First wood stove fire of the season

'Twas a cold and rainy day. We received 1.35" of rain...no sun...cold house...wood stove fire needed. Nice.

Rain update

Wowee! We got a whopping 4.9" of rain overnight and through this day.  We were only predicted to get 0.25 inches, so we got very lucky!

Rain in Maine

We have had so little rain this summer and autumn, that we are in a serious drought. But, this afternoon through tomorrow evening, we are getting rain, wonderful rain. Right now, it is downpouring. At 10:40 pm, we have received just over an inch of rain, and it is so nice and warm outside, at 63F. After this lovely rain ends, we are to get high winds. So, this seems to spell the end of the colorful part of autumn. There should be a gazillion leaves plastered to the ground after this storm is over.

Leaf Peeping Update

This has been an amazing autumn for leaf color change, and the outdoor scenery is still brilliantly colored as far as we can see. The entire state is past peak as far as the foliage is concerned, but the colors are still hanging on.

The Maine Fall Foliage Report states that,

 "Without a doubt, 2016 will go down in the record books as being one of the most colorful fall foliage seasons as seen in the past seven years. It was apparent that the entire state reached peak or near-peak conditions in early to mid-October and the colors were spectacular and long lasting, according to Gale Ross, fall foliage spokesperson.?"

And we totally agree. 

Leaves Falling on Starbird Corner Road

Autumn on Caesar Pond (and beaver activity)

During my pond prowl, I saw more beaver activity than I have ever seen in the 16 years we have lived here. There was a tremendous amount of tail slapping (unfortunately I never did catch any of it on video.) I thought that the beavers might do this to defend their territory from each other, but I haven't found any evidence of it other than to warn each other of an intruder. I was causing quite a stir on the pond (being the only "intruder" out there) because, of the four beavers that I saw, three of them tail slapped quite often. Fun!

There are three active beaver lodges, and I'll bet that the inhabitants are probably all descended from each other. I have no idea how many beavers there actually are, but this is also a record number of lodges. I would imagine that there will be traps laid this winter to lessen the population. If there are too many beavers, they will start moving further inland in search of food, and may start taking down trees in our yards.

A late autumn afternoon on Caesar Pond

I just had to get out on the boat this afternoon. The temperature was in the low 70's, the air was dry, and there was a slight breeze. All in all, it was absolutely lovely out on the water. I used my 70mm-200mm lens on this trip, and began my photo session as close to shore as I could be to still get a view down the entire eastern shoreline. More of the focus was on the trees closest to me.

Then, I let the wind push me further back toward the south shore, and out from the shore a bit. This gave me a slightly different perspective, of the trees, as the pine branches reach out over the pond more in this view. I like this added texture to the photo.

I motored toward the middle of the pond and shot straight at the eastern shore. The sun had lowered a bit and the light really brought out the vibrance of the colors. I chose this shot due to the contrast of the broken pine tree backed by vibrant maples.

This land used to be pasture before the pond was created. This is an old rock wall that cuts up to the road. This little section of the pond reminded me of Colorado in autumn, with the range of colors from yellow to brown.

I continued motoring to the north cove and was delighted by this view as the wind was calming down. Brilliantly colored reflections were starting to appear on the water's surface.

The center tree is one of my favorite maples on the shoreline surrounding the pond. The tree to the left of it has it's bark covered with lichens, and is like a bright, white beacon calling me over for a brief inspection.

I am happy to see that this tree, with it's duck box, has remained standing for so long. I have been photographing it seasonally, during autumn, for 15 years! The tree will eventually fall, but until then I will enjoy its stark beauty.

The Woman in the Wood

Art takes many forms. Natural art is incredibly imaginative. Drew found this piece of art on one of his walks with the dogs. This weathered woman is gorgeous with her wavy bangs, acorn-brown eyes, brilliant "flowers" tucked behind her ear, and a brown "feather" to complete her dignified, yet fanciful look.

Here is a side view of our aged woman.

What else do you see in this piece of art? Look to the left of the woman. Some leaves have been artfully stacked, as have the smooth, weathered rocks. What is the artist trying to convey? We'll leave that to your imagination.

First "Freeze Warning" of the season

The first freeze warning of the season is upon us...but it doesn't seem that cold outside! We didn't get any frost, but as we topped the hill, we saw frost everywhere. Luckily for us, the pond moderates the temperatures for us. Today's temp. will rise to 54F under a partly sunny sky.

Freeze Warning for Sagadahoc County

• 3:20am EDT, Sat Oct 15
FREEZE WARNING UNTIL 8AM EDT SAT
... FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING...
* TEMPERATURES... IN THE LOWER 30S.
* TIMING... THROUGH EARLY THIS MORNING.
* IMPACTS... SENSITIVE OUTDOOR PLANTS WILL LIKELY BE KILLED IF LEFT UNCOVERED.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A FREEZE WARNING MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE IMMINENT OR HIGHLY LIKELY. THESE CONDITIONS WILL KILL CROPS AND OTHER SENSITIVE VEGETATION.  

Androscoggin River via Papermill trail

We took a walk along the Androscoggin River, after school, in hope of getting some nice autumn color photos that were calendar-worthy. 

Unfortunately, it was too dark and cloudy to get anything eye-poppingly great. 

(Click on the panorama for a larger view.)

Drew did take some nice panorama shots to show you the extent of the colors along the river. At least we had a nice walk, which ended in a bit of rain;-) 

Looking Up - A walk through the woods in autumn

The trail from Wagg Rd. to the western edge of Caesar Pond.

Looking up, and craning your neck for a better view, is what leaf peepers do for about two weeks per year! Drew took our Greyhounds out for a two hour walk in the woods this morning. His goal was to photograph woodsy colors on the way to Caesar Pond.

He wasn't disappointed. Autumn is so fleeting, and the colors are so vibrant. 

Everywhere you look there are sugar maple trees (brilliant oranges and yellows), red maple trees (brilliant reds), and oodles of other trees in varying leaf color change. 

Of course, the richness of the sky, in contrast to the leaves, helps make for a stunning view.

Ooohhh... neck strain...

We've got some tall, beautiful trees out in our neck of the woods!

Trees at the edge of Caesar Pond

The sun was still low in the sky, and it shone through the leaves as Drew came to his pond destination. 

Just because there is beauty in the trees doesn't mean that
you can't look down;-)

Life doesn't get much better than a walk in the woods on a stunning autumn day...Unless, of course, you are a fish<*)))<

Caesar Pond Leaf Color Change

Panorama of the eastern and southern shores of Caesar Pond.
(Click on the photo to enlarge it.)

Drew and the pups took a long walk, starting at Wagg Rd. and winding around the trail system, to the western edge of Caesar Pond.

Photo of the eastern shore of Caesar Pond taken from the edge 
of the snowmobile trail.

Drew took some pretty photos looking toward the eastern shore (where we live.) The water was glassy smooth and its surface reflected the deep blue sky color from above.

The trees must be getting near peak color as there seems to be a higher percentage of overall leaf color change compared to when I went out last week.

After walking home, Drew took a panorama photo of the western shore from our dock area. As you can see, there is a preponderance of pine trees over there!

Popham Beach Waves

Beach waves are so variable and are incredibly dynamic. The rhythmic sound of waves is soothing to the spirit.

Popham Beach

The drive along Route 1, toward Bath.
The trees are at peak color and are simply stunning!

We went to Popham Beach again. Autumn is one of our favorite times to visit as it isn't too hot, and there aren't very many people there.

I brought my new wide-angle lens to try it out on the large expanse
of beach at low tide;-)

We can never get enough of the beach, the wide expanse of sand...

Low tide allows us to walk the sand bar to get to Fox Island!

There were a few waves, although it wasn't very rough, breaking over the rocks and outcroppings near the beach.

The water seems to caress the rocks, as it washes back and forth with each wave. This weathering action erodes the rock and creates the tiny particles that make up the sands of our magical world.

Bright Autumn Colors on Caesar Pond

The colors are finally starting to pop on Caesar Pond. Today, Neighbor Carla and I went boating for about 1.5 hours. We oohed and ahhhed continually;-)

I used the 70-200mm lens for a bit of contrast to the wide angle lens of our last outing. The reds, yellows, and oranges of the red maple and sugar maple leaves were stunning.

I did a lot of looking up through the leaves to the sky above. 

The richness of the leaf colors in contrast to the deep blue sky was awe inspiring.

One of my last photos was of the eastern shore, taken from across the pond. As the sun's angle got lower in the sky, the leaf colors became even richer, if that is possible;-)

Leaf color changes occur before our eyes

We are on the border of Zones 1 and 3.

I swear that the leaves seem to be changing color before our eyes; it is occurring so fast. Last week, there was virtually no change in color, and this week...WOW! I am going out on the pond again on Friday afternoon, and hope to photograph the colors on Saturday and Sunday as well.

Caesar Pond's autumn color change

Neighbor Carla and I went for a short boat ride this afternoon to assess the state of the color change on the pond. The sky was deep blue under a super, sunny sky, and the leaves were lovely. We haven't even reached peak color yet.

Carla

Carla was as thrilled as I was to be out boating. It is so nice to have a friend who is as enthusiastic about nature as I am.

We saw some beautiful maple trees on the eastern shore as I put my new, wide angle lens to the test.

The winterberry bushes were in full fruit and were stunning at the water's edge.

I also love the contrast of light colored bark with colorful leaves. We have lots of birch, beech, and bleached out old maple bark to add interest and texture.

Wide Angle Lens

18 mm photo

10 mm photo

I got a new wide-angle lens (10 mm-18 mm) and had to try it out this evening. My old lens is 17mm-40 mm. I think I am going to like this new lens a lot! Tomorrow afternoon, I'll go out on the pond to give it a workout!

Popham Beach at high tide

We went to Popham Beach, on Saturday afternoon, to enjoy the dynamics of high tide and to meet some greyhound friends. It was cool (58F), drizzly, and absolutely loverly.

Autumn Tick Season has begun

Drat! The ticks are back. Drew found one on neighbor dog, Zoe, after having taken her for a walk on Friday afternoon. So, make sure you do a tick check on yourself and your pups after cavorting in the great outdoors!

Happy October! Hunting Season Schedule

Click to enlarge

For the complete 2016 hunting season list, click below:

http://www.maine.gov/ifw/hunting_trapping/pdfs/2016huntingseasonschart_may2016.pdf