It all started with a walk in the clouds

The sun comes up early in Maine, where we’re staying for a week on the coast. Today we were out the door by 7:30, headed for Cadillac Mountain. We knew it would be in the clouds but we still just wanted to be there.

That’s another mountain you can see through those clouds. It may be Champlain Mountain.

“Coffee should be black as Hell, strong as death, and sweet as love.”

I like mine with some half & half but I found this inspiring. We bought a cup to share at the little store on top of Cadillac Mountain, where (and this is unprecedented for us) we were the only car in the parking lot. And they let George into the little store. George was fascinated with the stuffed bird display, and I kept pressing the loon for him as he wagged his tail.

I had to get a photo because we’ve never been the only car in the entire parking lot. There’s ALWAYS someone.

We ended up hiking the Great Head Trail and then driving around the Loop Road where we stopped to get a photo of the view and saw this seagull hanging out.

He let me get this close to him without flying off.

After stopping at Colonel’s in North East Harbor for some lobster rolls, we had a picnic at a pullover stop on Sargent’s Drive, a lovely road that runs along the east side of Somes Sound.

When we got home, I took the kayak out and paddled around the little cove here. It was so quiet, with the sound of the oars and the birds in the sky. Later, I heard the distinctive sounds of another bird who we’ve been seeing quite frequently here.

This beautiful pilated woodpecker was feasting on ants that are living in the damp wood left along the edge of the coast by a storm.

George waiting for me at the top of the staircase that leads to the beach.

I love lobster. Mine had barnacles.

Until tomorrow, my friends . . .