Lynn Amber - Travel & Photography
sharing my thoughts through words and images
Wave Action at Little Hunter’s Beach
It was a beautiful, cool, crisp morning – perfect weather for a walk to Little Hunter’s Beach. I was armed with a fresh thermos of piping hot coffee to enjoy on the way. The tide was out but the waves were still impressive as the swells gathered momentum and developed into curling, frothy waves! 🙂
I sat on a rock by the water’s edge relishing the sunshine and solitude – trying to guess which swell would materialize into the biggest wave!
Otter Cove Blossoms
My leisurely stroll along the Otter Cove coastline the other day revealed lots of showy plants in bloom and a few inconspicuous ones that are only visible to those taking the time to look more closely. It was an eclectic group of plants – ranging from native to non-native origins.
Rugosa Rose is in full bloom now along coastal Maine – so colorful and boldly withstanding the rigors of life on the edge.
Only those taking the time to get out of their cars or off their bikes would notice the more subtle blossoms of the following seaside plants:
The tiny blue and yellow flowers of this plant are very delicate and pretty. This plant is actually a member of the potato family – Solanaceae.
Lathyrus japonicus grows along the coast and, as you can tell by its flowers and habit, is a member of the legume family – Fabaceae. The young shoots and leaves can apparently be eaten raw in salads. I read that the Dena-ina (a Northwest Native American tribe) ate the seeds of this plant raw or boiled.
While an interesting flower, the Birdsfoot Trefoil is considered an invasive plant in some areas of the country. It was introduced into this country as forage for livestock and has escaped along coastal Maine and can be found along roadside and in meadows.
This plant closely resembles morning glory vine and is considered a noxious weed in some parts of the United States. It is another non-native plant that has adapted to the growing conditions of Acadia and is seen in the harsh coastal environment. I have to admit the flower sure is pretty!
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen this plant before and finally identified it as Rhinanthus minor. The unusual nature of the flower really caught my eye. Apparently, the plant is semi-parasitic – meaning it has the ability to obtain both water and nutrients from the roots of neighboring plants.
Schoodic Bog Along the Down East Sunrise Trail
On one of my day’s off last week, with Jim visiting from Vermont, we decided to take our bikes to the mainland and explore part of the Down East Sunrise Trail. The Down East Sunrise Trail is an 87-mile rail trail that is part of the larger East Coast Greenway. Since I’ve been interested in the rail-trail movement for awhile, I wanted to try and ride as much of this pathway as possible this summer.
I choose the section of trail that runs from Franklin, ME to the Tunk Lake Road access point in Sullivan, ME. The reason I picked this section is that it runs through the Schoodic Preserve and Bog. I thought it might be an interesting area to visit!
The Schoodic Bog is home to a wide variety of both plants and animals – from water lilies and carnivorous pitcher plants to beavers and water-loving birds of prey. The bog itself encompasses about 150 acres of the 500-acre preserve and sits at the base of Schoodic Mountain.
The trail head parking in Franklin is on Winter Street which runs alongside the town library and dead ends at the lot. The gravel parking area is fairly large and will accommodate many vehicles. When we arrived, the first thing I noticed was two riders on dirt bikes crossing the road on the trail, and then, shortly after they left, there was a four-wheeler traveling on the trail. I was a tad dismayed. When doing my research about the rail trail, I failed to notice that this trail is shared by those on motorcycles and ATV’s. I generally do not consider these compatible with the quieter modes of transportation such as bicycles, horses and hikers.
We had driven over an hour to get here, so the decision was made to go ahead and ride – and hope that we do not run into too many dirt bikes or ATV’s. I’m glad we did because it really ended up not being an issue.
After cycling for a short while, we came to a bridge across a very tea-colored stream called Card Mill Stream. It’s not surprising that there would be a build up of tannins in this vegetative-rich environment full of decomposing plant material!
After leaving the Card Mill stream area, we traveled through mostly forested land until reaching the Schoodic Bog. We decided to stop here for lunch since there was a very inviting picnic table overlooking the water. Of course, with all that water, one would expect it to be buggy and we were not disappointed. In the end, we did not sit at all – but ate our sandwiches while walking (very briskly!) along the bog – trying to discourage (unsuccessfully!) the pesky mosquitoes from bothering us!
We had a wonderful view of Schoodic Mountain from the bog. In the distance, beaver dams were evident and I saw many pitcher plants out in the marshy soil – too far away for a close-up photograph however!
As we continued on our bikes after lunch, we noticed an osprey nest with one of the parents perched on a nearby dead tree – keeping a close eye on its babies in the nest. We stopped and watched the bird for quite awhile and every now and then we could see a baby osprey sticking it’s head up above the twigs in the nest.
After watching the osprey, we traveled for a bit more until we had almost reached the Tunk Lake Road access point. We turned around just after the 6-mile mark and headed back to Franklin. It was a nice 12-mile ride on a beautiful blue sky, cloud-filled day. The only complaint I have about this rail trail is that, at times, the surface was exceedingly uneven and gravelly – making it hard to travel with any speed – and also creating a very bumpy ride. I wonder if the motorized vehicles using the trail contributes to the rough and rutted surface?
After loading the bikes on the car, we continued on Route 182 (also called the Blackwoods Scenic Highway) until it once again intersected with Route 1. It was a very pretty drive past some beautiful fresh water lakes.
Once we got back on Route 1, we detoured onto some scenic back roads for the drive back to Mount Desert Island – stopping in at a wharf on the Narraguagus Bay – hoping to get a bite to eat. Turns out this wharf is just a retail/wholesale seafood establishment and not a restaurant. We surveyed their options and decided to come back another day to buy some fresh seafood – when we are prepared with a cooler! It all looked good though!
Beautiful Hiking Weather
I’ve been busy hiking the past couple of days on two of my favorite trails in Acadia National Park. The weather has been unseasonably warm for this time of year and I took advantage of it!
Hiking the same trails might seem redundant to some – but I find there’s always something new to discover! This week I’ve witnessed some additional native plants coming into bloom since my last hike along this trail.
Ascending the South Ridge of Cadillac Mountain today, I was so surprised to see the Pink Lady’s Slipper in bloom! The last season I was here, they did not bloom until the first week in June. So glad I chose to hike this trail today!
I know where there are several patches of these orchids growing along the South Ridge Cadillac trail, so I was tuned in to looking for them. Just so unbelievably gorgeous! I try not to draw attention to them and wait to photograph until no one is near me on the trail. 🙂
I love the hike up the South Ridge of Cadillac – one travels through so many ecosystems as you climb towards the summit – the pitch pine forest above Eagle’s Crag is such a cool environment!
On my descent from the Featherbed area beneath the Cadillac summit, I found a “new-to-me” patch of orchids nestled under a Pitch Pine! What a great discovery!
There’s always something new to discover along the same well-worn pathways – if you just keep looking! 🙂
Last night’s Full-ish Moon
Funny photographer story about my effort to capture the “Flower Moon:”
I’m enjoying revisiting my old haunts this season but missing my husband’s companionship more this time around. You’d think that after being isolated with each other for a year that the distance would be welcome! Not so! 🙂 We talk on the phone frequently at least. Last night, with my cell phone propped up on a rock, we conversed while I photographed the full moon and the sunset down along the rocky coast (in one of my favorite secret places!)
As I was packing up my camera gear (while still chatting with him), I lost my balance due to trying to manipulate the tripod, camera bag with extra lens and camera around my neck and shoulders so that the weight was equally distributed. I tumbled backwards very ungraciously over a large rock and landed on my bum. Thankfully, unhurt, except for my pride. It was quite a feat pulling myself up as I had all that gear wrapped around my neck!! As I lay there awkwardly positioned and weighted down with camera gear shaking my head at my demise, I could hear Jim’s voice from the phone calling “are you still there?”
Ah – the oft perilous life of a photographer! 🙂
Aunt Betty’s Pond
The second day of my time off work last week, I decided to ride my bike on some of the carriage roads in Acadia National Park. One of my favorite areas is the loop that surrounds Witch Hole Pond. Since that circular loop is only 3 miles, I extended the ride by taking the carriage road connector to the Eagle Lake parking area. Crossing under Route 233, I hopped on the carriage road towards Aunt Betty’s Pond. The ride totaled around 8 miles – with an impressive ascent coming back up from Aunt Betty’s Pond.
It was a leisurely ride on a picture perfect day. I’m dismayed about the decision to close the entire Eagle Lake loop for reconstructive work this summer. While it is possible that part of the loop may eventually open, it is a major route used to connect with many other carriage road loops. Seems to me that the park could have opted to shut down sections of the trail allowing for better traffic flow to adjoining carriage roads. I’m sure there will be many disappointed visitors.
I did not stop for many photos along the way, opting instead to just enjoy the ride. Here are a few….
I’m always curious about the origin of place names. I tried to find some information detailing why this pond is named after an “Aunt Betty.” On the Mount Desert Island Historical Society facebook page, someone else posed the same question. There was no clear answer but local historians posited that perhaps Aunt Betty was a member of the Richardson clan – a local family. The Richardson Brook has its origin at this body of water.
I found a little more history regarding Witch Hole Pond. Early maps show that today’s name is derived from the “Pond of Witch Hollow.” Old land maps showing ownership indicate that the pond and surrounding area was divided and owned by two separate families – the Bowlers and the Haights. Over a period of 20 years, the park eventually purchased the tracts of land and the area was incorporated into the growing acreage we now know as Acadia National Park.
The origin of the name is lost to history. At one time, the pond was surrounded by dense forest that may have created a “spooky aura” about the place. Local sentiment believes this is perhaps why “witch” came to be associated with the pond. There is documentation that suggests the presence of a sawmill and quarry adjacent to the pond in the early years of settlement around Bar Harbor. An interesting article I found indicates that Witch Hole Pond was once the location of a “pest house.” Dating to the late 1800’s, these houses were small, town-operated buildings used to isolate community members who were afflicted with infectious diseases such as typhoid and small pox.
With this new knowledge, my walk around Witch Hole Pond will be much more interesting as I conjure up what it must have been like back in the day!
Since I usually do not cycle on the connecting carriage road between Eagle Lake and Witch Hole Pond, I’m not very familiar with the Breakneck Ponds that border the carriage road along this stretch. I propped the bike up on a tree and walked over to the shoreline of these two ponds and made a mental note to come back. A group of birders were scanning the landscape here for feathered friends so I’m guessing this might be a good spot for birdwatching. I asked what they were looking for (keeping my “pandemic” distance) – but I got a very “chilly” response. I usually find birders to be more friendly – but perhaps Covid has us all wary. In any case, I will need to return with binoculars and find out for myself!
Pleasant Pemetic
The Rhodora
In May, when sea-winds pierced our solitudes,
I found the fresh Rhodora in the woods,
Spreading its leafless blooms in a damp nook,
To please the desert and the sluggish brook.
The purple petals fallen in the pool
Made the black water with their beauty gay;
Here might the red-bird come his plumes to cool,
And court the flower that cheapens his array.
Rhodora! if the sages ask thee why
This charm is wasted on the earth and sky,
Tell them, dear, that, if eyes were made for seeing,
Then beauty is its own excuse for Being;
Why thou wert there, O rival of the rose!
I never thought to ask; I never knew;
But in my simple ignorance suppose
The self-same power that brought me there, brought you. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Today, I hiked one of my favorite loops here in Acadia National Park. Leaving from the Jordan Pond parking lot, I used the Bubble and Jordan Ponds Path to reach its junction with the South Ridge Pemetic Trail. After spending some quiet time at the summit gazing out at the coastal islands, I descended via the North Ridge Trail to the carriage road that skirts Bubble Pond. Taking this to where it once again intersects with the Bubble and Jordan Ponds Path, I completed the loop back to the parking lot. It’s a 5.5 to 6 mile hike through several unique environments – from the shady, majestic spruce/fir forest to the rocky, exposed summit of Pemetic and, then, along the Bubble Pond shoreline.
I took a break at Bubble Pond and enjoyed some trail mix for lunch – reveling in the sunshine! There were some people canoeing on the pond. I made a promise to myself to get up early one morning and bring my kayak here before they close the parking lot for the season!
Acadia Awakening
Acadian Walk
Rocky root-filled trail
Winds through the silent forest
Peace infuses the air. ~Lynn Thomas Amber
I’m back! It’s been three weeks since I once again landed on Mount Desert Island for my summer gig in Acadia National Park. It’s been a busy time getting back into a work routine and, as a result, I’ve not posted in awhile. Yesterday, as I hiked the Day Mountain trail, the haiku above popped into my head. For those who know Acadia’s trails – rocks and roots define the experience!
As I ease myself back into island life, I have managed to spend some time exploring old favorite haunts and capturing the landscape as it makes the transition from winter to spring. Finally – I have some time to share some of my initial photographs! 🙂
When I arrived the end of April, there was very little evidence that spring was upon us. Over the last 3 weeks, the vegetation within and around Acadia has started to wake up and early spring flowering plants are blooming. The landscape is glowing with the fresh, new, bright green leaves of the deciduous trees, shrubs and perennial plants.
I am fascinated by the emerging leaves and flowers of the Moosewood Maple. I’m not sure why but the way the leaves catch the light through the forest canopy is awe-inspiring. Since arriving in Acadia, I’ve watched the new leaves emerge and expand, and the flowers start to form. Lovely!
Spring has arrived in Acadia and the trails, forests and carriage roads are beckoning! It’s good to be back enjoying this island paradise.
Snow Magnolia
Shivering blossom
Under a snowy blanket
Longing for sunshine. ~ Lynn Thomas Amber
I believe a more appropriate common name for the Star Magnolia should be Snow Magnolia! Here in the north where this magnolia reaches its hardiness limit, the opening blossoms often endure late cold snaps and snowstorms that damage its buds and discolor flowers. Thankfully, our mid-April snowstorm yesterday did not bring freezing temperatures and I believe the flowers and buds survived with minimal injury. I found the snow-covered branches and flowers to be photo-worthy and managed to snap a few pictures before the snow melted.
Trip Down Memory Lane Part I
My love affair with Longwood Gardens began in infancy. For the first 11 years of my life, I was fortunate to live right on the grounds of this renowned public garden in Kennett Square, PA. It was my backyard playground. Many happy hours were spent with family and friends roaming the gardens accessed from the Red Lion Row complex that once housed Longwood employees and their families.
I have an intimate relationship with the gardens that few people would understand. And, although I’ve witnessed some drastic changes over the years, I choose to embrace these modifications and the positive effects they have generated on the garden and the community. Change is inevitable after all.
Last week, we made an unexpected trip to southeastern Pennsylvania to visit family and friends. I never miss an opportunity to visit Longwood when in the area. And, while the weather was not ideal the day we visited, there were still many spring plants and bulbs blooming. Considering I was coming from central Vermont, this was a welcome sight!! 🙂
After getting “scanned” in at the visitor center, we strolled through the underground tunnel and made a right hand turn towards the formal “flower garden walk” with its mass plantings of tulips.
After meandering along the Flower Garden Walk, we headed on down through the woods and towards the Italian Garden area. Under the canopy of the trees in Pierce’s Woods, some early wildflowers were starting to bloom.
After walking about outside and around the historic Pierce-du Pont house and Pierce’s Woods, we ventured into the Main Conservatory to get warm. Construction has begun for the new Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience renovation project. Over the next 3 years, 17 acres of land including parts of the conservatory and grounds will be transformed and updated. While under construction, the main area of the conservatory and the east conservatory will remain open.
Stepping inside a warm conservatory overflowing with flowers on a cold day always reminds me of a page from one of my favorite children’s books – Miss Rumphius, by Barbara Cooney. I relate to Miss Rumphius – a librarian (like me) – who set out to do 3 things in her life – visit faraway places (like me) , live by the sea (like me) and make the world more beautiful (I’m still striving to do that!) I love the line from the book that describes stepping into a conservatory on a wintry day – “the warm, moist air wrapped itself around her, and the sweet smell of jasmine filled the air.”
The Orangery was filled with a display of lilies, poppies and hanging baskets of daisies.
In the East Conservatory, I was drawn to the fountains – always trying to capture cascading water droplets!
At the far end of the East Conservatory, the staff is using this area to highlight some of the greenhouse collections that are no longer accessible during the renovations. The day we were there they had some of the bonsai plants on display – always a favorite of ours.
We exited the main conservatory and walked down to investigate the main fountain area. Several years ago, this area was completely renovated and I had not seen it up close and personal. Some of the fountains were flowing – much to my delight!
Some of the detail of the restoration of the back wall of the fountain display. The stone and masonry work in this area had deteriorated over the years and enjoyed a complete makeover.
From the main fountain garden, we enjoyed a brief respite at the Terrace Restaurant where I thoroughly enjoyed sipping on a hot chocolate laced with Bailey’s Irish Cream. It definitely took the chill off! After our hot beverage, we continued to the Chimes Tower and the Hillside Garden area.
Throughout the Hillside Garden, there were wildflowers and shrubs blooming.
And lots of species of Winter-Hazel in bloom.
Finally, one last photo – from an area in the Idea Garden. There was no explanation for this section of the garden or the “artistry” that is represented here. A plaque stated that it was developed in collaboration with a local artist and teacher. I imagine that it represents an “urban” space gone wild – with a representation of the types of plants that will self-sow in such an environment if left unchecked. Thoughts anyone??
Lynn Amber - Travel & Photography 