The Sun Never Sets...Until It Does

The best part about this island is the fact that I keep discovering new roads and paths that lead to new places. I seem to always find something new and different to keep me excited about what this island has to offer. If it's not nature offering something different, it's the people I meet. Working in the gallery down town is proving to be a great way to meet people from all different corners of the world with completely different backgrounds. I'm really loving the ever changing and every surprising melting pot that Bar Harbor and Mt Desert Island are proving to be.

Here's another exploration that led to more discoveries...A small tide pool-that's for you Michael!-and a poor starfish that didn't seem to make it through the changing tide...





Here's some photographs from the Margaret Todd, a boat that sails out every evening for a sunset cruise. Local workers can ride anytime for free--yay!--and it was a great experience. There was a lack of wind which was slightly disappointing as far as being in a sailboat, but apart from that it was a really nice end to the day. There was a man playing a guitar and singing, three giant Newfoundland dogs, and thankfully a not so large crowd. There was a man with a bottle of wine and a small glass that he brought with him which I think was a fantastic idea--and permitted. He's a local who frequents the Todd while the season allows. Once July and August hit, there's almost no chance of finding an open seat on the boat for a free locals trip, but up until then, I think I'd like to join him in his frequent sailing. The pictures aren't as fantastic as the sunset was in person, but I think they're still rather pleasant...

Climbing Mountains

Recently Joe and I climbed "The Beehive" in Acadia National Park. As we approached the strenuous trail, I had flash backs to one of my adventures in Chile: climbing Wachu Picchu, the enormous summit overlooking Machu Picchu. While The Beehive is only a small fraction of the height of Wachu Picchu, the similar fears of climbing a summit with no ropes and no railings apart from a few strategically placed cables and rods.

I felt the familiar pangs of anxiety and then dismissed them with some hidden courage I managed to find. As I was climbing, I stopped every now and then for a photo--no matter how dangerous or scary, I want a picture to remember it--and I noticed that the anxious feelings were not the only familiar aspects returning from my climb up Wachu Picchu; the scenery was rather similar as well. If you look through the photos I posted, you'll see that I snapped a pictures that are strikingly similar to some pictures I took in Peru. The first photo is from here in Bar Harbor and the second is from Peru.

Maybe the world is trying to tell me something about where I am now and where I was a couple years ago--maybe I'm in a similar place of content and wonder and yet now I'm lucky enough to have found it in my own country. I'm not really sure, but the similarities are still rather astonishing.



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Just some pictures

Just thought I'd throw up some pictures. The fog was rolling out one morning and I was able to grab my camera and take some pictures. It's really quite remarkable and I'm excited to be living on the ocean -- as if you couldn't tell already. Enjoy!

The Small Things

Without the homework and the parties and the clubs and activities, the small things in life are stepping out of the background and into the light. I'm noticing the tiny flowers growing around my house, the differences in the trees and blossoms are becoming more notable. Things like cooking and even keeping the house clean and organized --gasp-- have become routine whereas before they were nothing more than activities that I never had time to for. Activities such as clam digging and simply going downtown to get a drink are among the options of activities for the evening as opposed to Spanish homework or IP?

On the other hand, the 9-5 desk job is still something I'm struggling with. I've been rather busy with my new job, which is what I typically look for --I can't stand sitting around doing nothing for hours at a time when I could be doing other things elsewhere. Thankfully that doesn't happen. I'm kept pretty occupied all day. Although I have to admit that I've been pretty spoiled. I'm used to having the fastest, best working equipment and facilities. I'm used to everything I could need being available when I need it. I suppose I'm not really talking about work now. Sure, the programs we use are slow and frustrating, but that's not that big of a deal. But when it comes to everything else, my art and other general activities, I'm used to having it all. U of M had it all and what they didn't have, was available at any store within a 10 or 15 minute drive. Here you have to plan ahead and seek out what you might need. It's a completely different lifestyle here. It's far more laid back and relaxed. And while there are moments when the transition is a bit difficult, I think the adjustment isn't bad at all. The lifestyle is a great way to experience everything around you. My landlord even said that citizens here take the island for granted, and I think I've been guilty of that everywhere I've lived. So for once, it's nice to enjoy what the world has to offer.