This is a modern apple cultivated by the University of Minnesota. It is a large fruit that has a firm, crisp texture. The apple reminds me of the Asian pear varieties in its character of the flesh and amount of juice. A sweet apple with a slight lemon-tart signature. It stores well.
Short Winter Days
In Maine this time of year, the sun rises at 7am and sets at 4pm—a short day. For most of the daylight hours, the sun hangs low giving a feeling of early morning or late afternoon, never the bright midday light of summer. In December in Maine, light is a treasure, even the fading fire of the setting sun through the bare branches of the forest.
Blushing Granny—Apples of Maine
The northeastern Granny Smith develops a red blush, giving it its name. This is a powerful fruit, if you like tart apples. The strong flavor is reenforced by its crisp texture. It stores really well and is excellent for eating and pies.
At the Summit
Last week, we travelled to Acadia National Park. We arrived at the summit of Cadillac Mountain after the sun had passed below the horizon. Most come here for the views, but an amazing ecosystem is right at your feet. With such a harsh environment of extremes in temperature, humidity, wind, and light, it would appear Mt. Dessert Island would earn its name. But life is everywhere. Ground-hugging plants have colonized every trough of dirt and the rock has gained blankets of lichen.
Winter Surprise
Monday morning we woke to a white world. We were expecting perhaps a half an inch of snow overnight, but not the four inches that we found. Click on the image for a larger version.
Winter Arrives
We had about a half an inch of snow yesterday, bringing an end to the Thanksgiving weekend. There are few things as peaceful as being in a forest during a gentle snow storm. The snow, falling in gentle arcs, blankets the ground under the bare trees. The air is fresh and seems to soak up sound.
Macoun—Apples of Maine
Macoun is a nice eating apple—crisp and sweet. They do not store well. The name gives folks problems; it rhymes with “clown,” not “spoon,” although some pronounce it “McCowen.”
Happy Thanksgiving from Hakusan Creation
We wish you a wonderful day this holiday. Thank you for visiting us.
A little out of season, but here are a pair of wild turkeys that come to our garden to forage under the bird feeders.
The Belt of Venus
Driving up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park last weekend, we were offered a beautiful display of the Belt of Venus. The belt is an atmospheric phenomenon and fairly common. It is caused by the shadow of the Earth creating a dark blue band below the warm light from the setting or rising sun. The belt is seen on the opposite horizon from the sun. Click on the image for a larger version.
The Beauty of Stillness—Winter comes to Acadia
The silhouette of the South Bubble viewed through the winter forest in Acadia National Park. Autumn’s gold is replaced with silver. Click on the image for a larger view.
