I am not sure it is because you are no longer keeping your head down in your winter coat, but summer skies seem to be so more dynamic in Maine. This time of year the weather can be unsettled with storms quickly forming and dissipating, some even before they can drop their harvest of rain. Click on the image for a larger view.
Daylily—Edible Plants
When we moved into our home, we were blessed by an abundance of daylilies. The daylily (hemerocallis fulva) is mostly known for being an ornamental plant, however, the tubers, young shoots, and flowers can all be eaten raw or cooked. The tubers are cooked like potatoes by boiling them for 15 minutes or so. We have been so taken with their beauty, we have yet to serve them for dinner.
CAUTION: there have been reports of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea with consuming daylilies, particularly in large quantities. Cooking is thought to reduce the effects. Please research any plant you intend to consume. Click on the image for a larger view.
On the Streets of Tokyo—Shinjuku
Shinjuku is a major center in Tokyo. Many western cities usually have one large center. Tokyo has a large number of active hubs spread like islands throughout an ocean of residential neighborhoods. West Shinjuku is the location for the metropolitan government and a forest of skyscrapers. Much of the rest of Shinjuku is given over to shopping and entertainment. Click on the images for a larger view.
Schoodic Point, Part 5
Schoodic Point terminates in the Atlantic Ocean. Even on calm days, the water looks perilous. But a magical transformation of the water and sky takes place at the end of the day. And on this day, either the humidity in the air or the fog on the water scored the horizon with a thin pale line. Click on the image for a larger view.
Schoodic Point, Part 4
In the fading light of day, dead trees glow like ghosts. Click on the image for a larger view.
Schoodic Point, Part 3
Like Otter Cliffs on Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Point is a rocky coastline made of huge slabs of sedimentary rock. Fissures far from the ocean fill with rain water, which turns black over time. Click on the image for a larger view.
Schoodic Point, Part 2
The forest covering Schoodic Point is rich. While the humid conditions are great for plant life, the salinity is not. The hard bedrock means that topsoil is thin. But given an environment, life will find a way. Click on the image for a larger view.
Schoodic Point, Part 1
Schoodic Point is part of Acadia National Park. Being about an hour away from Mount Desert Island and the main park area, it is a quiet place, even in the summer—Cadillac Mountain and Mount Desert Island can be seen on the horizon. Naomi and I took a trip out to the point this weekend. Typical for the weather on the Maine coast, it was something less than sunny. Click on the image for a larger view.
Sailor’s Delight
Click on the image for a larger view.
Earth, Wind, & Sky
Camden Hills State Park overlooks Penobscot Bay. Most of the area is covered in thick forest, but a few ridges are exposed. Wild blueberry plants hug the ground just beyond the grip of the wind. Click on the image for a larger view.
