York, Maine, Cliff Path

One of my favorite local places ... the Cliff Path in York, Maine.

Have you ever been? If not you really should go next time you're in the area. It's beautiful anytime of year but there's something about early Autumn that I love. The air seems a bit crisper, the water a bit bluer, and the Cormorants are just starting to head south in large formations.  

The path twists and turns along rocks, buildings, gates, and rocky shores. In total it probably takes only about 10 minutes to walk the whole way, but it's 10 minutes of discovery and bliss.

Part of the path is concrete, part of it rocks, and part of it dirt. At about this point it seemed like the perfect place to stop, sit down, and look out towards the ocean for a few minutes. 

It's like the old saying ... 'The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea' ~ Isak Dinesen

Whenever I need peace of mind it's to the ocean I go 

As I sat on the rocks I thought about my close friend, Carrie, who had to move back to the mid-west. I know she wishes she could come home to New England and when the time is right she will. Sitting with my shoes off, looking out over ocean, breathing in the salty air, and loving the view, she was right there in my heart. 

Spectacular New England style home is what you'll see out on the point 

I can't help but wonder if they ever actually use their hammock that overlooks the ocean

At the end of the path you can choose to either go back the way you came, or take the long way and head up a grassy knoll towards the road. I generally like to take the road because I love looking at the beautiful homes and gardens. 

The apples were lying in a driveway I walked passed.  Seeing as how the apples were all still perfectly intact, it left me to assume the house was probably just a summer/week-end residence. 

Love the ornamental grass in these window boxes! Talk about low maintenance! Next year it could be an option for my own. Of course I'd have to add a flower into the mix. Something light and airy. Any suggestions?

So glad I chose to take the sidewalk back to the car ...

A tender moment

Hydrangeas only seem to grow more beautiful with time

I hope your Fall is a beautiful one. Here in New England the weather couldn't be more perfect. Day after day of sunshine, with temperatures in the 60's to low 70's. Nights are crisp and perfect for sleeping. 

This past Wednesday my husband and I spent the afternoon in Wolfboro, NH. I'd hoped to capture some great foliage pictures but was left somewhat disappointed by the color remaining on the trees. Still, I'll have to look at my memory card and see what I came up with. 

Have a great week-end! 

'I Do's' with an ocean view

So the other day I showed you some images from our walk along the York Harbor cliff trail. Well instead of going back the way we came we decided to take a little trail that brought us up to York Street/Route 1A. We thought it might be nice to walk along the main road and look at a few houses. So glad we did.

One of the first homes we walked past was this one. It's located right on the ocean and we figured at least 150 years old. They have their own tennis court, and from what I could see, a second home, which is probably a guest house.

We also went past the beautiful York Harbor Reading Room (a must see). If you remember from my previous post we had to walk up some stairs along the path. They're located just over there on the other side of the fence.

And what do you know, there was a wedding about to take place right there in the yard overlooking the ocean! Several people had stopped to watch, waiting for the bride to make her appearance. After about 5 minutes she came out of a home across the street and looked stunning.

I love the simplicity of her gown, not to mention she is absolutely glowing. Thankfully the rain cleared out the night before and it was a perfect day for an outside wedding.

Just face it, you know you're envious. At least I am!

She finally met up with her groom while dad shakes the JP's/ministers hand

Beautiful bouquets tied to the gates the bride walked through after she crossed the street. From there it was onto the private club for the reception. If my husband weren't with me I would have stayed to watch the ceremony, but you know how that goes.

What a day!

York Harbor Delight

This is where my husband and I went today. Wish you were there too!

Enjoy the views!

Stairs along the beginning of the path

Many Monarch butterflies had gathered among the purple flowers. I couldn't help but wonder if they were gearing up for the big journey South. I hope so because it's awfully cold here tonight!

If you look from left to right you'll actually see 4 Monarchs!

Oh and the Dragonflies ... they were HUGE and everywhere! However, they refused to settle down and cooperate for a photo opp. I thought my husband might catch one for me because he's good at that kind of stuff, but he didn't.

Thanks for coming along, even if it was a virtual tour ; )

Mockingbird

I had a some time to myself yesterday so I took a drive up through York, Maine. Had hoped for some sun and warm temps but that didn't happen. It didn't seem to bother this Mockingbird though, whom I found in York Harbor. All he cared about was singing his little heart out! I think he knew every song in the book too!

I thought for sure as soon as he saw me he'd take off so I shot the video from behind. When I finished I walked around front and took a few regular shots and he just kept on singing away. There were 3 different kinds of berries in the bushes below so somehow I'd guess he was staying put!

York Harbor, Maine

I've had the good fortune of working on and off at an Inn in York Harbor, Maine. Usually I'm painting one of the guest rooms but the last time I worked there I worked in the owners apartment. There are large windows looking over the harbor and it's hard to concentrate on painting when all I want to do is sit down and stare out at the water. Of course it's a tiny harbor, but charming nonetheless.

*All pictures were taken last winter (2007-2008) with my older Fujifilm s700 camera

This first picture was taken through a picture window so you may notice some glare or reflection

I can only imagine sitting in that little gazebo over there with a glass of lemonade on a warm day watching the boats come and go. Sweet serenity.

Close by is a nice little inlet I've enjoyed going to on a Summer evening. For some reason I had never really paid attention to this sign before.


If I had, I would have taken this stroll . . .



The Cliff Path winds along the rocks in front of these beautiful homes. Of course I said I would take that walk last Summer, but somehow there never seems to be enough time to do it all.




Thought you might like a view of the fancy, New England style restrooms, you know ... just in case ; )

Swimming in these temperatures you may risk quite a bit! Unless you like taking the Polar Bear plunge!

The end of another beautiful day on the water