Tag Archives: Nature

Sandy Point Beach State Park

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life_in_maine_sandy_pointAt the northern end of Penobscot bay in Stockton Springs is a small small state park. This time of year, it is mostly inhabited by locals coming out for a stroll by themselves or with their dogs. Most people have a smile or greeting for strangers.

While maybe not the most exotic place in Maine, Sandy Point Beach has a long history going back to the paleolithic. The artifacts that most visitors see belong to the 20th century. These pilings are from an abandoned wharf of a fertilizer plant that closed in the 1970s. As you can see from the exposed seaweed clinging to the pilings, this is low tide. Click on the image for a larger view.

First Snow

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our_forest_first_snow_1Blizzard conditions moved through Maine yesterday. This is the earliest snow on record. High winds and wet, heavy snow caused us to lose power to our home until Monday. With leaves still on our apple trees, this snow was a real threat. Fortunately, I was able to clear most of the snow off our apples during the storm. our_forest_first_snow_2The world suddenly looks very different—the five following images we posted last week were taken the previous Saturday and Acadia received more snow than we did. These images were taken in the blizzard. Click on them for a larger view.

Sand Beach

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acadia_sand_beachSand Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Acadia National Park. While Maine has a long coastline, most of it is rocky. In late October, the area is populated by a few dozen people (in summer, when the water temperature is no warmer than 55°F/13°C, huge crowds come to swim). The outlet for Beehive Lagoon cuts through the beach next to Great Head. Otter Cliffs and Baker Island can be seen on the horizon. Click on the image for a larger view.

Coastal Forests

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acadia_coastal_forest_2The summit of Great Head in Acadia National Park is a testament of the resilience and diversity of life. Spruce/fir forests dominate the harsh coastal environment. Plants take any opportunity in every small patch of soil between the granite slabs. Late fall stratifies these colonists into a diverse palette of color. Click on the image for a larger view.

The Oaks of Fall

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acadia_oaks_of_fallThe oaks seem to be the last of the hardwoods to lose their leaves. Away from the coast, Acadia National Park has beautiful groves of oak trees. The rich, golden-brown canopy may not compete with aspen and maple for dazzling color, but now, without that competition, oak dominates the landscape. Click on the image for a larger view.