A fabulous weekend in Maine
AND SOME OF MY VERY OWN PHOTOS
Here are some photos of a recent, and very busy, autumn weekend in Maine. We actually were there for three separate photo shoots! It was hard work but we managed to have some great fun.
Great Duck Island is a pleasant boat ride from Seal Harbor. Owned by the Nature Conservancy and the State of Maine, it is estimated that the island provides habitat for one in five nesting seabirds in the entire state. The lighthouse was constructed in 1890 and all the original buildings are still standing. The lighthouse and 12 surrounding acres are owned by the College of the Atlantic, a small but wonderful school where all students share the same major: Human Ecology, which is the study of our relationship with our environment. The college uses the island in its nature studies.
A bald eagle sighting –- our national symbol! Until recently, these birds, along with many other species, were endangered because of the widespread use of the pesticide DDT. This horrible chemical was banned in 1972, and since then many bird populations have been recovering.
Robert Polidori –- preeminent photographer of architecture. This distinguished guest is famous for his spectacular books on post-Katrina New Orleans, the contaminated cities of Chernobyl and Pripyat, and the Palais de Versailles.
Mother seals and their babies on Bunker Ledge. For some reason, they just love this spot.
Guest Dan Dienst sitting with Paw Paw and holding Sharkey. Dan is the CEO of Metal Management, Inc., one of the largest full-service metals recyclers in the United States.
This fountain is located in Bar Harbor’s Village Green and was created in the 1920s by garden sculptor and potter Eric Soderholtz.
Frederic Lagrange, Francesca, and I enjoying some of Pierre’s delicious food. Frederic is a world-famous photographer and I am so pleased that he is photographing for my new book on entertaining.
Guest Michael Rips –- lawyer, op-ed page editor, and author of "Pasquale’s Nose: Idle Days in an Italian Town."
This most unusual perennial, Gomphocarpus physocarpus, is called the balloon plant. I like to call it hairy balls. A species of milkweed, it is often used as an ornamental plant and is striking in cut arrangements.
Guest Todd Eberle –- extraordinary photographer and artist. Todd has been a contributing photographer to Martha Stewart Living for many years.
Francesca catches her reflection at the Lost Pools.
Some of my Skylands houseguests when we visited the Smith Family Farm in Bar Harbor.
The hand-painted sign at the entrance to Smith Family Farm, which is famous for its rich milk and wonderful yogurt. The milk has a delicious layer of cream at the top.
Here I am in the azalea garden at Asticou Inn in Northeast Harbor. Designed as a classic Japanese garden, these grounds are lovely all year long, but when the azaleas are blooming in the spring, it is extraordinarily gorgeous.
It seems that cameras follow me everywhere! Gary and Frederic are not exactly incognito on the bow of my boat. In fact, they look like movie stars!
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
