On Casco Bay in a 1928 schooner, the “Bagheera”
It has been so hot here in the D.C. area that we decided to escape the heat and go up to Maine to explore the Scarborough area, where eleven generations ago my husband’s ancestors first settled in the early 1600’s. The heat followed us, but it was a fabulous trip anyway.
We stayed on Black Point in the Prout’s Neck area, which was the home to the famous American painter Winslow Homer, and the inspiration for so many of his gorgeous nautical works.
Hiking the cliff walk. Winslow Homer’s studio in the distance.
Fabulous garden along the walk.
There is a cliff walk all the way around the point to take in the amazing views. The rocky coastline is just gorgeous.
Stacks of stones in remembrance of others along the beaches.
There are lots of small islands and lighthouses — all picturesque, but what struck me most were the beautiful gardens. I never would never have guessed that the summer gardens would be so nice in Maine, having such harsh winters.
Many of the same things grow here as in my region of the mid-Atlantic, but the star of the show has to be the rugosa roses that are everywhere. They were all at the stage where the spent roses turn to rosehips, and it was gorgeous. Here’s an interesting fact: did you know that rosehip tea has more vitamin C than orange juice?
Another view along the cliff walk.
The terrain is so steep that you see exposed roots like this wherever there is a large plant.
Wild aster and goldenrod were all along the coastline
Great place to sit and take it all in!
The other side of Prout’s Neck. Great beach club and dogs are allowed – yay!
I set about looking for heart shaped rocks and found several in no time. There are some really nice beach areas with benches made of driftwood, where people have placed stacks of stones in remembrance of others.
I will miss the slow pace up there, and sitting in the Adirondack chairs in front of the Black Point Inn watching the tide roll out in the setting sun after a long hike. I hope I get back to see it again!
Here are a few more photos of some of the highlights…
The rugosa rose or rosehips plant is seen everywhere in Maine. So beautiful and must be moose resistant!
The sun sets on this trip, but I hope to be back again soon!
I could look at these views forever…