty morning sunlight, as seen from the screen porch.

And a peaceful late afternoon paddle on the pond. It had retreated to the old river banks but recent heavy rain is swiftly restoring water levels.

Summer in Maine

2008-08-04T06:25:00.002-04:00

The days are packed and busy. I keep meaning to prepare a post with beautiful pictures and there is never time. So just a few thoughts.

A gentle rain is falling, the birdsong is soothing and a bullfrog is booming away down on the pond. And talking of the pond, with the dam still leaking it had dried back to the old river bed. But the heavy rains have filled it a little and it now looks more like a swamp than a river. But the water hyacinths are starting to grow and I am afraid that it will never truly return to being a pond if it is allowed to stay dry much long. I wonder what happened to the nesting loons? I often hear an osprey. The fishing is good when the pond is reduced in size.

We had a terrific thunderstorm yesterday. The cats were all crying in terror and I turned off all power. There is some shoveling to do where washouts occurred. The rain was very violent for a while. And then the sun came out and it was a beautiful afternoon. The firewood stack is taking shape, a bit late, but at least it is finally happening. There is still so much to do to prepare the house for winter.

Hosing with humming birds

2008-07-16T12:53:00.002-04:00

Wouldn't you know it, no camera with me this morning while watering the garden. A humming bird came by and started feeding from some of the flowers. Then, to my huge amusement, she tried to perch on a large hosta leaf to drink the water droplets. Not easy and she kept slipping and rolling off to one side. It was so funny and a struggle not to be disrespectful enough to laugh. She gave up after a while after a few more sips of nectar flew through the spray from the hose to wet her wings and then sat on a branch cleaning up.

Loons, Lupins and Bluebells

2008-06-11T08:11:00.004-04:00

My fledgling garden is looking so beautiful and will only improve as the plants become established and multiply. These wood anemones were donated by my friend Bev.There is so much beauty as the seasons change in Maine. Lilacs do really well here, but have just gone by. Now it is the turn of the wild lupins, lining every roadside in all their blue, pink and wihite glory. The lupin bed in my yard is coming along, but a bit pathetic at the moment. Lupins do not like to be moved and mine are showing it. These were seen near the library in Searsmont.

What I am really happy about is these Spanish Bluebells. They look glorious now and will multiply quickly as the years pass.

Yesterday I went kayaking on Trues Pond. These yellow water lilies (Nuphar microphylla) are just coming into bloom.
This male(?) loon is keeping a very close eye on me.
His behavior alerted me to the proximity of his mate on the nest. Once aware of it, I was careful not to get too close. She is panting in the heat.
This morning this pretty little Eastern (or Red Spotted - Notophthalmus viridescens) was crouching near my garden hose.

More Spring flowers

2008-06-01T09:19:00.004-04:00

My garden continues to delight! This is a treasured Iris Cristata
And here is a lovely dark purple columbine.

Grape hyacinth
The wild English cowslip, Primula Veris.
And some pink violets.
A species tulip
And one of the many ladyslipper orchids growing on my land.

Memorial Weekend

2008-06-01T09:05:00.006-04:00

It was glorious weather Memorial Weekend! It would have been better to have been away on the boat sailing all weekend, but it was good weather to repair Dolphin Dancer's float badly damaged in a storm last fall. The Camden Harbormaster, Steve Pixley, had beached it for us at Steamboat Landing. It was also a perfect spot to watch schooners come and go.

Here is the float, stripped down for a rebuild.

And finished, ready for another few years service.On the way home we were caught up in the Camden Memorial Day parade

And a lonely, but not forgotten, rural cemetery.

Early Morning

2008-05-23T07:21:00.012-04:00

What a glorious morning! Yesterday we enjoyed some much-needed rain. It has clouded up again now, but for a brief moment, just after sunrise, my world was flooded with golden light.

This female hairy woodpecker is a regular visitor to my feeder.

And this beautiful blue jay posed for a photo.

My favorite morning meditation spot. White pine shoots with clouds reflected in the pond.

As always, my cats add beauty and companionship to my world. This is my handsome Solomon, very intelligent and with a built in gene for naughtiness!

And Smokey, who is growing more beautiful every day. When he is awake he is running non-stop, so most photographs are of him asleep!

The trees are leafing out beautifully!

2008-05-20T15:05:00.010-04:00

Reflections in a spring pool.

A glorious Painted Trillium, the first I have ever seen and right in my front yard!

The Camden Hills in full spring beauty.

Views from Muzzy Ridge Road in Searsmont.

Art in driftwood, Trues Pond.

A calm morning on Trues Pond.

Views from Montville.

My new Maine Coon type kitten, Smokey.

Mother's Day Flowers

2008-05-20T14:55:00.004-04:00

Mother's Day was celebrated by photographing flowers. It seemed appropriate. These pansies were a gift from a lovely woman friend.

These next two were taken around the Autozone building in Belfast!
Here wild cherry complements the reflections on Trues Pond.
And these are in my garden.

Floods and more

2008-05-06T07:56:00.021-04:00

A week ago we had 4 1/2" of rain in one day. It caused major damage to roads locally and up north in Aroostook county there was widespread flooding and damage. Trues Pond rose dramatically. My kayak had been left upside down and high and dry before the rain. Fortunately it was tied to a tree.

Even with the muddy water, kayaking was rewarding last Wednesday. This piece of driftwood looks like a bird's head to me.

The flowers in my front yard continue to bring great pleasure.

This beautiful red maple was seen at Ruffingham meadow.

The transplanted fiddleheads are coming up. I miss the huge beds I feasted on at my old house.

This is the view from my screen porch in early morning.

And this is just one of the incredible sunrises. Most mornings now I am rushing out to take a photo while barely awake.

It is so pretty here with more and more flowers every day.

A turtle that fled at my approach peeks out of hiding under water to see if I have left yet.

A brave turtle returns while I sit motionless and watch.

Paddling home and enjoying the view of my house hidden in the trees.

OK, definitely Spring

2008-04-29T15:10:00.007-04:00

Torrential rain today, much needed as it has been dry since the snow really began to melt. This is great for all the new plants put in last fall and ones I have been moving recently.

The daffodils planted in previous years are looking lovely.

This view shows the hills that give Montville its name.

Frank has been working hard with the woodsplitter clearing trees cut down for building last year and getting a good start on next winter's firewood.

It is really exciting seeing what I planted last fall. This pulmonaria is looking lovely.

And the siberian squill which will hopefully spread swiftly each year.

The red maples are in bloom, one of the beautiful sights of spring here in Maine.

Bob Hussey (Solartec) and his son Kevin installed the last two solar panels on Saturday.

This common flicker has appeared recently, the first I have seen.

Is it Summer or Spring??

2008-04-24T18:26:00.016-04:00

We have had a few days of temperatures up to 75F, amazing for this time of the year. The loons have been calling day and night and the spring peepers are deafening! The glory of spring in Maine.

This sunrise was prelude to a hot and sunny day.

Even in this hot weather the snow has persisted in the shady spots. This photo was taken April 21st near my home.

The squirrels love to torment the cats who are confined indoors.

Creating a garden around my new home last fall consisted of hurredly hacking holes in the frozen ground and shoving bulbs and perennials into the soil. It is wonderful to see everything start to come to life such as these Early Snow Glories.

The daffodils started to explode into bloom yesterday, such a joyful sign of spring.

This morning started cool with this gentle misty light. The red maples are just starting to spread the pink haze of their flowers across the forests.

This is the view from my office.

Here is Solomon enjoying the early morning sun in the screen porch.

A wealth of wildlife

2008-04-21T07:24:00.013-04:00

A few truly wonderful warm sunny days filled with yard work, house work and some wonderful kayaking breaks.

This four-toed salamander was among several found under logs while tidying up the yard.

These common loons can be heard calling out on the pond day and night.

Large numbers of painted turtles are to be seen basking on logs at the edge of the pond. Their numbers do not seem to have suffered from the pond almost completely drying out last summer due to a leaking dam.

This bald eagle allowed me quite close in my kayak.

At one time there were four eagles soaring overhead.

This beautiful osprey circled and offered excellent views. It is wonderful to have them back with their plaintive cries.

Goose River Paddle

2008-04-17T07:29:00.008-04:00

Yesterday dawned cool and clear and soon warmed up into the 60's!!!!!!! So wonderful after that long winter. In celebration I joined the Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition for a paddle on the Goose River, starting in Swanville. For more information about events, please e-mail: cloechunn@yahoo.com.

There were seven boats, eight paddlers and one dog. The river started out moving fast, deep, twisty and narrow. Gradually it widened into a still sleeping beaver swamp with dams that had fortunately not yet been rebuilt, making paddling easier.
A strong headwind countered the helpful current and as the river opened out paddling became quite hard work and the stiff breeze chilled the warm air.

Where the river opened out into a small pond a glimpse of winter returned with a sheet of ice to be paddled around.

A variety of wild ducks, geese, loons and ospreys were seen. Chloe is much more of a bird expert than I and identified several more species.

After 2 hours of hard paddling I was more than ready for the haulout at Smart Road and was delighted that Skip and Cloe had left 2 vehicles and a trailer. We managed to cram boats, people and dog into these (not sure how).

What a wonderful start to my paddling season. yesterday my boat launch on Trues Pond was still surrounded by ice, but could well be open by now.

The ospreys are back

2008-04-15T17:24:00.003-04:00

Yet another stunningly gorgeous day, warm and sunny and signs of spring everywhere. The loons are calling out on the pond as I write, a wonderful sound.

While down by the water I heard the call of an osprey for the first time this year and it flew close over me. Pure Maine magic.

All around the house spring bulbs are bursting into flower.

The Loons are Back!

2008-04-13T07:08:00.002-04:00

A pair of loons announced their arrival back on Trues Pond yesterday with loud trumpeting calls echoing the length of the pond. It is wonderful to see them!

Glorious Spring!

2008-04-12T07:01:00.009-04:00

After such a long winter it is so wonderful to see all the signs of spring! I heard that parts of Maine have had over 200" of snow this winter. Here in the Mid-Coast area we have had snow cover since November, although it is melting fast now.

The lakes make a loud whispering sound as they melt. In fall they crackle as they freeze, graduating to loud booms as the ice thickens and shifts. Everywhere now is the sound of rushing water as the snow melts.

It is the first spring in my new home and exciting to see where I planted bulbs last fall.

Everyone is enjoying the warm weather, the wild animals and my feline family.

A Cloudy Day

2008-04-07T10:05:00.012-04:00

Even a cloudy and dull day in Maine has a great beauty, starting with a vivid sunrise.

No sign of otters today at the spot that I named Otter Cove long ago, just art in black and white.

The cliff in front of the house is stark and impressive in this light.

See my handcrafted Dolphin Jewelry and more at Dolphin Designs

Spring is coming

2008-04-04T15:16:00.029-04:00

A week ago it would be hard to see that Spring might ever come with 2-3' of snow around the house and a blizzard raging outside! But today it is raining and the snow is finally beginning to melt. Saturday, March 29th was the annual St George River Race, certainly a sign that Spring is supposed to be coming. The race starts in Searsmont and continues to Rte 105 in Appleton. The river was not high this year as most lakes were still frozen and snow melt not well advanced. It was below freezing though and a brief, but impressive, snow squall added to the sense of adventure. A good place to view the race is from the bridge at Robbins Lumber on Ghent Road in Searsmont and at the finish line in Appleton. For more photos go to St George River Race.

The last week has seen progress with ice retreating and beginning to break up on some lakes. Lake St George is beginning to break up in places, but for the most part is still a great frozen expanse.

The blueberry barrens are showing the glorious reds and purples before they break into leaf. The open rocky ground soaks up the sun's warmth and snow melts swiftly here.

These glorious ice formations occur when the river drops overnight and freezing temperature prevail.

Trues Pond opens earlier than the bigger and deeper lakes, giving the wildlife access to much needed open water.

The geese now arriving are really appreciating it as are year round residents such as this curious otter seen April 3rd.

With snow rapidly melting around and the shell-shocked spring bulbs beginning to poke their noses above ground I am really looking forward to the first spring in my new home.

See my Dolphin Jewelry and more at Dolphin Designs