Monday, August 10, 2009

Greetings from the coast of Maine

I’m writing this from a cottage in the woods at the edge of the sea. The description of this rental included amenities such as high speed internet service (which I would have been fine without) and a beach that was just a short walk through the woods.

Well, there’s no internet service, so I won’t be posting very often this week. A local told me that one of the little restaurants nearby has free wifi (and they also make a mean lobster roll).  I’ll head up there later this afternoon to publish this (and pick up some dinner).

(Update: The restaurant was closed. There was a sign apologizing, saying they’d be back Tuesday).

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The weather is incredible and perfect, having gone up to only about 77 degrees today with a westerly breeze. I can smell is ocean and pine as I write this and I love this scent.

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This is the beach that came with our place (over where the kayaks are). It turns out that it’s also a public launching place for kayaks and canoes. The realty company failed to mention that fact, but having checked the listing again, I notice that it didn’t actually say that the beach was the property of the cottage. I also checked into the internet and the owner said it “had to be fixed”. But I really  don’t care about either of these things because it’s so damn beautiful here!

I took the photo above at high tide earlier this afternoon. Just in case you don’t know, the tides in Maine are occur every eight hours or so and are around six feet between high and low marks.

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The photo above was taken at low tide, on Saturday night around sunset. Can you see the water line on the rocks?  And if you look in the center of the picture, you’ll see George investigating the waves lapping at the shore. He’s about to get wet, too.

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The rocks here have so many interesting things growing on them. There’s barnacles and seaweed, beautiful blue mussels (which I plan on harvesting and eating) and little snails that live inside those shells.

I turned around to take a picture of the sunset, below.

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I love how rugged and wild the coast is here.

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On Sunday morning we hiked along one of the most beautiful trails I’ve ever seen. It runs along the edge of the coast in a nearby nature preserve. The owners of the rental cottage have a bookcase that is stocked with books on the area, maps (which I love) and a whole folder entitled ‘Things To Do’. It’s where I found this little place. The hike was a couple of miles through moss-covered woods and huge boulders and all the while, you can see the water. And the scent!! It’s incredibly strong in some areas, this wonderful smell of spruce trees!

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Today was crystal clear with no humidity and . . . can I tell you something?

I think I’m in love.

I’m in love with this place.

You know, every time I come to Maine, I feel the same way. Is there somewhere you visit that makes you feel like this?

Until later (whenever that may be), my friends . . .

UPDATE: I’ve been all over the place looking for internet service and am currently in a room in the local Community Center. It doubles as a day care, so the laughter of children is right down the hall. They just came in from the playground and it’s snack time. The room is full of old furniture, a pool table, shelves of books and is very comfortable. I feel as though I’ve stepped back in time about 70 years. Beautiful plants are all along one windowsill and through the clear glass windows, I can see trees, the gables of an old house next door, and gulls flying in the bright blue sky. Is this what heaven is like?

47 comments:

Driftwood and Pumpkin said...

Sounds like you are having a fabulous time. I miss Maine already. I really miss the cool, breezy weather. Have a wonderful time.

ELK said...

enjoy your time as i enjoy the photos!

Linda said...

Oh the scents! Amazing photos!
*adding Maine Coast to bucket list*

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Love your desciption of this peaceful retreat. I am still looking for that place that provokes tose feelings in me.

Mary said...

I've never been to Maine. Wow, it's beautiful! Enjoy! Can't wait to see more. :)

imom said...

I've always wanted to visit Maine. Looking at your beautiful photos makes me want to go even more!

Heart of a Cowgirl said...

Your little vacation is right up there on my "to do" list. I've always wanted to spend a week or so in Maine, in a little cottage, on the water. At least I can enjoy your pics!

The Weaver of Grass said...

A delightful post from what looks to me like a delightful place Kate - have a lovely peaceful time - and hope George does too.

Anonymous said...

You have me SO excited about our trip to the Oregon Coast next week! Funny to think we'll be on complete opposite sides. Enjoy your trip, I'm enjoying your beautiful photos.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like such an amazing get away. I'm jealous. You're pictures do an amazing job of conveying the natural beauty up there!

tj said...

...*sigh* I wanna be where you are...*heavy sigh* ;o)

...The only place I've been that I can say that makes my spirit feel like it has returned home is Hermann, Missouri. I know there's places out there, such as where you are, that would rock my world but for now all I can say is "Hermann"... :o)

...Have fun you two!

...Blessings...

Reddirt Woman said...

The Maine coast is beautiful, what little I saw of it and I'm envious of the cooler days. I went to Ogunquit many years ago and really enjoyed the rocky coast... And the fresh chowda' was so good. But I wouldn't want to be in Maine in the winter. Too cold for these old bones.

I would love to go back for a visit and explore farther on up the coast.

Have a great time.

Helen

Daryl said...

Nope, heaven actually has high speed internets ... McDonalds, Starbucks and Barnes & Noble all have free WiFi if there's one of those around ... I bet if you take the laptop to the beach you'll get internet .. remember how that happened in Mathews?

Sarah Anne said...

You go to so many amazing places. I love the photos.

Anonymous said...

Oh! Now I'm homesick. I grew up just north of Portland.

Deb said...

Your vacation spot looks perfect Kate!
I love to visit the Maine coast any time of the year, but late summer/early fall is my favorite.

Have a wonderful vacation - who knows, you may just come one day and stay forever.

I've been here 13 years now and it's the best move I've ever made :)

Down On The Farm said...

I have never been to Maine but it looks absolutely gorgeous. And that weather is right up my alley! Have a wonderful vacation.

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

Lucky you - I too adore Maine. I felt like I was there too with your photos and description. Can I join you tonight for lobster and a glass of chardonnay?

Anonymous said...

If that's heaven then sign me up!

How nice that George got to go with.

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Unknown said...

I can tell how peaceful you are, I can hear it in your words.

I am glad that you are taking us along with you. The photos are OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!

Cabin shots, maybe?

Rocky Mountain Yankee said...

I am so homesick right now! Thanks for the beautiful pictures and have a great vacation.

Char said...

I so want to go to Maine - thank you for sharing this with us

Barb T. said...

It is great to hear you are having a wonderful Maine vacation. I have been there twice and love it; your area looks a bit like Searsport where I stayed for several days. I envy you.
I feel the same way about two places--the White Mts. in New Hampshire/Maine and Door County, Wisconsin.
Enjoy the rest of your vacation!

olivia said...

Oh my goodness Kate, that looks like a gorgeous piece of earth you're visiting. Glad to hear you're enjoying it!

Caroline said...

What amazing photos!!! I say forget the computer and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you!!!

Ellen said...

So glad you found a place that would allow George too.

Enjoy your trip.

Phil Jakkson said...

I know exactly what you mean about Maine. Hence the main picture on my blog, stirredwithemotion.blogspot.com.
It is so homey there and cry every time I leave.

Raph G. Neckmann said...

Oh, I love those moss covered trees!

Jo Whitehurst said...

I love coming home from working all day, and winding down with a mini vacation! Thanks for taking us along with you! What a gift!

Jill of All Trades said...

Just beautiful.

Laura @ Our House Of Joyful Noise said...

Wow!! That places LOOKS and SOUNDS ....magical! Those moss covered woods....I 1/2 expected a fairy to pop out from behind the tree. GORGEOUS photos you took! It's 2nd best to being there. Enjoy every moment and thanks for going through so much to share with us! : P

Anonymous said...

Oh, have a wonderful time. I'll look forward to all your photos when you get back to regular internet.

maillady said...

looks beautiful kate. never been to maine,however we just got back from vermont and that was overwhelmingly(is that a word) beautiful. i'll try to send you some pictures. w and s kept saying what fun you'd have there taking pictures and they also shared your gift of the book with everyone. it was really nice. well, enjoy your time in maine and i can't wait to see more pictures. hello to a and g,

abb said...

How beautiful it is where you are!

Stop by for lunch on you way home, ok?

Another Sister said...

Missed you Kate. Thanks for sharing. I'm glad to hear that things are going well. Will write soon.

Meg McCormick said...

God's green earth is gorgeous! Enjoy... more inhaling and less typing this week, dear. Don't worry; we'll be here when you get back.

Donalyn said...

What a blessing for you guys! I love Maine and I adore the scent of piney trees mixed with the smell of the ocean. Heaven.

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

Maine is on my list of places to go! Your pictures are breathtaking.
Enjoy your trip. No I really am not jealous!

Mental P Mama said...

Maine is one of my favorites. And Virginia, too;)

mom x 2 said...

This looks so beautiful and serene. I've always wanted to visit Maine. For now, I will enjoy your stay :)

Jo said...

That's absolutely beautiful. It reminds me of right here on the coast of British Columbia. Identical, in fact

Have a wonderful, wonderful time...!

Deb said...

Somehow, I could not leave a message the other day.
I wanted to tell you that I love that photo of the forest as it reminds me something of Nardia!
Gotta go to Maine...gotta go.

Kathie Truitt said...

It's my dream to visit Maine someday. Thank you for 'taking me there', a little early. Now I really want to go.

Lisa A. said...

It sounds and looks like you are having a great time. It looks beautiful there. I have never been to Maine, but I have always wanted to do just what you are doing (rent a cabin and just enjoy the beauty of nature).

Jennifer said...

What a GORGEOUS trail!...

Thanks so much for sharing all the incredible sights. I haven't been on a vacation in I don't know how many years. So it's nice to pretend I'm on one through you!

Best wishes from an overseas Army wife,
Jennifer

Unknown said...

Oh Kate I want to visit there even more now! What a lovely place! Enjoy your time on vacation!

Hilary said...

There are parts of Maine that are among the most beautiful places I've ever seen. I envy your time there.. but am so happy for you that you're enjoying such a vacation. :)