The ice storm last weekend knocked out power to over one hundred thousand people in Maine. We lost power from December 23rd until now. The trees that were gracefully arching over in our first post, were bent to the ground by the second day—the saplings in this photograph are the same trees, but I am unable to stand in the same place to photograph them. Click on the image to see a larger view.
Tag Archives: Pentax 645D
Ice Storm, Part 1
We woke this Sunday to an ice storm. Ice storms can be very beautiful, turning the forest to crystal. They can also be destructive, snapping trees under the weight of the frozen water.
Click on the images to see a larger version.
Jonagold—Apples of Maine
Jonagold is a 1953 variety from a cross of Jonathan and Golden Delicious. It is a pleasant desert apple with a sleight tang. The flesh is firm, but not crisp.
Fading Fire, Part 2
Fading Fire, Part 1
Trees seems to reach into the deep blue sky to catch the last light of the setting winter sun.
December Forest
There is this time when you have spent the day hiking, when you are returning to your car under the fading light of day, that is so peaceful and quite. The warmth of the setting sun can be seen through the trees and the forest has a quiet light. Your body is satisfied with the day’s exercise. The scent of the forest subtly permeates the fresh air. The sounds of the world are mute. I like this moment.
Honeycrisp—Apples of Maine
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.
