Chebeague, located ten miles from Portland, is the largest unconnected island in Casco Bay. It has always been a popular destination for Mere point cottagers who love to lunch in the rambling 1920s restored Inn...an experience that makes one feel as if you have taken a step back in history. It's a half hour trip in a fast boat through pristine water passing a beautiful string of islands. A call ahead will reserve a mooring and a launch swiftly arrives to ferry you to shore. Naturally, the weather is a crucial consideration!
I never can rely on light conditions when I set out on a particular destination in Maine and our trip to Chebeague was the perfect example. The sky was a brilliant blue when our boat reached the Chebeague Island dock. It was the kind of day we dream of all winter, but rather boring from a photographer's point of view.
This shot was taken on the pleasant walk to the Inn, far in the distance. A carpet of green gently rolls toward the shore. The sun was directly overhead, so the eye is assaulted by primary colors. It was less than ideal shooting, but in Maine, one never knows what to expect next. Trips to Chebeague are rare because unexpected fog banks have a nasty way of blotting out familiar landmarks on the trip over; boaters plan carefully! I continued to shoot thinking that, at the very least, I would have a record of a delightful excursion with friends.
Time passed quickly over a lunch of oysters and champagne and afterward, we lingered on the wide porch to enjoy the spectacular view. A stream of clouds was just visible far beyond the dock and boat moorings.
A front rapidly moved toward Chebeague and changed the landscape dramatically as we walked back to the dock to board the boat. I knew the ride home would be choppy as the views through my lens went from pretty to thrilling in mere minutes.
Shot from the boat moments before zipping my camera safely away in its case. A beautiful slice of blue sky outlined the island and dwindling light highlighted the strip of shoreline.
That old oft-repeated line came to mind..."if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes."
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Hello Carol:
ReplyDeleteWe rather like the idea of sailing to a restaurant and being sped to the shore from a distant mooring. However, the choppy return to home was rather less appealing we must say.
What spectacular images you caught and what an amazing difference a few hours make. Does the restaurant have rooms for the night?
What gorgeous pictures and colors in the landscapes! You've captured mother nature beautifully!
ReplyDeleteJane and Lance ~ Thank you, I am so glad you enjoyed the dramatic weather change. We were on board a friend's very capacious boat, so the choppy return was not at all uncomfortable. Fortunately for us, the band of rain didn't arrive until the next day!
ReplyDeleteMagicMarkingsArt ~ Thank you so much for stopping by, I'm glad you enjoyed the post!