Summer flowers……and a few other things

On a recent hike around Witch Hole Pond part of Acadia National Park,  and a favorite hike of mine – I enjoy discovering the ever-changing plant life growing among  and around the woods, marsh, and pond.

Waterlilies are in abundance here, and it amazing to see how this swampy pond has transformed from an icy mass of swamp grass in January into a verdant virtual “field” of waterlilies in June.

 

The otters love to munch on these waterlily leaves and we were lucky enough to spot two enjoying a late afternoon snack on this hike.

 

 

All along this walk there are small treasures to be found.  Here, a tiny flower I’m told (by my sister who visited recently), blooms in sweet obscurity along the water’s edge.

 

 

My favorite flower, the iris, has passed its peak here in Maine, but I did manage to find one late bloom.

 

 

I actually found these buttercups on top of Cadillac Mountain, earlier that same day.

 

 

And, a hike around Witch Hole Pond would not be complete without including a photograph of the beautiful reflections to be found in the clear, calm water.  I never get these tired of these photos, and I hope you don’t either!!  🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beating the Crowds

As the 4th of July approaches, with comes the “height” of summer and tourist season in Acadia National Park, or as I like to call it:  “my playground”, or “my backyard”.

On this weather perfect day, I wanted to hike along the ocean but as the crowds build, this means getting an early start is all important.

So I managed to be walking by 8 a.m. and encountered only a few people along the way on one of the busiest, if not THE busiest trail in the park.

 

ABOVE:   The Atlantic Ocean from Otter Cliffs.

 

 

BELOW:  Some “Lovely Lupine” blooming next to the Ocean Path

 

BELOW:   Along the Ocean Path, near Otter Point