Downeast Maine Coast

The Downeast coast; this spot a five minute walk from our property

When I tell people I live in Maine, they often say, "Oh, I've never been there, but I've heard that is is like Minnesota (or Oregon)." Well, yes, there are similarities (But sorry, Minnesota, a big lake is not at all like the ocean), but no one who has actually been to Maine will say that it reminds them of anywhere else in the U.S. Maine's dramatic coast is the result of glaciers slicing through the massive pink granite, creating a 3,500 mile coastline, ten times that of Oregon, and 4,600 islands, more than any other state. The inlets and bays are so numerous that it is easy to become disoriented, unable to tell north from south. "Downeast," a term given to the three easternmost coastal counties, is derived from early 20th century New Yorker and Bostonian summer residents sailing downwind heading east along the shore toward Canada. But it is Downeast Maine's unique character that has captured the imagination and hearts of people from all over the world, including this displaced Midwesterner. The culture and fishing village atmosphere make it special. Recently, I returned to Washington County and our seven acre wooded slice of heaven on the Downeast Coast, and recorded the images in this post. I hope you enjoy the tour.

West Quoddy Head Light, easternmost point in the U.S. near Lubec.
(East Quoddy is nearby in Canada)

Siberian iris and tide pool

Little red house on Narraguagus Bay, Washington County

A geologist's delight: basalt extrusion. Narraguagus Bay, Milbridge

About 400 meters down the road from our place is Petit Manan National Wildlife Preserve.
We share space with bear, moose, raccoons, coyotes, hosts of birds and during June, a great many fawns that are curiously exploring their environment.

Washington County is the blueberry capital of the world. Columbia, U.S. 1

Clamming must be one of the most difficult jobs there are.
Scene at low tide, U.S. 1, Hancock County

Lupine bloom throughout the month of June all over Maine.

Faded dream. Near Machias, U.S. 1

Not Downeast, but in Portland, Maine's largest city: 
"Ghost Busters" from an anime convention. I had to add it!

The ubiquitous lobster boat, perhaps the most enduring Maine symbol

One can set up a seafood shop just about anywhere. U.S. 1, Milbridge.

Forgotten

Pine pollen ready to disperse

View from the Schoodic peninsula near Winterport

Bluebird houses near Milbridge, U.S. Highway 1

Tide pool, McClellan Town Park, Milbridge

Each lobster fisher (wo)man has his/her own buoy design.
People often display collections that have washed ashore.

Weathered granite, McClellan Town Park, Milbridge