Lynn Amber - Travel & Photography
sharing my thoughts through words and images
Photo a Day 7.16.21
I visited my favorite patch of milkweed at Thuya Gardens today to see if there were any monarch caterpillars munching on the leaves. I noticed this butterfly on one of the flowers and, then, as I was photographing it – along came a caterpillar…..
Photo a Day 7.15.21
I visited the Carroll Homestead in Southwest Harbor today to hear a local descendent of the original settlers of this homestead talk about life on this farm in the 1800’s. Joan Jordan Grant, great-granddaughter of one of the original Carroll family members, gave a heartfelt, informal talk about her ancestors complete with items on hand from the era – including a handmade doll named Lydia that was made by Rebecca Carroll (her great-great grandmother) and given to Joan’s mother when she was an infant – and the above crazy quilt also crafted by Rebecca with the help of other women in the family.
I have a crazy quilt that is remarkably similar in design to this one that was passed down to me from an ancestor so I was really drawn to the colorful patchwork in this treasured blanket.
Unfortunately, due to Covid, the public is not yet allowed to tour the house but I could peek in the windows! A family of 10 children and 2 adults inhabited this tiny farmhouse in the 1800’s! I encourage you to follow the link above to read more about this amazing family.
Photo a Day 7.14.21
Yesterday, I just never got enough of a signal to upload a photo. Tonight, no problem – and it’s drizzling and heavy with fog! It’s a mystery!
I had some errands to accomplish in Bar Harbor today, so I took a stroll along the Shore Path while waiting for the next shuttle bus back home. There was a heavy mist along the coast making the layers of the landscape more evident.
Photo A Day 7.12.21
After work today, I drove to Thuya Garden intending to spend an hour or so wandering around the grounds and enjoying what has come into bloom since my last visit. I climbed the short, steep Asticou Terrace trail and strolled up to the walled garden entrance only to find the large, carved panel doors to the garden shut. It was then that I remembered the garden was closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!
It was still a nice walk through the woods……
and I also walked down to the boat landing and enjoyed watching the harbor for a spell.
Photo a Day 7.11.21
I managed to wake up in time to scramble down to the cliffs to see the sunrise this morning which occurred at 4:57am! I was all alone on the rocks. A very subtle, peaceful beginning to the day….
Photo a Day 7.10.21
After all the rain yesterday due to the residual effects of Hurricane Elsa, it was nice to get down to the Land and Garden Preserve for a walk in the sunshine this morning!
The call of the loon
Echoes down the peaceful pond
In early morning. ~ Lynn Thomas Amber
As I was walking along the pond’s edge, I could hear the loons but they were being elusive and hiding at the far end of the waterway. It was enough just to know they were there…..
Photo a Day 7.8.21
After completing some much needed errands this morning (hardware store, grocery store, post office), I loaded up my bike and headed to the small parking area on Duck Brook Road to access the carriage roads around Witch Hole Pond. Rain was in the forecast for later this afternoon and I wanted to get a ride in before the showers commenced.
As soon as I came upon the first small body of water, I realized what the subject of my photo of the day would be. The waterlilies were blooming profusely in all the ponds. My 5-mile bike ride was interrupted numerous times to stop and photograph! It was really hard to choose a favorite shot to post so I’ll share all my favorites!
Photo A Day 7.7.21
My chosen hike today was a loop that brought me to the summit of Dorr Mountain. There are numerous trails that ascend this mountain and I decided to hike up the North Ridge Trail of Dorr via the Jesup and Hemlock trails that leave from Sieur du Monts.
As I was walking along the Jesup Path towards the junction with the Hemlock Trail, I noticed a gentleman in a wheelchair up ahead coming towards me on the path. (The Jesup Path is one of several accessible trails within the park.) As I approached him, he stopped and I thought that he was just allowing me to pass since the trail is somewhat narrow right here. However, he gestured me to stop, and quietly told me that there was a pair of owls up ahead if I took the Hemlock Trail to the right at the junction. I was so thankful for this kind heads up! If he had not shared this information, I would have missed photographing and watching this wonderful pair of Barred Owls. I had intended to turn left on Hemlock Trail to reach the North Ridge of Dorr Mt. I made the short detour and found the birds perched on this tree limb!
These Barred Owls are yearly residents of the area surrounding the Sieur du Monts Spring area of Acadia National Park and I have seen them on other occasions but never close enough to photograph.
Photo a Day 7.6.21
I embarked on a short hike after work today on the Great Head Trail in Acadia National Park. It’s a short, but rocky trail that weaves its way along the coastal cliffs of Great Head and through the forest and pitch pine ecosystems. I was struck by this lone Balsam Fir tree braving the elements atop one of the cliffs.
Photo a Day 7.4.21 and 7.5.21
Cell signal from the closest tower was so bogged down yesterday that I could not post a photo – and it was raining all day anyway! So, today – I’ll post 2 photos from the last couple of days. In the photo above, the Virginia Rose is now blooming along the coast and it is so fragrant! Below, more mushrooms that have sprung up in the forest after a couple of days of rain!
Lynn Amber - Travel & Photography 