We have been asked for a little bit more information about how we make our hard cider. We follow the recipe for New England Barrel Cider, which we found in the wonderful book Cider: Making, Using & Enjoying Sweet and Hard Cider by Anne Proulx and Lew Nichols, an excellent reference for any cidermaker.
Blackberry Pie
Naomi made blackberry pie this week. The blackberries were gathered on our land at the end of last summer. We have been using this fruit in our vegetable smoothies and, naturally, pies. Click on the image for a larger and more mouthwatering view or continue reading for the recipe. Continue reading
A Door in Belfast
Belfast, Maine is one of those places that people drive past as they head north or south on Route 1 along the coast. But Belfast is a great little town with wonderful historic architecture and a vibrant downtown. It is an eclectic mix of a traditional New England town and a bohemian enclave. Well worth a visit. Click on the image for a larger view.
12th Annual Festival of Art
One of my photographs is in the 12th Annual Festival of Art at the Senior College at Belfast. The show features work from professional and amateur artists in Maine. 2-D and 3-D artwork is spread throughout the college. The show runs from May 15th through May 18th. Click on the image for larger view.
Passing Spring Storm
The changing seasons bring unsettled weather. Storms can be violent, but they are also beautiful. Click on the image for a larger view.
Spring at a Salt Marsh
In May, the grass covering a salt marsh is still brown and matted. But the foam bubbling up along the edges of the channels indicates a stirring of life. Click on the image for a larger view.
Spring Arrives to the Forest
Spring is starting to make its mark. The long winter this year has delayed this season. Our trees are starting to show their foliage and fern is rising from the forest floor. Click on the image for a larger view.
Art2014
I was honored this week by having one of my photographs included in Art2014 at the Harlow Gallery in Hallowell, Maine. The show is a wonderfully eclectic collection of 32 artworks from 25 Maine artists. The award ceremony was led by the juror Andy Verzosa (center) of Aucocisco Galleries in Portland, Maine. The show runs until the end of May.
Kamikochi and Yari-ga-take
One of the most popular climbing destinations in Kamikochi is the arrow-shaped peak of Yari-ga-take (3,180m/10,430ft.). And it is popular. You will most likely have to stand in line during the morning rush hour while climbers ascend to the summit—there are two routes, one to go up and another to go down.
The first known ascent of Yari-ga-take was by the Buddhist monk Banryu in 1826. The English missionary Walter Weston would scale this mountain 66 years later. While Banryu installed three Buddhist statues, today the summit has a Shinto shrine. The cave Banryu was said to have used for his attempt is still on the trail a few hundred meters below the ridge.
This image was taken from the trail to Momisawa-dake (2755m/9,040ft.) north of Kamikochi. This is a gentler, more secluded section of the alps. Click on the image for a larger view.
Kamikochi and Daikiretto
The main ridge of the peaks in Kamikochi is a spectacular alpine zone. Daikiretto (大切戸), the Big Gap, is a one kilometer or two-thirds of a mile section that has numerous vertical pitches of rock with chains and ladders to aid climbers. The estimated time to traverse this for an experienced climber is about three and a half hours. This is the view from Kita Hodaka-dake (3,106m/10,190ft.). Click on the image for a larger view.
