* Singles: Daytime Moon

One of my first shots of the 2013 New Year.  Love those daytime moon sightings.  Photographed on Peaks Island, Maine just outside my house.

* Singles: Holy smoke!

Sea smoke on Casco Bay in early January on a frigid morning.  However, the cold temps created the beautiful sea smoke, deep blue ocean, bright blue sky, and a vividly white, snow-covered Mount Washington in the distance.  Feel lucky to wake up to this view -- love it.

* Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northeast Ohio

I really only saw a glimpse of Cuyahoga Valley National Park when visiting a friend recently in Ohio. It was a quick drive through the park area near Akron, but covered some ground. The fresh snowfall made for a festive wintry feeling, which has been lacking this season in both Ohio and Maine. I'm sure there are some good summertime hikes through this park.

Visiting as many state and national parks in this country is sort of on my bucket list. Like doing the Appalachian Trail -- I bought a map of the AT when I did some exploring in Shenandoah National Park in the Front Royal, VA area this past September and have it hanging in my kitchen as inspiration to do it. Climbing Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park, Millinocket, Maine this summer really planted the seed as it is the northern terminus for the AT. Part of Sugarloaf Mountain, where I work, is on the trail, too, and continues north near my place in Stratton, Maine. I know a few folks who have hiked the entire trail, and I commend them for such a feat! I'm also a bit envious, because I have a feeling I'll only continue to hike the trail in random chunks!

(I will be posting photos from Katahdin and Shenandoah, too!)

* Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

I hope everyone enjoys their holiday celebrations and rings in the new year with a bang. Take the time to look back on this last year of your life. Think about all that you've achieved and what you've learned. Be grateful and thankful, love your family and friends. You're happy, healthy, and alive. Breathe and smile. Just think how amazing this next year 2012 will be.... !

Snow dusted buoys and chairs at my little house on Peaks Island, Maine.


If you look hard enough, you can actually see how delicately designed each snowflake is.


Half moon peaking over the top of a building along the waterfront in Portland, Maine's Old Port.


Casco Bay pilings and a little sea smoke on a crisp, sunny morning towards the East End of Portland, Maine.


A worker and wharf cat at Harbor Fish Market seek the sun on a chilly winter morning in Portland, Maine.


A bench buried in snow along the tree-lined Eastern Prom in Portland, Maine.

* Morse Mountain in Phippsburg, Maine

Can you believe it is December, only days away from Christmas?! I am craving snow and winter hiking like this during a storm at Morse Mountain in Phippsburg, Maine. The trail ends at the beautiful Seawall Beach, though breeds some killer horse flies! At low tide you can attempt to wade across the river to Popham Beach State Park, just to the northeast. "

"The Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area is a nature preserve managed by Bates College for environmental research and education. The 500+ acre conservation area fronts over a mile of stunningly beautiful beach and dunes."