Well, this is Friday and a shutdown day at work. This means that I have an extra long weekend to fit in all the fun activities that I can make possible. The sun is out so the weather is just fantastic! Wolfe's Neck State Park in Freeport is my next adventure.
I was slow moving this morning but I packed my necessities for the trip to Freeport. With the camera loaded with Kodak 400 film, I ventured down the road to Gardiner and Freeport. As Wolfe's Neck State Park was another new location for me, I had to take my MapQuest directions so that I would not get lost. However, I found out that MapQuest will only take you so far because I can certainly get lose my way if I am lost in thought. The road down to this state park is winding. I wondered why I was driving over a dirt road. Well, let me just say that I went right by the state park sign to go into the state park. Lovely homes were seen along the route to the end of this road. After turning around, I finally found the sign and drove into the small parking lot.
As I did not have a map of the area, I wandered around until I found the map. With the directions in hand, I wandered back up to the first parking lot where my car was located and took the trail that lead to the shore. The trail was easy enough to maneuver. Photograph 1 is what I saw leading down to the water's edge. Oh my! What a spectacular view! At the foot of the trail, I finally landed on the water's edge to see a calm body of water in front of me. Two people were sitting on some rocks at the foot of the trail. I wandered over to another set of rocks and just sat there admiring the view. Oh, it is so peaceful here. I can see why people come. You could sit here for hours on end. Photographs 2 and 4, 7 and 8 shows a close-up of the rocks. Photographs 3, 5 and 6 shows the view from these same rocks as I am admiring the breathtaking views.
After sitting for quite awhile, I ventured off down the trail back to the road. As I slowly meandered back to the main road, I spotted a fallen tree shown in Photographs 9 and 10. I had to cross a wooden bridge to continue the venture back as depicted in Photograph 11. As I came back to the parking lot, I shot the view back down the shore trail as shown in Photograph 12.
The next stop was the picnic area near some of the trails around the parameter. Of course, I moved my car closer to where I was going as I was still getting my bearings for the day. Photograph 13 shows the entrance to that area. The entrance to this area opens up to a place of solitude for today anyway. There were no people around this area. They were most likely hiking the trails. However, I captured the solitude as shown in Photographs 14 and 15 before I wandered down one of the trails only a short distance to take in the magnificient view. It is breathtaking. I am so glad that I came here. Peace and tranquility can be a good thing.
On my way back to the parking lot, I wandered through a little pavilion with many picnic tables and then back out from where I came. A long wooden bench was sitting just waiting for someone to come along and rest their weary feet before proceeding further. Photograph 16 depicts this long wooden beanch.
Around 12:30 p.m., I headed back towards home. It was a great day. As I drive back, I wonder what my next adventure will be in the future. I guess I will just have to wait and see what moves me. There are so many more places to go. Stay tuned!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
May 16, 2010 - Reid State Park
Today is the day that I start thinking outside the box. I wondered what I could do to help my creative energy just flow. We all know that I love the ocean so what better way to get the creative juices flowing but to spend more time at the ocean. What did I come up with? Boogie Boarding! I had bought a boogie board and wetsuit at Birgfeld's Surf Shop in Searsport so today was my first time to try it all out. All I can say is "What fun!"
The weather is absolutely gorgeous! The sun is out so I am so very excited. Well, I did already have three cups of coffee. As you know, I always think of the prep before my adventure starts. Not only did I pack my usual bag with clothes and camera but I had two bags. One to take onto the beach and one to keep in the car. I loaded my LL Bean bag with towels, camera, bathing suit, electronics and food that I had purchased at Slates Bakery and at Boytons. Oh, and do not forget to bring water! With my boogie board and wetsuit loaded in the back of the car, I was ready to hit the road to Reid State Park. My car will almost take me there automatically now.
Todd's Point was not open so I had to park at the Griffith Head at the other end of Mile Beach. This means that I had to wander all the way down the other end of the beach. Let's just say that putting on a wetsuit is a fascinating experiment in squeezing into something that needs to be tight anyway. Tugging and pulling was done. Phew! I get tired just thinking about it! I grab my bag and boogie board and head to the other end of Mile Beach.
One of the lessons for today was to watch the waves. You had to get just the right type of wave to ride it into shore. Well, I think I figured out which waves were best with the expert help of all my instructors for the day. There are so many things to think about when catching a wave but I hope that soon that I will not have to even think about it. I would focus on one thing and forget another. Oh well. It will come. I just know it. Practice, practice, practice. At one point, I had to hold my breath and say "Ouch" because one of my calves had a muscle cramp. Yikes! I worked through it so all is well.
While on lunch break and another break, I took out my camera to take in the views before me. Not only did I get the glorious, breathtaking landscape but I took shots of the surfers. I need to experiment on taking photographs of people. It will be something new for me. The breaks also gave me a chance to warm up my feet and hands. My boots and gloves are on order so I should have them the next time that I go boogie boarding.
After getting back to the car and putting the boogie board in the back of the car, the first thing to do is take OFF the wetsuit. Oh my. I got the zipper stuck and needed assistance! Yikes! All is well because people were around to help me. Phew! I guess I better figure out what I did wrong so that it does not happen again.
After all was said and done, I was ready to hit the road again. As you know, one of my habits lately is to stop at the Dairy Queen at the end of the road. As I was getting ready to leave, a bunch of antique cars pulled into the parking lot. Oh my! They were just gorgeous. I wished I had my car out with the top down. I wonder if the boogie board would fit in the trunk.
This is the end of this adventure so we will see what the next adventure leads me!
The weather is absolutely gorgeous! The sun is out so I am so very excited. Well, I did already have three cups of coffee. As you know, I always think of the prep before my adventure starts. Not only did I pack my usual bag with clothes and camera but I had two bags. One to take onto the beach and one to keep in the car. I loaded my LL Bean bag with towels, camera, bathing suit, electronics and food that I had purchased at Slates Bakery and at Boytons. Oh, and do not forget to bring water! With my boogie board and wetsuit loaded in the back of the car, I was ready to hit the road to Reid State Park. My car will almost take me there automatically now.
Todd's Point was not open so I had to park at the Griffith Head at the other end of Mile Beach. This means that I had to wander all the way down the other end of the beach. Let's just say that putting on a wetsuit is a fascinating experiment in squeezing into something that needs to be tight anyway. Tugging and pulling was done. Phew! I get tired just thinking about it! I grab my bag and boogie board and head to the other end of Mile Beach.
One of the lessons for today was to watch the waves. You had to get just the right type of wave to ride it into shore. Well, I think I figured out which waves were best with the expert help of all my instructors for the day. There are so many things to think about when catching a wave but I hope that soon that I will not have to even think about it. I would focus on one thing and forget another. Oh well. It will come. I just know it. Practice, practice, practice. At one point, I had to hold my breath and say "Ouch" because one of my calves had a muscle cramp. Yikes! I worked through it so all is well.
While on lunch break and another break, I took out my camera to take in the views before me. Not only did I get the glorious, breathtaking landscape but I took shots of the surfers. I need to experiment on taking photographs of people. It will be something new for me. The breaks also gave me a chance to warm up my feet and hands. My boots and gloves are on order so I should have them the next time that I go boogie boarding.
After getting back to the car and putting the boogie board in the back of the car, the first thing to do is take OFF the wetsuit. Oh my. I got the zipper stuck and needed assistance! Yikes! All is well because people were around to help me. Phew! I guess I better figure out what I did wrong so that it does not happen again.
After all was said and done, I was ready to hit the road again. As you know, one of my habits lately is to stop at the Dairy Queen at the end of the road. As I was getting ready to leave, a bunch of antique cars pulled into the parking lot. Oh my! They were just gorgeous. I wished I had my car out with the top down. I wonder if the boogie board would fit in the trunk.
This is the end of this adventure so we will see what the next adventure leads me!
May 15, 2010 - Lake St. George State Park
Today's adventure will be to head to Lake St. George State Park in Liberty. Of course, I have never been to this state park. Sometimes I wonder how I can live in Maine all my life and have been to only a few state parks. Anyway, I pack my bag with extra clothes and camera loaded with Kodak 400 film. I hope that the weather holds and does not rain. I hit Slates Bakery first for a scone and a chicken sandwich for later. I am off!
I travel down Route 3 in Augusta headed to Liberty. The weather looks iffy as the clouds are here and look very dark. As I drive along, the rain is coming down but is not consistent. However, I still have hope that all will be well when I get to my final destination.
As I arrive at the state park, the rain is holding off for the time being. I take a right into the campground area. There are a few campers so this gives me many opportunities to wander around unimpeded. What a great view these people have from their abodes! My car is now parked near the water's edge in one of the empty spaces. I grab my camera and go even though it is a dreary day so far!
Photograph 1 is actually a mistake because it just shows the ground. Oh well. Photographs 2 through 4 show the view from the water's edge. Oh what a view! It is so gorgeous here. Great place to go camping. Photographs 5, 8 through 12 shows the trees, rocks and water that I see along the edge.
Each campsite contains a picnic table and a little fire pit. Photographs 6 through 7 as well as 14 through 17, 19-20 and 47 show what can be seen with the naked eye in the first part of the camping area. There is a winding road up to the outer part of the camping area. Rock formations are shown in Photographs 18 and 21-22.
There is a windy road that goes up to a gorgeous area in the back with some campsites either tucked away among the trees or out in the open. Photographs 13 and 23 through 39 show the winding road and what lies ahead in the outer perimeter of the camping area including trees, towels hanging to dry and outhouses. There is also a view back into the first part of the campground shown in Photograph 40.
As I wander back into the first part of the campground area, I find a patch of trees near the bathing/shower area. These trees are shown in Photographs 41 through 43 and the bathing area is shown in Photographs 45 and 46. As I stand near the grove of trees, I spy and hear a musician strumming his guitar. It is so pleasant to listen to that I sit for awhile. The musician is shown in Photograph 44 throw the branches of trees.
As I think I am leaving, I notice another road. Yes, I know that I have no idea about these state parks so I was amazed that there was more to the park than the campground. It was not obvious to me when I drove in so here I go as I wonder what is up ahead. Oh my! What a view! This end of the state park is phenomenal. Of course, no other car is in sight as I enter the parking area so this gives me free rein as to where I can go. Wide open spaces, picnic tables, gorgeous lake and places for children to play. It is a great set-up for all to enjoy. Oh no, it is raining again! I sit in my car listening to music until the rain subsides. Finally, the rain subsides and I alight from my car with camera in hand.
What I notice first besides the gorgeous views is the play area for the kids. Photographs 48 as well as 59 through 62 show this playful area. There is even a water fountain right in the middle of this area that is shown in Photograph 51. It is so peaceful here that Photographs 49 and 52 through 58 as well as Photograph 65 through 69 show the calmness of the day and water before me as well as the trees and the rock formations along the perimeter. There is even a lifeguard stand just waiting to be used for the upcoming summer depicted in Photograph 64. There are several picnic tables near the water's edge where people can just sit, have a picnic and take in the sights and sounds of the day. Photographs 50 and 63 depicts this gathering of tables.
After awhile, I just sit by the waters edge and take it all in. So peaceful. I love my life. These are thoughts now.
I find that this adventure is opening my mind and views of this gorgeous state. It does amaze me how I get into certain routines and stay within the same box for awhile but I know that sometimes I have to push myself out of the comfort zone. By doing this, it opens avenues for me.
As I am driving back, the rain is still holding off. It doesn't matter as much now, but the ride is much better this way. As I head back home, I realize that I have time to go back into Augusta but head up to Elm City Photo in Waterville to drop off the three rolls of film. What does this mean??? The photos will be ready on Monday so I am excited to see them all developed. Another one down. Now to figure out where to go on my next adventure!
I travel down Route 3 in Augusta headed to Liberty. The weather looks iffy as the clouds are here and look very dark. As I drive along, the rain is coming down but is not consistent. However, I still have hope that all will be well when I get to my final destination.
As I arrive at the state park, the rain is holding off for the time being. I take a right into the campground area. There are a few campers so this gives me many opportunities to wander around unimpeded. What a great view these people have from their abodes! My car is now parked near the water's edge in one of the empty spaces. I grab my camera and go even though it is a dreary day so far!
Photograph 1 is actually a mistake because it just shows the ground. Oh well. Photographs 2 through 4 show the view from the water's edge. Oh what a view! It is so gorgeous here. Great place to go camping. Photographs 5, 8 through 12 shows the trees, rocks and water that I see along the edge.
Each campsite contains a picnic table and a little fire pit. Photographs 6 through 7 as well as 14 through 17, 19-20 and 47 show what can be seen with the naked eye in the first part of the camping area. There is a winding road up to the outer part of the camping area. Rock formations are shown in Photographs 18 and 21-22.
There is a windy road that goes up to a gorgeous area in the back with some campsites either tucked away among the trees or out in the open. Photographs 13 and 23 through 39 show the winding road and what lies ahead in the outer perimeter of the camping area including trees, towels hanging to dry and outhouses. There is also a view back into the first part of the campground shown in Photograph 40.
As I wander back into the first part of the campground area, I find a patch of trees near the bathing/shower area. These trees are shown in Photographs 41 through 43 and the bathing area is shown in Photographs 45 and 46. As I stand near the grove of trees, I spy and hear a musician strumming his guitar. It is so pleasant to listen to that I sit for awhile. The musician is shown in Photograph 44 throw the branches of trees.
As I think I am leaving, I notice another road. Yes, I know that I have no idea about these state parks so I was amazed that there was more to the park than the campground. It was not obvious to me when I drove in so here I go as I wonder what is up ahead. Oh my! What a view! This end of the state park is phenomenal. Of course, no other car is in sight as I enter the parking area so this gives me free rein as to where I can go. Wide open spaces, picnic tables, gorgeous lake and places for children to play. It is a great set-up for all to enjoy. Oh no, it is raining again! I sit in my car listening to music until the rain subsides. Finally, the rain subsides and I alight from my car with camera in hand.
What I notice first besides the gorgeous views is the play area for the kids. Photographs 48 as well as 59 through 62 show this playful area. There is even a water fountain right in the middle of this area that is shown in Photograph 51. It is so peaceful here that Photographs 49 and 52 through 58 as well as Photograph 65 through 69 show the calmness of the day and water before me as well as the trees and the rock formations along the perimeter. There is even a lifeguard stand just waiting to be used for the upcoming summer depicted in Photograph 64. There are several picnic tables near the water's edge where people can just sit, have a picnic and take in the sights and sounds of the day. Photographs 50 and 63 depicts this gathering of tables.
After awhile, I just sit by the waters edge and take it all in. So peaceful. I love my life. These are thoughts now.
I find that this adventure is opening my mind and views of this gorgeous state. It does amaze me how I get into certain routines and stay within the same box for awhile but I know that sometimes I have to push myself out of the comfort zone. By doing this, it opens avenues for me.
As I am driving back, the rain is still holding off. It doesn't matter as much now, but the ride is much better this way. As I head back home, I realize that I have time to go back into Augusta but head up to Elm City Photo in Waterville to drop off the three rolls of film. What does this mean??? The photos will be ready on Monday so I am excited to see them all developed. Another one down. Now to figure out where to go on my next adventure!
Monday, May 3, 2010
May 2, 2010 - Damariscotta Lake State Park
I wake up this morning to rain and hope that the sky will clear up so that I can take another adventure today. My wish came true later in the morning as the rain stopped but was somewhat cloudy. The temperature is to get into the 80s today so I better get started early. My next stop is at the Damariscotta Lake State Park in Jefferson. It is true that I have never been to this destination until my visit today so I will be surprised as to what I will find when I get there.
After a quick stop at Slate's for a muffin and coffee, I head off down the road to find Route 126 in Randolph to head down to Jefferson. I am thankful to have my MapQuest directions on hand because I can get directionally dysfunctional at times. The older I get the more I take after my mother. It is not a bad thing though. I love my mom dearly.
As I drive along, I notice the landscape and what is before me. However, I do take notice of road signs along the way just so I do not get lost. The state park was actually very easy to find. As I pull into the state park, there is only one other car there and the gate is closed. I guess 10:30 a.m. is too earlier for people to be out and about on a Sunday. Oh well.
With my camera all loaded with 400 speed film, I head through the parking lot down to the lake that I can see in the distance. Several picnics tables are lined up over to the left on the hill but I will leave that exploring for later. I wanted to see what was at the beach. By the time that I arrived at the beach, the only things there to greet me were the wildlife and black flies. Oh, I will have to muster through to take a roll of film. Let's see what I can find.
I so wanted to capture the essence of the lake. The calmness abounds. Photographs 1 through 3 as well as 8, 12 and 20 brings forth what I saw on this day. There was actually some birds and ducks frolicking and enjoying the day as shown in Photographs 4 and 7, 14 as well as 15 and 22. As I stand on the beach, there are many picnic tables that align the edge of the park to overlook the calming waters. Not only does Photographs 5, 6, 9 through 11 as well as 19 show the picnic tables and the surrounding areas, it shows what people can leave behind. Of course, I have blackflies who are keeping me company on my journey on this fine day. As I turn to walk in behind the picnic table area, I glimpse a spacious area with perfect grove of pine trees as seen in Photograph 13. I then stumble across what lives in behind the calmness of the lake and its view. Of course, I find fallen trees as shown in Photograph 16 through 18 and 21.
After a quick stop at Slate's for a muffin and coffee, I head off down the road to find Route 126 in Randolph to head down to Jefferson. I am thankful to have my MapQuest directions on hand because I can get directionally dysfunctional at times. The older I get the more I take after my mother. It is not a bad thing though. I love my mom dearly.
As I drive along, I notice the landscape and what is before me. However, I do take notice of road signs along the way just so I do not get lost. The state park was actually very easy to find. As I pull into the state park, there is only one other car there and the gate is closed. I guess 10:30 a.m. is too earlier for people to be out and about on a Sunday. Oh well.
With my camera all loaded with 400 speed film, I head through the parking lot down to the lake that I can see in the distance. Several picnics tables are lined up over to the left on the hill but I will leave that exploring for later. I wanted to see what was at the beach. By the time that I arrived at the beach, the only things there to greet me were the wildlife and black flies. Oh, I will have to muster through to take a roll of film. Let's see what I can find.
I so wanted to capture the essence of the lake. The calmness abounds. Photographs 1 through 3 as well as 8, 12 and 20 brings forth what I saw on this day. There was actually some birds and ducks frolicking and enjoying the day as shown in Photographs 4 and 7, 14 as well as 15 and 22. As I stand on the beach, there are many picnic tables that align the edge of the park to overlook the calming waters. Not only does Photographs 5, 6, 9 through 11 as well as 19 show the picnic tables and the surrounding areas, it shows what people can leave behind. Of course, I have blackflies who are keeping me company on my journey on this fine day. As I turn to walk in behind the picnic table area, I glimpse a spacious area with perfect grove of pine trees as seen in Photograph 13. I then stumble across what lives in behind the calmness of the lake and its view. Of course, I find fallen trees as shown in Photograph 16 through 18 and 21.
After taking in the views one more time, I wander back towards the parking lot to see what else I can find. To my right, I notice all sorts of playground activities that children can partake in as they enjoy their summers here at this popular place. What fun they must have when they come here for the day. There are even more picnic tables that have not been put in their designated places yet. These are all piled up as shown in Photograph 23. What is that I see? I am not sure. It looks like wires poking up through the dirt in this area. Photograph 24 shows what I saw. As I look down across towards the water, I glimpse a peaceful view. What a place it is to have so many accessible views to such a majestic calm. Photographs 25 and 26 take in what I saw at this time.
I can picture this state park being filled with families during the summer. It is a great location for people with families to come and hang out. The beach is small but I am sure that is fine with the people who choose to come here for the day. Jefferson is lucky to have this state park in their backyard.
May 1, 2010 - Reid State Park
What a gorgeous Saturday morning! It is only May 1st and the temperature will be in the 70s. How fabulous is that? Woo Hoo! Anyway, I pack my beach bag as usual with my camera loaded with 400 speed film and back-up gear for chilly weather. I hit the road about 8:30 a.m. and head to Slate's Bakery for a muffin and coffee. As I am driving, I decide to head back to Reid State Park. Yes, I have been there already but I wanted to see the other end of Mile Beach and maybe even basked in the sun while I am there. This trip is for a double purpose - relaxation and photograph opportunities.
As I pull into Reid State Park, I find my new parking pass for state parks. Boy, this pass will certainly come in handy this summer. The Todd's Point entrance is now blocked off and only accessible by foot and the Griffith entrance is now open for the summer. The parking lot is nearly empty at this time of the morning. I unload my car and head down to the beach. It is a little chilly with the wind but that is fine with me. With the camera slung over my shoulder, I head down the beach.
Around 2:00 p.m., I decide it is ready to head back home. Even though I did not want to leave, I knew that I had enough sun for one day. Next time I will have to remember to bring the suntan lotion. Before I head to the parking lot, the bench overlooking the water is beckoning for me to sit for awhile before I actually leave this fine place. People are relaxing but also enjoying this day. Oh, look! People are flying kites. How fun is that!
I slowly wander back to the car with a sadness to leave the day behind but it always has to come to pass eventually if you do not live on the ocean. My first stop back is at Dairy Queen again as I exit the road going back to my life. After I purchase a hot dog and blizzard, I sit on edge of my trunk with the hatch up just watching the people and the traffic. I wonder where they are all going on this fine day.
You probably wonder why I don't mention any specific photographs that I have taken this brilliant day. Well, I can say that I erred in that none of the photographs came out. Evidently, I did not make sure that the roll was good and tight on the inside of the camera. I was bummed. Oh well, there will always be another day.
As I pull into Reid State Park, I find my new parking pass for state parks. Boy, this pass will certainly come in handy this summer. The Todd's Point entrance is now blocked off and only accessible by foot and the Griffith entrance is now open for the summer. The parking lot is nearly empty at this time of the morning. I unload my car and head down to the beach. It is a little chilly with the wind but that is fine with me. With the camera slung over my shoulder, I head down the beach.
There are a lot of people on the beach on this fine day. It was nice to see people enjoying themselves. I wander down the beach and take a good look around the area. I snap photos here and there as I go. I spy a surfer in the distance. It looks as though he is having a difficult time trying to catch a wave. He wanders farther down the beach to see if it is any better down there. As I am taking more photographs, the surfer wanders back my way. We chat. As I figured, the surfing is not the greatest at this time of day so he is leaving. What a bummer for him. It would have been fascinating to see someone catch waves.
As I wander the beach, I decide to sit and take in the whole atmosphere of the day. The energy is just moving on this day filled with sunshine. How can people not be here now and enjoying such a sight for sore eyes? The waves are fabulous even if they are not great for surfing. Bring on the sun! As I sit and contemplate life, I see two more surfers coming along the beach to test their fate. These two surfers seem to have the same luck as the other guy. Oh well. It looks like they were having a blast! It is a good way to spend the day!
Around 2:00 p.m., I decide it is ready to head back home. Even though I did not want to leave, I knew that I had enough sun for one day. Next time I will have to remember to bring the suntan lotion. Before I head to the parking lot, the bench overlooking the water is beckoning for me to sit for awhile before I actually leave this fine place. People are relaxing but also enjoying this day. Oh, look! People are flying kites. How fun is that!
I slowly wander back to the car with a sadness to leave the day behind but it always has to come to pass eventually if you do not live on the ocean. My first stop back is at Dairy Queen again as I exit the road going back to my life. After I purchase a hot dog and blizzard, I sit on edge of my trunk with the hatch up just watching the people and the traffic. I wonder where they are all going on this fine day.
You probably wonder why I don't mention any specific photographs that I have taken this brilliant day. Well, I can say that I erred in that none of the photographs came out. Evidently, I did not make sure that the roll was good and tight on the inside of the camera. I was bummed. Oh well, there will always be another day.
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