Winter In Maine By Jessica Marie I have lived in a lot of places. I grew up in Florida, lived in Wyoming for 14 months, our family accidentally traveled 42 US states for 14 months and then we settled in Colorado for about 13 years…until last year when we moved to Maine. Safe to say I have experienced my fair share of climates, places, and winters. While I am grateful for the experience of a full and complete northeast winter, I am not entirely sure it’s my favorite thing. First of all, when the family decided to move, my first vote was back to Florida. But we didn’t have enough votes for going south, so we went north. It wasn’t land-locked, which was on my list of requirements, and it was in a different place than I had ever spent much time in before. Since I was ready for a change, I decided to tag-along on the move to Maine. Maine is pretty great 2.5 if not 3 seasons of the year. Summer is bounding with events and activities and there is a lot to explore. Not just in Maine, but in the surrounding northeastern states. The fall is a stunning rainbow of colors as the leaves change. Spring is great because it means the end of the dreaded winter…but it also means inordinate amounts of mud and black flies. Though, if you ask a Mainer, they will tell you there are only two seasons, winter and preparing for winter. I thought having lived in Wyoming and Colorado that I knew winter. It was a pest, sure, but I knew what it was like and could handle it with the same relative ease I had been for most of my grown life. A northeast winter is different than the west. Winter truly starts to feel as such around the winter solstice, the temperatures drop to freezing and well below day or night sun or clouds and the snow begins to fall regularly. By regularly, I mean 1-5 inches every other day and at least one big snow storm of 1-4 feet every week or so. That 1-4 feet is on top of the 1-5 inches every other day. So…a lot of snow. And it stays…because the temperature is literally freezing every day and night. While the snow is incredible and even beautiful for a time, it quickly becomes a nuisance or worse. Snow, sleet, and especially ice coat everything on a regular basis making roads dangerous to treacherous. It was not uncommon for us to not leave the house for 2-3 weeks at a time (we work from home and have a business warehouse on our property). Then we would re-stock up on food and supplies and begin to hibernate again for an indefinite amount of time. I am lucky to be a writer, blogger, podcaster, and general creative (working also for our camping gear business) that allows me to work from home. Though, I would be lying if the winter dangers didn’t also factor into why I don’t/can’t look for an in-person job. But the time spent indoors has given me a lot of time to reflect. To think about my past and what I want my future to look like. Much like the seasons we cannot always be in the same state of life. We cannot always be on the go as it robs us of our time and ability to slow down, be introspective and intentional about everything we do. It allows for the reading of a lot of books, listening to a lot of podcasts, and becoming a master at keeping a fire. Our home is heated by a wood burning fireplace that I tend to manage. When we first arrived, I thought it would be easy, I was good at starting campfires, but low and behold a campfire and a wood-burning-stove fire are not the same. They require slightly different skills and levels of patience. I’ve come to learn the density of wood and how long a log will last. I have seen the full cycle of a tree falling in the forest on our back-80, sawing and splitting it to the right size, and perfectly curating a fire to keep it burning day and night for months on end to keep the house warm. So, how is winter in Maine? It’s cold. You learn to never leave the house without a hat, scarf, and gloves. And not just cute ones, the warmest you can buy. You learn to drive slow or when to not drive at all. You get a bit of cabin fever from staying inside and not leaving the house. Even if you did leave, not much happens unless you can snow-shoe, ice fish, or snowmobile…but I am not warm-blooded enough for those activities. Though I do want to try more snow-shoeing and even cross-country skiing next winter. But you also catch up on your indoor crafts, you appreciate the days you can leave the house and go to church or out to dinner. You read more, pray more, and spend more time thinking about how much you really wish winter was over. Just kidding…sort of. You slow down, you don’t get in a hurry. I can’t make winter end any more than I can prevent its coming. It is a cycle. The wheel of the year keeps on turning and I learn more every day the importance of each moment and to embrace it for what it is. Do I wish it was summer? Yes? But does a small part of me appreciate the slowness and inner work I have been able to accomplish during winter? Also yes. I am considering traveling to the south next January and February in my car, doing some van-life…but in my Hyundai Elantra. Take some time to explore a new place and escape the worst of winter in the northeast. We’ll see what happens. That’s my winter time fantasy at the moment, but nothing is written in stone. I’ll take what comes, follow my intuition, and see where the road ahead really leads.
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Experiencing The Blizzard
By Jessica Marie For days the NOAA weather alert radio had been sounding off with its pitched alert tones and humanoid computer voice warning of the impending blizzard. We watched the national weather radar as the storm crept up the east coast. Each day it inevitably marched closer and closer to Maine. We stocked up on goods then hunkered down, preparing for three feet of snow and wind that gusted over fifty miles per hour. Winter in the north looks like a perpetual winter wonderland, once the snow begins to fall it becomes a permanent resident until the spring melt. We gazed across the snow-covered January landscape. It was calm and unassuming, no hint that this serene scene would become a frozen tundra of blinding snow and ice in a matter of hours. The wind began to rail against the house as if warning us to stay inside. The first snowflakes began to fall and we knew it was here. The turbulent winds blew the snow in every direction simultaneously. The gales seemed to rail their angry fists against the house, as if the structure stood in the way blocking a route that the wind claimed was his. We watched the snow pile in drifts. Dead grass nearly poked through the barren spaces and in others the snow stood so deep you could dive in and simply disappear beneath feet of powder. The snow piled high against the door, trying to barricade any way out. Our house stood in a meadow of mankind’s making. Snow swirled off the roof, whipped around solitary trees, and piled on decks, wind shook the house and whistled viciously past. We silently thanked the builders for using two by six construction. I looked to the nearby forest, though I could only see it through momentary lulls in the blinding blizzard. I watched the trees shudder under the storms assault. Trees larger than buildings bowed and bent under its power. I wondered how the forest fared in a storm, did the wind whip past its trunks or did the trees halt the storm from penetrating its depths? The wonder would not leave me. I bundled up. Layers upon layers, my biggest, furriest hat, warmest scarf and gloves, I strapped snowshoes to my boots and took up my trusty hiking stick and set out for the forest on our property. Though to get there I would have to brave the onslaught of the open landscape where the wind and snow reigned as king. I marched towards the dark nearby horizon, the forest looked as such through the storm. Trees and finally a forest became distinguishable as I approached nearer and nearer. The deep whoosh of strong winds through large, sturdy, olden trees filled my ears. Slowly I stepped past the perimeter and trudged deeper and deeper into the forest and watched as the scene around me transformed into a sanctuary. The snow fell faintly and softly to the ground as if it were nothing more than sprinkle. The only clue to the ranging winter storm were the waves of wind that crashed over the canopy. A deep and distinct rumble as strong winds and strong branches fought over who ruled the sky. I walked aimlessly through the forest enjoying the calm and even warmth. The protection from the wind and falling snow made the forest feel like a warm oasis. I watched the thinner, younger trees slowly move and bow under the wind hassling their tops. Even with snowshoes my feet sank several inches into the snow and flakes had begun to invade my boots. At the first twinges of cold threatening my toes I decided it was time to head back home. I followed my tracks back to the space where the forest begins to thin and the clearing starts laying its claim. Here I found the wind fighting for dominance. In the forest my tracks remained untouched, as clear as when I first made each step. In this space in between two worlds the snow had begun to pile into my tracks; making it look as if it had been hours or days since my passing when, in reality, it had been merely minutes. As I broke from the warmth and safety of the forest, I found the snow as pristine as if I had never passed through. Left or right not a track in sight. I knew the property and I knew my direction. I carried on with confidence. The wind began to press me one way and then the next. The condensation in my breath had built up on my scarf that wrapped around my face and neck. The wind carrying its bitter cold bit through the scarf turning the water to ice on my face. Ice so cold it burned my skin. This quickened my pace. Following nothing save for my knowledge of my direction I fought the wind as it tried to batter me. Blowing first from the left then the right, my cheeks burning from the cold. As if from a void the house appeared and I quickly trekked inside. Taking my layers off and hanging them to dry I watched the blizzard rage outside with a new appreciation. Knowing its power and biting cold made me appreciate this home even more. Though I kept in the back of my mind the knowledge that if I ever found myself unlucky enough to be trapped outside in weather like this, I would take refuge in the nearest forest. Then I took to my computer and wrote down my notes on my experience in this truly dangerous storm. As a writer every experience can be used in a book, and I had an upcoming story in the tundra where I could use this knowledge to my advantage. As the wind continued to shake the house and the snow piled itself higher and higher, mocking me as if knowing I would need to shovel it tomorrow, I tossed another log onto our wood burning stove. I carried away on my laptop with my steaming mug of tea, glad to be back inside. Penobscot Narrows Bridge, Observatory & Fort Knox Maine Review By Jessica Marie Where the Penobscot river meets the Penobscot Bay and eventually the Atlantic Ocean, sits the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory as well as Fort Knox in Maine. We hear of Fort Knox, Tennessee but there is another just off the coast of Maine. It is packed with history and views. Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory The bridge crosses the Penobscot river and joins Verona Island to the mainland. It is a striking and unique bridge that flits into and out of vision through the surrounding forest as one approaches. It is a relatively narrow, two-lane bridge with towers that stretch high into the sky. The observatory is taller than the Statue of Liberty! The views from the observatory allow you to tower over the forests of Maine to see the Penobscot river, where it diverges into the eastern channel, and the Penobscot bay. You can also see the town of Bucksport nearby. There are multiple parking lots and parking is included with admission. Parking any vehicle is easily accommodated for your visit. There are bathrooms in the parking lot but none at the bridge or in the observatory. There is one elevator to the top of the observatory and the group limit in the elevator is 8. Covid-19 rules require all elevator occupants be from the same party. You won’t be in the elevator with those outside your party. The top can comfortably hold maybe 15-20 people. There are a few small stair wells with a wall to one side and windows on the other. These lead from the elevator to the observatory. There is another elevator for the disabled to reach the observation deck. Once at the observation deck you have a full 360 view of the area. We saw a large school of fish swim through the river being chased by a seal. There are stairs down to the bottom of the observation tower that can be used in an emergency. There are employees present at the base and the top to guide visitors. Parties are given about 15 minutes before they are encouraged to return so the next group can come up. Fort Knox Fort Knox began construction in 1844. It is very close to the bridge and one admission fee grants each person access to both the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, Observatory and Fort Knox. Most visitors park at the bridge, then drive over to the Fort to park in that lot. There are bathrooms, a drink vending machine, and gift shop upon starting the trail to the Fort. Once inside the fort there are no amenities. There is a trail down to the Penobscot River and the cannons along the river. The trail is steep in places, but there is plenty of space to pause and rest if needed. There is a covered stairwell from the area by the river up towards the fort. The stairs and rooms are very cool and are a great place to head if you get too hot. The stairs are very steep, so watch your step. On the walk up to the Fort you are impressed by the size of the Fort and how well fortified it was. Inside there are many signs explaining the area as well as free guides that can answer questions, give tours, and more. Once inside the fort, you have free run of the place. There are back halls that are very dark and completely unlit save for sun streaming in through the rifle slits. Be sure to bring a flashlight or use the one on your phone. These back areas are very cool both in temperature and for adventuring. But watch your step as much of the floor is uneven and steps can crop up anywhere. Do not navigate these halls without use of a flashlight. You can ascend the stone, spiral staircase to the upper level. You can see the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory from the upper level. Under the main level are small cavern like areas that can be explored. However, you will need to duck or crawl to fully explore them. If you play the flute or other such instrument, you can find some fantastic, highly acoustic areas where music can be heard through much of the Fort. Conclusion This is an incredibly fun place for people of all ages. Families with small children had a great time exploring the Fort, just be sure to watch their step as the floor is uneven, unlit, and can be slippery in places. I spent most of my time finding as many tunnels and back halls as I could. I spoke to a guide at the end of the day and was told I had found every hidden area. I felt very accomplished! Strollers and wheelchairs could see the main level, but little else. These could, however, see the Bridge and Observatory. If you love history, views, and exploring old forts these two attractions are perfect for you. The plan your trip to either attraction click here. This is not an affiliate link. https://www.maine.gov/mdot/pnbo/ You can pay for and visit only the observatory or the fort, or pay one fee to see both. The bridge itself is free to drive across. Happy exploring! |
AuthorJessica Marie Cunningham - Intentional lifestyle blogger, aspiring author, and podcast host. All things Slow Living, Books, Writing, Art, creativity, Christianity, and personal stories. Archives
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