I wasn’t sure if I was going to have time to write this week. With the change of weather, from blustery (being an understatement) and cold to warm sunshine, I figured I’d be outside the remainder of the week. That thought was rudely interrupted this morning as the sun rose and the wind picked up. The wind. Again. Gahh. I can’t complain though. I’ve been able to get my fair dose of vitamin D and fresh air this week and it’s only the second week of March. I’m thankful for the time I was able to be outside.
Our week started off by our Satellite being repaired. No satellite, means no internet and really wonky cell service. Thankfully, we just needed an adjustment, as the winds the previous Tuesday were ridiculous and turned the dish. No costly repairs. I was afraid one of the numerous branches that came off the fir tree had broken the receiving box. We are now back in business.
As the weather forecast showed promise of improvement during the week I started to get antsy and giddy. Jesse had an appointment scheduled for Wednesday and asked me if I wanted to go with him. I pondered my thoughts for a moment. I think I surprised him when I agreed, I tend to not venture all that far. Then I threw at him the idea of going to the coast. We had a plan. We were leaving The Hill for the day.
Spring and Fall, or the “off-season” is when we prefer the Maine coast. Summer, forget it. Far too many people, cars and noise, it’s a mind jumbling cluster. The point of going, is to relax and take in the salty air and the sound of the waves coming in. Enjoy the nature surrounding us. And we did.
It had been almost 2 years since we’ve been to the coast. Our trip usually consists of the same route, sites and places. This time we venture to new grounds and different scenery, even though it was in the same area. Maine has so many hidden treasures.
We set out for Sears Island in Searsport. 940 acres of woods, with sandy and rocky coastline connected to the mainland by a causeway. We didn’t know what to expect. We followed a trail just off the beach and started our adventure. We could have taken a paved road for a majority the walk, but what fun is that? We opted for the muddy, but also icy, travel through the woods. We saw half a dozen chipmunks and heard birds. BIRDS! We don’t have all that many on The Hill in the winter. It had been awhile since I’d heard that sound. All I ever hear are our two resident ravens, sqwaking and grumbling. 2.5 miles later, we were at “The Tower”. Well, that was a disappointment. It was a cell tower. We turned around and went off another trail that led down to the beach.
I had checked the tides the previous night. Being only noon and low tide at 2pm, I figured we were safe. We decided to head back walking the rocky beach. There was so much to see along the beach. We came upon a lean-to someone had constructed out of driftwood, decorated by orphaned bouys. As the tide was going out, there were tidal pools and sandy patches amongst the rocks. The ledge dropping down to the beach front was absolutely beautiful, with the melting snow and ice. The colors in the rock were so vibrant. I couldn’t stop gawking. So much, I slipped on a slippery rock. Classic Jodie. At that point, we were halfway back around the island. I felt it the next day.
As we came around the last cove, it was all sandy beach. Walking close to the water I noticed a crab. As I was admiring the crab, I caught out of the corner of my eye a good sized sand dollar. Always a gem to find at the beach. I held it in my hand for a moment and then placed it deeper in the water. I’m pretty certain it was still a living creature, as it was sitting in water and felt heavier than if you find them further up on the beach. I took a picture of it, in its natural habitat and we finished our hike back to the Jeep.
As much as we love being up on The Hill, a change of scenery was very much welcoming. The lack of snow on the coast in comparison to what we have was a treat. Seeing other colors in the landscape, besides the March dirty snow. To see bare ground!! And of course, there is nothing like the smell of salty sea air. It feeds the soul.
The following day the weather was perfect on the hill. The windows that we are able to open, were opened. Each one soon contained a cat. I hung the quilt out on the clothesline to soak up the fresh air. Willa…well, Willa went out and covered herself in mud. My black and white dog is now tri colored. I puttered outside throughout the day cleaning up the blown branches and the shingles from our roof. Not wanting to waste the beautiful weather and day, we ended our evening with a fire. I’m looking forward to the time change Sunday and the official arrival the following week. Come on SPRING!!
Off-Grid Soul 