I hope - wherever you are - you are taking care of yourself. I hope you’ve been hugging your people and lingering extra long in those hugs.
I hope you’ve been getting fresh air. I hope that you are continuing to take stock in yourself.
I hope you are listening - and not listening - when your fatigue has plateaued, you turn off the news. I hope you have a plan to vote.
Last week’s tragedy in Maine wrecked me - wrecked us all. And while some relief came once the suspect was found, the toll and ripple effects on our community will forever remain. This tragedy, on the heels of every other horror happening right now, equates to grief upon grief upon grief.
I’m trying to take a lot of walks. When I feel out of control, I crave to be near the sea where my thoughts untangle - so, my routes lately have been landing at the ocean.
I want to share with you my tried and true easy coastal walks (all of which land at the sea) up and down the coast of Maine. Places for when you have a heavy heart and a distant mind that are worth the drive, worth a solo walk, worth some time with yourself. Take the hour, pick a place and if you can - do this for yourself this week:
East Point Sanctuary (Biddeford, Maine)
A short out-and-back trail (1.5 miles) along the rocky coast provides views of Wood Island Lighthouse and is considered one of the best birding locations in Southern Maine. Parking is limited (spots for 6 cars) - go early.
Two Lights State Park (Cape Elizabeth, Maine)
The “trail” is only a 1 mile loop - but I don’t head here for the stroll. Grab a spot on a cliff and watch the waves pound against the rocks. I could sit here all day.Wells Reserve at Laudholm (Wells, Maine)
Pursue the Barrier Beach Trail and Laird-Norton Trail for a 2 mile loop featuring a salt marsh and mixed woodlands landing at a gorgeous, open beach.
La Verna Preserve (Round Pond, Maine)
Featuring 2.5 miles of trails, this preserve features 3,600 feet of shoreline. There is so much to explore - but make time to rest along one of the rocky cliffs once you make it there.Hermit Island Campground (Phippsburg, Maine)
When this campground closes for the season, the owners graciously allow folks to walk the property. This 3.8 mile loop reminds me of the Bold Coast - the loop along the water is truly remarkable.
Barred Island Preserve (Deer Isle, Maine)
There’s something so magical about this moss covered, root filled 2.5 mile walk in the woods. You’ll land at an open beach - and if the tide is low, you can walk to the small island to continue to explore.Great Wass Island Preserve (Beals, Maine)
The Little Cape Point and Mud Hole Trail is a 5 mile loop that has both a wooded and coastal section. Look out for seals…and whales!
As promised, here are five things from Maine Makers that you should become equally obsessed with! I’ll continue to do this straight through to the holidays:
5 Things I’m Currently Obsessed With
from local Maine Makers
1. Hand Painted Porcelain Almond Croissant from Molten Ceramics
Not sure there is anything cuter than this sweet croissant. Place on a kitchen shelf for a little pop of glee or give to the pastry lover in your life. I also love the book stacks.
2. Beachy Wave Wall Weaving from Weavings by Halley
My daughter would absolutely freak if this was hanging in her bedroom. A whimsical, beautiful, one-of-a-kind, Maine-ispired weaving.
3. Tide Clock from Georgetown Pottery
I am obsessed with these (husband of mine: are you reading this?) Not only are these beautiful, they are functional! You’ll never have to look up the tides again with one of these on your wall.
4. E.B. White Quote Poster from Might & Main
This is not a new piece by any means - I’ve had it hanging on my wall for years. But it felt especially good to look at it this past week - and if you don’t have one yet, now seems like a good time to get yourself a present.
5. Layered Cup by Kylie Smithline
I took a pottery class from Kylie at Mill Pond Ceramics (another great gift idea - pottery classes!) and really fell in love with some of her pieces. This cup can obviously be used for drinking - but it’s so special you might want to put it on display!