Tuesday, June 15, 2010

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.

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

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“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.

DSC_0607 copy 2 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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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I love lobster. Mine had barnacles.

Until tomorrow, my friends . . .

30 comments:

JacksDad said...

I was going to comment on the wonderful pictures, but the barnacled lobster just scares me! :)

Brynwood Needleworks said...

Hi Kate:
It looks like you're having a fabulous vacation. We have resident pileated woodpeckers in the lot next to us, and I really enjoy them. When they call, I can understand how Walter Lanz came up with Woody's "ha ha ha ha ha"! lol Thanks for sharing your day...and your lobster with us.
xoxo
Donna

Unknown said...

Oh this is wonderful! I am so happy for you....smiles. (say hi to George for me....smiles)

Char said...

oh man...i just drooled.

over the scenery and the lobster. but especially the lobster.

Julie Harward said...

Loved that...I could hear the sound of the oars hitting the water...wonderful! :D

Hilary said...

Oh this brings back fond memories of Maine. Beautiful views and yummy looking lobster.. drool!

Anonymous said...

Isn't being in the country something else when they actually ALLOW your pet to enter the store without you getting a nasty look!

I just LOVE those pileateds!!

Totally jealous! :-)

Marla said...

What a great vacation! I can tell you guys are having an awesome (and relaxing) time. Thanks for updating us!

Marla @ www.asthefarmturns.wordpress.com

beth said...

what an amazing trip so far....

and the book cover in your earlier post.....oh how i laughed at that one !

Anonymous said...

Looks like a wonderful vacation so far! I love the picture of George looking at you like, "Come on! What's taking you so long!" :0)

Ann On and On... said...

The true Maine experience.... it sounds wonderful.

*Could George be any cuter?

GailO said...

Wow! What a great shot of the pileated woodpecker! This looks like it is a very nice time of year to be up there...and no cars on the top of Cadillac?! Unprecedented!

Looking at your photos, I can't wait to go,,,2 more months!

Nancy Grossi ~ Churned In Cali ~ The Wife of a Dairyman said...

George looks like a stalker waiting for you :) Beautiful pics!

maillady said...

great pictures. glad your having a good time. but one thing. check the date you posted. i got up for work, checked my e-mails and then your blog and saw the date was june 16th,. to my surprise i thought i lost a day. lol... have fun and eat a lobster tail for me.

Laura ~Peach~ said...

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh :D

Deb said...

you are having a fun time...sounds like George is also...

altar ego said...

I am so enjoying being with you on your vacation. The best part is that I can enjoy the views without breaking a sweat or dealing with mosquitoes! It truly looks like a wonderful time.

Barb T. said...

Kate, your photos are gorgeous. Acadia is beautiful anyway you look at it--even through fog! I loved the Lupine from your rental posted yesterday (my boyfriend was in Maine and N.Hampshire last week, and he sent me photos from the White Mts. with beautiful Lupine). George's fascination with stuffed birds rings such a chord; it is absolutely precious.
It has been several years and lots of hikes in the White Mts. since I've been to Acadia, but without any particulars, the 2 hikes I really enjoyed there were Sargent Mt. (although it was blowing to beat the band) and Beech Mt. from the Somes Sound side of the island!
Continued great vacation to your all!!!

Deb said...

The lobster makes my mouth water and my skin itch and throat close. Enjoy for me, Kate!

Anonymous said...

We haven't heard any Pileateds in our area lately. I'm wondering if they are all staying on their nests. STILL have never had the pleasure of photographing one.

Sure love the area you are staying in. Just gorgeous!

Di

Anonymous said...

Looks like a very relaxing trip!
George looks like he's enjoying himself too!
enjoy your time.
Manden

Daryl said...

Barnacles! I had the most delish lobsta roll on the Cape this weekend...after I recovered from the worst case of sea sick in the history of the world...

mrs mediocrity said...

I LOVE the woodpecker, the trail I run on is home to a pair, I see them peaking out occasionally, but never long enough for a photo. Sounds like a wonderful trip...

Dianne@sheepdreams said...

Looks like a wonderful place. We've wanted to do a waterfront Maine cottage rental, but were nervous about ending up with your last experience. I'll be anxious to hear all about the cottage.

Low Tide High Style said...

What a perfect day! And I love the quote on the coffee cup!

Kat :)

Sweetpea said...

Hi CG ~ That parking lot shot sure is a special shot...good to be one-and-onlies sometimes.

I LOVE kayaking, too. So peaceful gliding on that watery glass...

Mental P Mama said...

I am having the nicest vicarious vacation to Maine;)

Anonymous said...

I love the Turkish proverb! I might have to stencil that on my kitchen wall!! Too cute!

The JR said...

Eat a lobster for me. Yummy, one of our favorites.

prashant said...

the scenery and the lobster. but especially the lobster.
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