My next door neighbor’s tree, silhouetted against the evening sky.
One evening a few weeks ago, Kathy & I were sitting at the kitchen table after dinner, likely finishing some wine before venturing off the do the dishes. The sun had recently set, and the sky was crystal clear. As we sat there, one of us (I’ll give Kathy the credit) said something about how interesting our neighbor’s tree looked against the sky. I sat there, looked at it and at some point said “I’m going to get my camera.”
My next door neighbor’s tree, silhouetted against the evening sky.
It took me just a few minutes to drag out the camera and tripod, attach the L-bracket and set it up on the patio. There was no wind, so I didn’t have to worry about movement, and I made a couple dozen frames. They aren’t technically perfect – I could have used a little more depth of field – but they do have a bit of a zen-like look to them.
It’s another lesson in being willing to make a photograph when it presents itself, even if it is right outside our window.
My next door neighbor’s tree, silhouetted against the evening sky.
“Major” – Durham Bull Bronze Sculpture in downtown Durham, North Carolina
Kathy & I fulfilled one of our goals yesterday – we rode the Amtrak “Piedmont” to Durham, North Carolina for lunch. It was our first-ever Amtrak trip, and while not exactly an epic journey, it was something we have wanted to do for a while.
Riding the Amtrak “Piedmont” from Charlotte to Durham, North CarolinaRiding the Amtrak “Piedmont” from Charlotte to Durham, North Carolina
We were impressed. Parking at the Charlotte station was free and convenient, the people were friendly and there is no arduous “security theatre” screening process. The train was on time, boarding was quick and orderly, and even though the seats were not reserved, everyone had a row to themselves (it helped that the Piedmont originates in Charlotte so the train was empty when we boarded). The seats were comfortable, comparable to first class airplane seats with plenty of leg (and butt) room. Bottled water and pretty decent coffee were available for free in the cafe car, and there were vending machines for those needing to buy a snack. The two rest rooms in our car were clean and roomy.
Downtown Durham, North Carolina
We arrived in Durham at 1:00 and had about 2 1/2 hours until the Piedmont returned from Raleigh to take us back to Charlotte. So we explored the downtown area a bit. Durham is known as the Bull City, and there were bull themes prevalent everywhere. We found a lunch spot that specializes in craft beer and burgers made from pasture-raised beef (the burgers, not the beer 😉 ), called, appropriately enough, Bull City Burger and Brewery. A good find for lunch!
Bull City Burger and Brewery in downtown Durham, North CarolinaBull City Burger and Brewery in downtown Durham, North CarolinaBull City Burger and Brewery in downtown Durham, North Carolina
As with most downtowns these days, there are not too many retail businesses, but lots of bars and restaurants. Many of the former tobacco warehouses have been or are being converted to residential buildings with street level commercial, which makes for an interesting vibe. I don’t know where all the people work, but Duke University is nearby, and Durham is the county seat, so those would be sources of employment.
It was kind of a dark and gloomy day in Durham, a little on the cool side. But it didn’t rain so that was a plus! Most of my photos are processed as black & white since there wasn’t much color to get excited about.
Downtown Durham, North Carolina
The return trip to Charlotte was uneventful. Since the train originated in Raleigh it was already pretty full when it got to us. We scored seats together, although they were facing backward. Not a problem but a little weird. We boarded at 3:30 and arrived back in Charlotte at 6:00, in time to be home for dinner. It was a long way to go and kind of an expensive lunch when including the cost of transportation. But it was a fun day! We’re glad we took the plunge and look forward to planning a longer trip in the near future. Perhaps to DC or NYC.
Early morning light at the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel in Wailea, Maui
Well, we made it! Kathy & I arrived on Maui this past Tuesday, and that marks our 50th state visited. We’ll be here about 10 days, home on Friday, March 4.
We’ve got a pretty busy schedule and I’ve been taking a lot of photos. But I don’t think I’m going to spend much of my time at the computer, so here are a few shots from our first evening and first morning to give you all something to look at.
The scenery here is amazing, the people are terrific, the weather is beautiful and we are eating lots of fish. I love Poke, and like lobster in Maine, Hawaii is the place for Poke! 😉
Early morning light on the beach near the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel in Wailea, MauiEarly morning light on the beach near the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel in Wailea, MauiEarly morning light on the beach near the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel in Wailea, MauiEarly morning light on the Maui shoreline near WaileaEarly morning light on the Maui shoreline near Wailea
These aren’t all “decor” photos, but they are RED!
Tom’s Mustang at the Davis General Store in Croft, North CarolinaKarman GhiaCars & Coffee in Charlotte, NC August 3, 2013FerrariRed CorvetteNational Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KentuckySt. Petersburg, FloridaJohn Hippley gardens and public park in Columbiana, OhioVideographer aboard Sea Princess departing from San Francisco, CaliforniaShip’s photographer in Victoria British ColumbiaSkagway, AlaskaNeil’s Harbour, Nova ScotiaMotif #1 at Rockport Harbor, Rockport, MassachusettsHilton Head Island, South CarolinaLoch Katrine, ScotlandTabasco Factory in Avery Island, Louisiana“Big Red Lighthouse” at Holland State Park in Holland, MichiganFall Colors near Linville Falls on the Blue Ridge ParkwayHollywood Beach, FloridaGolden Rock Plantation Inn in Nevis, West Indies
Yellow Goatsbeard aka Jack-Go-To-Bed-At-Noon growing on the Torrence Creek Greenway, Huntersville, NC
Kathy & I are working on a decorating project and looking at various groupings of colors. One of the themes is “Yellow.” Yes, a lot of the photos are of flowers, but there are a lot of yellow flowers! 😉
Bearded Beggarticks (Bidens aristosa) along the Torrence Creek Greenway in Huntersville, North CarolinaSt Thomas, USVINassau, BahamasSan Juan, Puerto RicoCone Flower along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Linville FallsSan Juan, Puerto RicoCoco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas
The Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, Vermont
As promised in a previous post, here is a selection of my photos from the Vermont Toy Museum in Quechee Gorge Village near Hartford, Vermont. The museum’s website is down, possibly due to the recent AWS issues, but I got the following from Atlas Obscura:
Nestled above a charming general store near the Quechee Gorge, the Vermont Toy Museum’s vast collection of dolls, action figures, lunchboxes, yo-yos, and matchbox cars is a hidden treasure right off the White River Junction. Around 100,000 toys are housed inside the museum.Â
The museum’s items largely came from members of the local community. They were collected and compiled decade-by-decade, which displays the evolution of toys and games from the 1950s to the present day. Though it’s unknown who operates and maintains the museum, it’s closely watched by the employees at the downstairs Cabot Cheese Store and the antique mall next door.
The museum also houses an intricate model train exhibit that takes visitors through the four seasons of the Green Mountain state for only a quarter. This museum’s tireless attention to detail, nostalgia, and cozy atmosphere make it a must-see for travelers on Route 4.
The Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, Vermont
It was a fun visit. A place we might have spent a lot more time, but just like the camera museum in Staunton, Virginia, there is only so much time…. 😉 As it was, we spent a lot of time saying things like, “I had that!” or “I remember those” or “the kids had these.” Fun stuff!
Almost forgot! I have completed processing my photos from our New England trip and have posted them on my Adobe Portfolio site.
The Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, Vermont
Growing up in western Pennsylvania, I had actually visited New York many times prior to this most recent trip. I went to Peek’n Peek to ski, visited Buffalo, Corning, Watkins Glen, Troy and even Lake Placid. But those visits were all before I started getting serious about photography, and many of them, including Lake Placid, were Before Kathy, and I wanted to take her there. While I had some photos that would have worked – they’re our rules, after all! – we decided that another swing through the state would be the right way to do it. Plus we wanted to visit the Finger Lakes.
Departing Burlington, we swung around the south shore of Lake Champlain, crossing into New York near the town of Moriah. Moriah’s claim to fame is as the home of Johnny Podres, 1955 World Series MVP for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Your trivia for the day. 😉 The rain and fog were still with us, but as we drove north and west the skies finally began to clear.
Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid, New YorkLake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex in Lake Placid, New York
Our first destination was Lake Placid, and we arrived there in time for a late breakfast and a few photos of the fall color on the lake. We didn’t stay long, since we had a long day ahead and didn’t want to linger at the beginning. Also, the town was in the process of some major road work in town. Main Street was torn up and loaded with piles of dirt, rocks and road equipment, rendering the normally picturesque town pretty rough looking. Another technicality is that the lake in town is actually Mirror Lake, and that Lake Placid is out of town to the north. We did stop to see the Olympic ski jumping site on our way into town, but didn’t try to take a tour.
Reflection of fall color on the Raquette River on SR 3 near Piercefield, New York
Leaving Lake Placid and heading west through Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake, we crossed a bridge over the Raquette River near Piercefield and were greeted with a lovely park overlooking the river, complete with still water reflecting the fall color of the trees along the riverbank. The skies were clearing but still mostly cloudy, providing us with ideal conditions for photos. It made for one of those unplanned stops we were glad to have taken the time for.
Morning on Seneca Lake at Plum Point Lodge near Himrod, New YorkThe Glenn H Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, New YorkThe Glenn H Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, New YorkThe Glenn H Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, New York
Our ultimate destination was a lodge on the west shore of Seneca Lake, one of the Finger Lakes and central to the Finger Lakes wine region. I had a chance to do a little early photography before heading out to explore the area attractions. We visited three wineries, bought souvenirs at two of them, visited a distillery and the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport. We took a boat cruise on Saranac Lake out of Watkins Glen. That was the seventh boat cruise of our trip – do you get the feeling we like boat cruises? 🙂
The George Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York, on the estate of George EastmanThe George Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York, on the estate of George EastmanThe George Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York, on the estate of George EastmanThe George Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York, on the estate of George EastmanThe George Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York, on the estate of George EastmanThe George Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York, on the estate of George EastmanThe George Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York, on the estate of George EastmanThe George Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York, on the estate of George Eastman
One of our days there was dedicated to a drive to Rochester, where we visited the George Eastman Museum and, most importantly, met up with two of our long-time photo buddies Paul Maxim and Ken Bello. We had lunch with them and Ken’s wife before driving along the shore of Lake Ontario through Webster (Where Life Is Worth Living) and ultimately returning to our lodge.
Sodus Bay Lighthouse on the shore of Lake Ontario at Sodus Point, New York
New York made for our 49th state visited. Number 50 is Hawaii, and we have plans to visit there in February. After that? We’ll have to see, but there is a lot more of this country we want to see, we have friends to visit all over, and we might want to see a little bit more of the world. 🙂
Heron Hill Winery near Hammondsport, New YorkDr. Konstantin Frank Winery near Hammondsport, New YorkAtwater Winery near Watkins Glen, New YorkFinger Lakes Distilling Tasting Room near Watkins Glen, New YorkHector Falls along SR 414 near Watkins Glen, New YorkVillage Marina on the south short of Seneca Lake in Watkins Glen, New YorkThe Schooner “True Love” sailing on Seneca Lake, New YorkThe US Salt plant on Seneca Lake, New York from aboard Seneca Spirit with Captain Bill’s Cruises
There’s no question we didn’t spend enough time in Vermont. Even if it hadn’t rained most of the time we were there, it would not have been enough. But what a beautiful state!
The King Arthur Baking Company store in Norwich, VermontThe King Arthur Baking Company store in Norwich, Vermont
Our first stop after crossing the VT-NH state line was the King Arthur Baking Company in Norwich. We’re not bakers but know the name, and since it was on the way we thought we’d check it out. I guess if you are into making breads and cakes from scratch, this would be your Mecca. From what I could tell they have a little bit of everything in the store, including seemingly dozens of types of flour, pans, mixers, storage containers, you name it. Like a camera store for bakers! There is a cafe on site where they serve products that are made in-house, and there is a cooking school where you can learn to make lots of yummy things – after buying all of the proper equipment and ingredients, of course!
The Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontThe Vermont Toy Museum, located in Quechee Village, VermontVermont Spirits Distillery at Quechee Gorge Village in Hartford, VermontQuechee Covered Bridge in Hartford, Vermont
Next we stopped at a place called Quechee Village, and visited the Vermont Toy Museum (what a place – I’ll do a separate post) and Vermont Spirits Distilling Company. Of course we brought home souvenirs. Then it was on to Sugarbush Farm, a working maple syrup and cheese making farm near Woodstock, where we sampled and purchased some of their products. After that we visited The New England Maple Museum in Pittsford.
Sugarbush Farm, a maple syrup and Vermont cheese producer in Woodstock, VermontSugarbush Farm, a maple syrup and Vermont cheese producer in Woodstock, VermontSugarbush Farm, a maple syrup and Vermont cheese producer in Woodstock, VermontSugarbush Farm, a maple syrup and Vermont cheese producer in Woodstock, VermontSugarbush Farm, a maple syrup and Vermont cheese producer in Woodstock, Vermont
We spent most of our time in Burlington, which was essentially only one day since we got there late and were only staying two nights. But we crammed as much as possible into one day, visiting Ben & Jerry’s, taking a boat cruise on Lake Champlain, and exploring the town. After a nice dinner at an Irish pub, we headed back to our motel to prepare for the drive to New York.
The New England Maple Museum in Pittsford, VermontThe New England Maple Museum in Pittsford, VermontBurlington, VermontCruise on Lake Champlain on the Spirit of Ethan Allen III out of Burlington, VermontCruise on Lake Champlain on the Spirit of Ethan Allen III out of Burlington, VermontOne of two lighthouses on the breakwater at the entrance to the harbor in Burlington, VermontCruise on Lake Champlain on the Spirit of Ethan Allen III out of Burlington, VermontCruise on Lake Champlain on the Spirit of Ethan Allen III out of Burlington, VermontBurlington, Vermont from aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen IIIOne of two lighthouses on the breakwater at the entrance to the harbor in Burlington, VermontWhen In Vermont…Ben and Jerry’sBurlington, VermontBurlington, Vermont
Waiting for sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, Maine
After spending 9 days in Maine, it is easy to see why it has become a very popular destination over the last few years. I read recently that, according to the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, restaurant and lodging sales reached $2.3 billion between May and August, a roughly 12% increase over 2019. It seemed like most, or at least many, of those people were in Acadia, Bar Harbor and the surrounding areas!
Waiting for sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, MaineWaiting for sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, MaineSunrise from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, MainePost-sunrise light at Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, MainePost-sunrise light at Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, Maine
Our visit was based at the Asticou Inn, located in Northeast Harbor. That area is much less busy than Bar Harbor and made a fairly central place to stay without being too far away or right in the hustle and bustle. We heard about Asticou from a waitress at a restaurant in Whiteville, NC. She had waited on us in April and during our conversation told us that she worked at Asticou during the summers. When we made our travel plans we got reservations at the inn and met her there during our visit. Small world! We stayed in a group of rooms on the first floor of an 1854 “cottage” which is really a big old house. We had plenty of space, and although the floors were uneven and squeeky, it was a nice place to call home for a few days. The restaurant there was awesome, although it was closed for two of the five nights we were there. Not lacking for choices, however, we found two great alternatives the other nights!
Crashing surf along the Newport Cove area of Acadia National Park in MaineViews of Otter Cliffs from the Otter Cliffs Overlook in Acadia National Park, MaineBass Harbor Head Lighthouse in Acadia National Park near Bass Harbor, MaineWave action at Schoodic Point, on the Schoodic Peninsula in Acadia National Park, Maine
Our first morning there entailed sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, the highest point in Acadia National Park, and the first place in the US touched by the sun each morning. Reservations are required to go to Cadillac during the day in-season, and sunrise spots are especially coveted and limited to one per person every seven days. Sunrise was about 6:25am, which required a very early alarm in order to get there with time to spare. And Kathy went with me! My funny story from that morning was at the entry gate, the ranger checked our documents, welcomed us and allowed us to go ahead. I asked if he had any tips (meaning for sunrise) and his reply was “keep it between the white lines!” It gave us a laugh. Despite the restricted entry, the parking lot filled quickly, as did the top of the mountain – people bundled up against the cold and wind with all kinds of clothing, both weather-appropriate and otherwise! It was pitch black dark when we got there, and as it got lighter we were able to see more and more people. I can only imagine the pandemonium at peak times before the restrictions!
Admission to Cadillac Mountain after 7am was by timed entry every 30 minutes. Once there you can stay as long as you want. I arbitrarily made a sunrise reservation for our first day, and a 7am reservation for our fourth day. It was good timing, as the sunrise morning was “severe clear” while the second visit was socked in with fog. A few clouds on the sunrise morning would have been preferred, but clear was better than pea soup!
After sunrise we headed back down the mountain and took the Park Loop Road, which goes past many of the top destinations, such as Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Boulder Beach and Otter Cliff. The nice light faded quickly and we stopped a lot to explore, but our main goal was to get there before the “nooners,” as we like to call the crowds of people who start showing up at popular places late morning. They were all in Bar Harbor having breakfast at 7:30 in the morning, heading into the park afterward. Case in point was when a couple days later we cruised past this area of the coast on a boat tour. That afternoon the traffic on the Loop Road was bumper to bumper, and there were dozens of people trying to get a peek at Thunder Hole. When we visited there early in the morning there were only a handful of people at each place!
That afternoon we headed toward the eastern side of Acadia to the Schoodic Peninsula. It turned out to be the least-populated part of the park and probably our ultimate favorite. It doesn’t have the views or the terrain of Acadia proper, but what it lacks in drama it makes up in quietude. It does still have its own beauty, with rocky coastline, nice views and plenty of places to explore. We didn’t have nearly enough time to really relax and enjoy Schoodic, and would make up for it be staying closer to there on a subsequent visit.
Balance Rock, at Grant Park in Bar Harbor, MaineThe ‘Eden Star’ arriving for our cruise with Acadian Boat Tours from Bar Harbor, MaineTourists at Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park during our cruise with Acadian Boat Tours from Bar Harbor, MaineLobsterman hauling up lobster traps coastal Maine near Mount Desert IslandLobsterman hauling up lobster traps coastal Maine near Mount Desert IslandBear Island Lighthouse, off the coast of Maine near Northeast HarborFormer Islesford Lifesaving Station on Little Cranberry Island. Off the coast of Maine near Northeast Harbor.Baker Island Lighthouse, on Baker Island off the coast of Maine near Northeast HarborWinter Harbor Light on Buck Island, off the coast of the Schoodic Penninsula, MaineEgg Rock Lighthouse, off the coast of Maine near Northeast HarborInteresting clouds over the Gulf of Maine
We planned a boat cruise out of Bar Harbor for the afternoon of our second day. So we got into town early so we could find a place to park, spent some time walking around town and had a late breakfast at a restaurant called Jordan’s Restaurant. Jordan’s is known for, among other things, their Wild Maine Blueberry Pancakes. Maine IS blueberry country, after all! And they were as good as you might expect, topped with real Maine maple syrup. There was a bit of a wait, but we expected it and it was well worth it. We went to the boat dock in the early afternoon and took a cruise aboard Acadian Boat Tours’ ‘Eden Star.’ We saw…more lighthouses. Also lots of wildlife – seals, dolphins, lobster fishermen and tourists. 😉 The weather was less than ideal – cold and rainy – but the water was smooth as glass, the clouds made for glare-free photographs and we saw some very interesting clouds. We returned from the boat ride ready for cocktails and dinner, and had both at Jack Russell’s Steakhouse and Brewery, a nice steakhouse right across the road. No, it’s not sacrilegious to have steak in Maine!
Quoddy Head Lighthouse in Maine, at the Easternmost Point in the continental US
We devoted our third day for a drive to Quoddy Head State Park, site of the Quoddy Head Lighthouse and known as the Easternmost Point in the Continental US. That means we have now visited the two easiest points to get to – the other being the Southernmost Point in Key West. The Northernmost Point is in Middle of Nowhere (not the actual name!), Minnesota and the Westernmost Point is in Middle of Nowhere (not the actual name!) Oregon. We want to get there but it may need to wait a while! The lighthouse is quite beautiful, and from the shore we could see Canada. In fact, when we were in the parking lot our phones buzzed with the message “Welcome to Canada” and we were charged for using my phone “internationally” even though we never actually left the country! We had a nice dinner – seafood this time – at The Chart Room, a a local waterfront place we had passed earlier in the week.
We devoted our fourth and final day, after an early morning drive back to Cadillac Mountain, to exploring the western side of Mount Desert Island (pronounced ‘dessert’ even though it is spelled like ‘desert.’ It’s evidently a French thing.). We returned to the inn for a late lunch of Lobster Bisque, Lobster Roll and Lobster Popovers (an Acadian thing), knowing that we probably would not be getting lobster in New Hampshire 😉 and spent the afternoon getting ready for our departure toward New Hampshire the next morning.
Views from the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, MaineBridge and grounds of Somesville Museum and Gardens in Somesville, MaineView of Bass Harbor, Maine
As spectacular is Acadia is, I don’t know that I would rush back there. I’m glad we went, but truthfully there is so much more to see than just that area. There’s a good reason it is so popular – it is truly gorgeous – but like so many National Parks it has become almost too popular for its own good. We did really enjoy the afternoon we spent exploring the Schoodic Peninsula, and I would go back there in a heartbeat. But the entire Maine coast has some beautiful places just waiting to be explored. We barely got to see inland Maine, and we weren’t anywhere near the north woods or Katahdin. So there is plenty of unseen territory for another visit, or two or ten! Plus we have friends there, so how hard is that!
For anyone interested in seeing even more of my photos, I have posted a photo gallery on my Adobe Portfolio page for Maine, as well as the other parts of our New England trip. I hope to have the final group processed over the next week or so.