Thursday, February 18, 2010

Out of Reception: A Dry Winter


Defined by Wikipedia as "a transformation from the solid to gas phase with no intermediate liquid stage," my only knowledge of sublimation before moving to Maine was 10th grade chemistry. Applied to pubescent science labs this translates into tedious experiments on dry ice turning into C02. In the bitter Maine winters, snow and ice skip a step and evaporate, creating low-tide like formations on snowbanks and fields. In January and February, the snow slowly receded exposing dead grass, frozen dirt and the remnants of a warmer time. Taking full advantage of the lack of snow this winter, I have traveled far and wide, exploring the state and taking photos with my iPhone along the way. Here are some of my favorites from the last six weeks.

Smelt Shanties near Wiscasset, Maine.

A Canoe at low tide at Popham Beach, Maine.

A frozen river near Farmington, Maine.

Soft sand at Seaswell Beach, Maine.

A space capsule on Damariscotta Lake, Maine.

Looking out at some islands at Pemaquid Point, Maine.

A log skidder near Whitefield, Maine.

An old fuel pump near South China, Maine.

A look out over Lake Champlain from Charlotte, Vermont.

The Johnson living room in Charlotte, Vermont.

Someday soon, the warm, wet weather from the Atlantic will meet cold air from the arctic and blanket the dead and frozen grass in a few inches of snow. When the snow returns, I will be there, taking photos with my iPhone and using the Camerabag Application.

19 comments:

Unknown said...

Let me preface this by telling you how much I enjoy your voyages around the great state of Maine, embarking with only your iPhone and leaving only footprints. I only wish I did the same while in college...

You latest batch of photos hits home for me. MidCoast Maine has been an integral part of my 23 years of existence. I live in Massachusetts but have been lucky enough to enjoy two weeks on Squirrel Island each and every summer. Your pictures lend to me a sense of what Maine is like when the weather turns cold and grey.

I am so glad that you have gotten the chance to experience the wonders of Maine and, as you near your final days at Colby, I have but one suggestion -- if you have not seen the islands in and around MidCoast Maine, make a point to do so.

In the picture taken from Pemaquid Point your lens is pointed directly at Monhegan Island. This place is legendary: Captain John Smith visited here in the 1600s and it was the summer residence of many of the Wyeth's. The picture at Popham Beach: this is a stone's throw from Seguin Island, site of the tallest lighthouse in Maine (which was commissioned by George Washington) and home of the best wild blackberries around.

Someday I hope to get out to your home state of Washington to take in all the Pacific Coast has to offer. Enjoy your time in Maine!

-Bryce McKenzie

Foster Huntington said...

Bryce,
I have been dieing to visit the islands off the midcoast. whats the best way to do it? i am planning on going to vinalhaven on the ferry and messing around for a day. whenever i am at popham i look out longingly at lighthouse on the nearby island. I wish i had a boat.
Foster

Deb Oh said...

Nice photos - I loooove the Camerabag app for the iPhone, I use mine all the time.

Foster Huntington said...

Deb Oh,
its the best 2$ i have ever spent, hands down.
foster

Joshua said...

Good pictures, man. Pemaquid point is my ancestral landing site. BTW that is Monhegan and Manana on the horizon. Be well.

Joshua said...

Sorry, didn't read previous comment. I'm a lazy poster.

WMCF said...

Amazing photos. Are they the result of the colorcross filter? I've been using this non-stop since I purchased camerabag. Fantastic.

Chotsky said...

I really like your photography, it's uncontrived and honest.

Foster Huntington said...

Joshua,
when did your creed make the journey over to maine?
Foster

Foster Huntington said...

WMCF,
the colorcross filter is hands down the best. i take a handful of pictures a day with iphone and colorcross filter. its my journal,
Foster

Foster Huntington said...

Chotsky,
Thanks for your kind words and thanks for supporting my pictures. it means more to me than you could know,
Foster

Mark Wilson said...

Fantastic photos! I've really enjoyed your posts since I've started following your blog. Keep it up!

Jacob Wijnberg said...

Dizzy Ravine! and when I gaze on thee
I seem as in a trance sublime and strange
To muse on my own separate fantasy,
My own, my human mind, which passively
Now renders and receives fast influencings,
Holding an unremitting interchange
With the clear universe of things around;

- Mont Blanc by P. B. Shelley

Foster Huntington said...

jacob
romantic poetry is well, romantic. thanks for the kind words Jacob and i am flattered that you think that bit of pros some how applies to my photos or blog,
foster

Thilda said...

Nice photos!

Foster Huntington said...

Thank you for the kind words Thilda,
Foster

Unknown said...

Foster,

There are a few ways to get to Monhegan. It all depends on where you want to leave from: You can take the Laura B. or the Elizabeth Ann from Port Clyde. Starting 5/28 three trips run. You can also take the Balmy Days out of Boothbay Harbor. Both options cost you $32 for a round trip.

Getting to Seguin is a bit harder. I found that there are a few charter boats that will take you there...one out of South Freeport and one from Phippsburg.



Without a boat it is tough, but Maine is home to so many harbors and nooks along the coast that you are bound to find a way to get out to the nearby and distant islands. I've been lucky enough to have a grandfather with a tireless affinity for sailing, but I have also visited places like Little Cranberry Island off of Northeast Harbor on Mt. Desert Island via a tiny mailboat. Getting there is part of the fun!


Bryce

Foster Huntington said...

Bryce,
Looks like I will have to commandeer a ship and head out for the isles myself..
foster

viagra online said...

I love images, I have been in Popham Beach and in Lake Champlain from Charlotte, Vermon! thanks for sharing! I have similar photos in my house!dd22