Yes, we leave the Ocean tomorrow. And to celebrate the wonderful time we have had here, we stayed in town all day and just "cruised" the environment. It was the thing to do as we did see plenty. Sometimes the things that you seek to find are the ones that are the nearest. We don't have to travel far. Sometimes it is right where we are.
Today was a day like that. A good example was one of those spots by the side of the road that did not look too special, but was inviting none the less. On one side was the tide slowly emptying the small stream and estuary next to where we parked by the side of the road. On the other side was the stream , a few small shrubs and trees and a potential for some bird life. Both of these scenes turned out to bring us about two hours of enjoyment during which we had our usually "prepared lunch".
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| Our lunch spot where we saw the birds |
It started with a number of LINCOLN SPARROWS that were down in the stream side and both getting water and insects to eat. It took us a while to recognize them, but they came close enough to the road so we could identify them. Then came a flock of AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES. They are plentiful at this tine of the year. and constantly on the move. They flitted between the trees and although they don't stay put long, they are immediately recognizable. While eating lunch on the seaside of the road two birds moved about the trees and finally perched on a tree there. At first they looked like small flycatchers, but upon closer examination with the binoculars ,they were identified by the wagging tails and plain front as an EASTERN PHOEBE. On the side of the breast there is a black smudge that cinches the identification.
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| Eastern Phoebe |
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| Lincoln Sparrow |
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| Catbird |
Things were picking up and we weren't finished yet. Down into the emptying estuary were three deer. A female and two of her fawns probably about 2 months old. They were testing the emptied ground where there had been a full body of water a few hours ago. Was Mom teaching them about tides?
It was a great spot and, as I said, not necessarily visually special except for the activity. We meandered on further down the road and past the golf course but no activity except for more deer. (These deer are very tame and practically "own" the area.)
A trip to a cemetery and a red stone Anglican church caught Ruth's eye this week and we were waiting for some sunshine to get good light for some photos. This was a good time and we did that. The cemetery around the church (consecrated in 1845) had about 5 sections each for a different age group. The oldest we saw was dated (born in 1794) from the 16th century.
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| St John Church and cemetery |
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| St John church |
Then to the blockhouse back in town for some look at the War of 1812 and the effect it had on this community. **Remember MAINE is just across the water about 1/2 mile.**
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| West Point Blockhouse at St Andrew NB |
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| Some history |
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| Blockhouse details |
A short trip to the city wharf in time to see two whale cruises heading out to sea, One a motor launch , the other a sail boat under power as there was little wind.
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| Whale watchers going out |
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| St Andrews By the Sea from the wharf |
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| The lighhouse at St Andrew NB |
We did not have time to tour the Kingsbrae Garden, as it is 27 acres of choice plantings and arrangements . Supposedly world famous.
But we did end the day with an ice cream cone in town and was served by 'Shawna' who was "downsized" from her job in the city and took this one and loves it. It is only summer employment but she seemed not to be too concerned. Her attitude will hold her in good stead.
So tomorrow we head for the "States" and Skowhegan Mane. Crossing the new borrder crossing at Calais. We will meet a friend who lives in Maine that is the son of a shipmate of my brother's in WW2 on CVE 67 "USS Solomons". He wrote a book about the ship and the men who served her. We will meet for lunch in Bangor.
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