I left the studio at 10:16am on Friday. That's 16 minutes later than I was hoping for.
That just tells you how psyched I get when I start a solo photo roadtrip.
And yeah- I go alone. And I love it.
I headed to Acadia National Park up in Bar Harbor, Winter Harbor, and Bass Harbor Maine. I never go in summer because I'm not big on crowds when I do this. I want to be where people aren't. Right? I want to photograph places when nobody else is there- and that's why I go alone. I want to be able to go where I want, when I want when it comes to photography. I sleep very little on weekends like this - because I spent much of the night - if possible- shooting astrophotography.
So I arrive in Bar Harbor at about 3pm after driving almost non stop (stopped 1 time for gas) and headed to my favorite part of the park -
Its called Sieur de Monts. It's a long walkway surrounded by paths and trails that cut through beautiful forest and high grass. Totally beautiful and peaceful. It is and always will be my first stop.
It was a beautiful day - but it turned foggy a little later in the afternoon. And in Acadia- fog only adds to the drama of the place -
heres a phone pic of Otter Cliffs in the distance- from the ocean park loop road. (fyi - Im only including a couple photos from my actual camera because I haven t had time to go thru all 1300 images I took)
It's an incredible sight to see in person.
After dinner at about 830p, I got to my room and went to bed at 10p, only to get up at midnight- and head out to shoot the night sky.
Fog became an issue relatively quickly- but I did get this one from Sand Beach.
Photo: Greg Kretschmar
There is no better feeling than being in a place like this- in total darkness - with nobody else in sight- so it's just you and the night sky. It was NOT a crystal clear night- so this image could have been better- but given the cards I was dealt from Mother Nature, I'll take it. I shot till about 3am-ish, then slept in the truck for an hour before I set out to shoot the sunrise.
After that - I headed to Jordan Pond - and I took this PHONE PIC -
It was GORGEOUS. Soft tones, totally still, and totally SILENT.
Then it was a two hour solo hike - thinking - I'll hike early and beat the heat.
Problem is, the heat came early and by the time I was done- I was literally SOAKED. Then it was back to the room for a cold shower and 2 hrs of sleep.
Now you see why I don't bring anyone with me? Hahah
Acadia might be my favorite place in all of New England, and being there rejuvenates me in ways that are hard to explain.
The next morning I was out to Winter Harbor along the Schoodic Peninsula, and Prospect Harbor.
That's where I shot this pic of Prospect Harbor Point Lighthouse -
And on a small hill near the harbor- THIS GUY keeps an eye on EVERYTHING! Its a lobsterman (that has seen better years, if you ask me!) and it stands about 15-20 ft high!
Cool, but also a little weird.
Stil-I dig it.
Once I got home- I chilled for a bit on the couch while Daisy attacked her chew toy....
And Valerie and I ended the weekend at The Old Ferry Landing on a perfect summer night.
I don't know what you guys think - but I had to rate my own weekend- Im giving it a solid 9.5, and Im only giving that score because I believe a 10 is imposible!
Hope you had a good weekend!
g
Photo: Greg Kretschmar