Another Columbus Day spent in Maine
Like last year, I spent this past Columbus Day weekend at Skylands, my home in Maine. It was glorious weather -- blue skies, barely a breeze, and temperatures in the 50s and 60s. The foliage was not quite at its peak but very, very close. Joining me in Maine was a small field television production team, headed by Gary Nardilla and Laurie Hepburn. They filmed four lovely segments in four days and I, of course, worked on both Friday and Saturday.
One of the segments was a piece about the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, a charitable foundation whose goal is to protect and preserve the scenic and ecologically important coastline of Maine, its vistas, and natural beauty for posterity. Many areas of Maine -- many thousands of acres and many miles of coastline -- have been granted, eased, or promised to the trust. We met up with David MacDonald, the Director of Land Protection at MCHT, and received quite an education. Please have a look.
Also, don't forget to visit The Bride's Guide to see newly posted photos of my assistant Liesl's honeymoon!
Beautiful Martha.
Pam from California
Posted by: Pam from California | October 13th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
I love reading about your homes. Maine is the one place that I have always wanted to go. I love the freshness that I see in your pictures. Maybe one day ..... or at least I can continue to live vicariously through you, Martha. Thank you for taking me somewhere I'll never get to see. Beautiful.
Posted by: Sarah Munn | October 13th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Hi Martha,
I just started a new blog on WordPress partly because I saw your blog and thought it was so nice. Your header was the inspiration for the header I made for mine. You've been an inspiration to me for many years. Just wanted to tell you that.
Charlotte
Posted by: Charlotte | October 13th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
I am overwhelmed with these pictures! It is nice to know of the MCHT foundation and their goal to protect and preserve that glorious coastline. I have always wanted to visit Maine; it is such a beautiful place.
The Jordan Pond photo and the reflections on the water in #27 are very special but nothing can top the view from your terrace. Wow, I think it would take my breath away to actual see it. Skyland is magnificent! Trish
Posted by: Trish | October 13th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Sorry, I meant 'Skylands'. Trish
Posted by: Trish | October 13th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Ahhhhh, jealous here but better kick that useless emotion to the curb and rejoice in your good fortune. (I grew up right across that border in N.B. Canada.)
Posted by: Jannie | October 13th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
I'm so jealous! I live in Florida and have never seen Fall leaves or anything fall related except for in magazines and on TV...I think I need to move up north.
Posted by: Kelsey | October 13th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Beautiful photos!!! Maine is absolutely beautiful; rugged and pristine. I was fortunate to visit 2 years ago and stayed in a lovely town called Castine. It was a trip I will never forget. Your photos capture the rugged "earthiness" that Maine has to offer. Love it!!
Posted by: Margaret | October 13th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Hi, congrats on being a SITS featured blogger!! Love you Martha!!
Posted by: Mandy | October 13th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
just amazing how similar the nature in maine is with finland, the foliage, the lakes, big boulders of rocks. skylands has always been the one of your homes i'd most like to visit.
Posted by: liisamarja | October 13th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Absolutely beautiful country - even looking at pictures of nature at its best seems to bring solace always. My mother always said the greatest remedy for those who are afraid, worried, lonely or unhappy is to go outside and be quite alone with Nature because its there one feels that all is as it should be. It's worked every time for me. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Lilly | October 13th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
I love going to Maine every year and staying at Mr. Kessler's B&B in Saco. Maine has a special attraction and once you go, it stays in your blood. Beautiful shots!
Posted by: pk | October 13th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Dear Martha,
Thank you for sharing these beautiful fall shots with us from Maine. Picture 36 was my favourite.
Greetings from the European Martha Stewart fan club.
Luc
Posted by: Luc | October 14th, 2008 at 12:49 am
Martha:
I love reading about your homes. I don't know which one is my favorite. I love them all. I grew up in Massachusetts so I am a transplanted new englander by rights. A real yankee living in Pennsylvania. I've been all thru Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Mass., Rhode Island and a few places in Conneticut. Thanks for supporting the MCHT. I was surprised there was still some trees that are green it hasn't all turned yet. New England turns fall colors earlier than the mid-atlantic states. I just love a glorious New England fall. Maine is gorgeous. Loved Portland and Orchard Beach. Been to several of its B & Bs in my life. Don't remember their names. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous home with those who read your blog.
Linda
Phila, PA
Posted by: Linda | October 14th, 2008 at 1:30 am
Acadia is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. I wish I could have a house there too!
Posted by: Charlotte K | October 14th, 2008 at 1:47 am
Martha thank you for sharing, the pictures are beautiful. Instead of people watching what the stock market is doing 24/7 they should spend a little time out doors and appreciate the beautiful world that we live in and how blessed we really are.
Posted by: Ann | October 14th, 2008 at 1:48 am
Ahhhhhhhh.
Peaceful, glorious and reviving!
Lucky crew!
Thanks!
Posted by: Skeeto | October 14th, 2008 at 1:49 am
Martha, thanks for sharing these beautiful photos. Jordan Pond is one of my favorite places in the world; seeing those images make me long for a visit! I am looking forward to seeing the television segments you filmed last weekend. I recently created a blog dedicated to "all things Maine", http://themainespot.blogspot.com. I hope you'll stop by!
Regards,
Kevin
Posted by: Kevin | October 14th, 2008 at 1:51 am
Hey Martha,
Glad you got to spend some time in your beautiful home in Maine even though you had to work it's always a joy to look at the wonderful places around us. I look forward to reading your blog everyday . Thank you for taking me with you on your adventures.
Posted by: Bernadette | October 14th, 2008 at 2:09 am
I'm so jealous!!! I'm a frequent visitor to Acadia in the summer but have never gone up to see the foliage in the fall. The wild blueberry bushes are absolutely beautiful. I live in CT and my favorite fall foliage is the "burning bushes" which turn a deep red. Some smart planner had many planted along the highways and they really make traveling this time of year enjoyable. Thank you for sharing your lovely pictures!
Posted by: Becca | October 14th, 2008 at 2:34 am
Hi Martha,
Great to see you getting a little Maine time in as well as connecting to such a valued charity as MCHT! I love Maine, though I've never been, friends of mine there keep me updated...lots of post cards! Love seeing what your eyes saw last weekend. Hope the MCHT can check on the number of smooth rocks disappearing from the shores. Thanks Martha!
Posted by: tinay | October 14th, 2008 at 2:59 am
Martha, your surroundings are so beautiful. Your life is like a dream! Thanks for sharing with us your life in pictures.
When I viewed picture #28 (Delicate Seaweed in Fresh Water) I was awed by what I saw. Look at the bottom left of the picture. It looks like a fisherman (possibly a leaf) and farther at the bottom of the picture on the left it looks like a fish. I wonder, does anyone else see it too? Mysterious Picture! I'm glad to see how precious Maine is and that you have a Heritage Trust to preserve the coast.
Betsy
Posted by: Betsy Mech | October 14th, 2008 at 3:34 am
I live in the Camden/Rockport area and I thought the colors were FANTASTIC this weekend/year! Every window I look out (in my home) it is just gorgeous. My favorite drive is on Beaucaire Ave. (around Megunticook Lake) this time of year and yesterday was a great day to do that! I think the colors are perfect on a cloudy day vs. a sunny one! Happy fall!
Posted by: Betsy | October 14th, 2008 at 3:37 am
This looks wonderful! I like to see your homes. I am in the process of picking a color for my home. I just put James Hardie siding on my colonial home. I can not decide what color to paint it. Any ideas??? I have been on your paint website and putting colors on the houses. That has helped alot. I am thinking Woodrow Wilson Whitewash. I also love what is on Turkey Hill. Anyway I could get that color? Also, it would be a great segment to help me pick a color for my house....just an ideal!
Posted by: Lisa Kirchner | October 14th, 2008 at 4:03 am
Wonderful autumn pictures but what about your home. What does your Maine home look like in the fall. I'm sure beautiful =)
Posted by: sushi2 | October 14th, 2008 at 4:36 am
Love your pictures, Martha!! Maine is one of the prettiest places I've visited. Actually, all of the New England states are fantastic and there is no better time than fall to see them. Just this past weekend we drove to Pennsylvania to see the leaves and they were spectacular!! (shameless plug - I've got pictures up on my site if you want to see: http://www.fromsingletomarried.com)
Posted by: Tabitha | October 14th, 2008 at 4:52 am
To Betsy,
Just letting you know that I see the fish with tendril like 'legs' and the fisherman in rain gear. Cool. I'm always seeing things in the water and especially on rocks. Trish
Posted by: Trish | October 14th, 2008 at 5:03 am
What a wonderful way to spend the long weekend! Maine is just perfect this time of year!!
Posted by: porter | October 14th, 2008 at 6:14 am
The epitome of Fall! Looks like it was a fabulous weekend and what lovely area to hike around.
Posted by: Sherey | October 14th, 2008 at 6:24 am
I've wanted to go to Maine for what seems like forever. I was scheduled to be there now, but our road trip got cut short by inflated gas prices and repairs to our fabulous RV we call Ruby Sunshine. Maybe next year I will experience fall on the coast of this beautiful state.
Posted by: jai carney | October 14th, 2008 at 6:32 am
Martha,
Maine, how invigorating to be there in the fall! Beautiful photos. Thank you for always sharing your wonderful pictures of your home and of you.
I cycled 64 miles in a metric century in Westfield, MA this weekend. Climbed many hills and saw awesome fall foilage! The ride was called the Great River Ride and traversed through many towns, with the rivers joining us along the roads. Just beautiful. Somehow this makes one feel so special living here in the New England states.
Thank you again,
Paula
Posted by: Paula M. | October 14th, 2008 at 6:59 am
Ah, Maine. I'm here in sunny Florida - west central coast - but have some very good friends who moved there from here. He was born and raised around East Machias, she is from upstate New York. They inherited an old house which they have refurbished. It is right on the edge of the Roque Bluff Nature Preserve. They work on a private family island off the coast of Roque Bluff and are there now setting in for winter. It is a working farm with cattle, pigs, horses, and some new goats! Since Dave was a fishing captain here in FL. he is the helmsman of the family boat. Katie is an all around handyman - painting, repairing, and this year cooking, and feeding of and playing with all the animals. They keep inviting me up . . . but when she starts talking about getting new ice cleats for her boots, it makes me shudder-brrrrr. But she sends me beautiful pictures of the snow and shots of the wild animals that visit her yard.
Your home is beautiful and very restful looking.
When do we get an update on the new puppy???
Posted by: Kathryn | October 14th, 2008 at 7:12 am
Maine looks so beautiful!
Posted by: Barb | October 14th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Oh my! (here I go again!)...what beautiful scenery! The sky, the ocean - did you see those 2 different shades of blue?!! The leaves, too - what wonderful contrast of texture and colors! You have a g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s view looking out beyond your terrace there at Skylands! What feast for the eyes (and soul)!
Once again, we had similar weather to yours here in Maryland over the weekend. Today, too, is the same. I'm savoring every bit 'til we have to turn on the heat!
I'll surely be looking forward to these upcoming episodes, Martha! Can't wait!
=^..^=
p.s. I just finished my October issue of Country Living and enjoyed their one-page write up on you...I didn't know that your THRoad kitchen was on their first published cover!! Neato! (Wish I'd've been a subscriber then!)
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | October 14th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Beautiful photos, Martha. While Americans were celebrating Columbus Day, we Canadians were having our Thanksgiving. We celebrate it on the second Monday of October because of the earlier harvest.
I love Maine. I went there a lot with my family when I was growing up. It's about a day's drive from Ottawa. Whether it was Bar Harbor, Kennebunkport or Freeport, we always left the state feeling rested, renewed and excited to return.
I'm sure you enjoy all your time at Skylands.
-Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | October 14th, 2008 at 8:56 am
HI Martha!
I love the photos of Maine; always wanted to go there! It reminds me of my home, Vancouver, B.C. Just seeing you beside the water with the colours behind you, reminds me of how beautiful our planet really is! Thanks for sharing and it gives me hope that one day I may make it to the east coast!
Posted by: Kristen Scott | October 14th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Hi Martha, I'm multitasking right now. I'm listening to Ask Martha on Sirius radio 112, watching your show on CBC {Canada} and commenting on your fabulous blog about the fabulous state of Maine. All three are wonderful! I just love your photos of the beautiful, pristine coastline of our most northeastern state. How great that MCHT is protecting this beautiful coastline. Thanks for letting us view Liesl and Kevin's honeymoon photos. When will you be in the Seattle area to sign copies of your new Cooking School book? I love everything you do, Martha. Thank you. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | October 14th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Martha,
I always enjoy the pictures and stories you post regarding Maine.
The fresh air just comes through and lulls me into believe I am outdoors listening to the sounds.
Thanks.
Posted by: Margie | October 14th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Those are some great pictures. What a pretty place. My hubby has relitives up that way. I am still waiting for when we get to go visit. Not so much for the family part, but the visuals!! One more thing, what is choucroute?
Posted by: Ashley | October 14th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Martha, your home in Maine is so gorgeous and exquisite! I can absolutely relate to Maine's special beauty. Every year, my family vacations on Westport Island, ME. It is a small island near Wiscasset surrounded by a spectacular brackish river. Several families of bald eagles inhabit the pines around the cottage where we stay and there are thousands of horseshoe crabs in the cool water at low tide. The blue-brown mud in the area is known around the world for the long worms it holds--they are apparently superb for fishing! We love the blueberry bushes around the house, and the sunsets, like the one seen from your home, melt any traces of bitterness in the soul. True, natural beauty--it is something that is so terribly disappearing around the world today.
On this brisk October day, your photos took me back to a happy, summery place and I'm so thankful for the little vacation! You truly are a good thing, Martha--many, many thanks for always sharing with your loyal fans and friends.
Posted by: Alex | October 14th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Lovely! I climbed the South Bubble when I was a child with my family, and have gone back many times as an adult. It makes me happy every time I see that view!
Posted by: T.W. Barritt | October 14th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Maine, another favorite place I visit often. This weekend I visited my mother in South Burlington Vermont. Driving from Massachusetts through New Hampshire and onto Vermont was spectacular with all the fall foliage. Looks like you had a wonderful time. Karen
Posted by: Karen | October 14th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous! What a beautiful home and surroundings. Le sigh...
Posted by: Cakespy | October 14th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
As a transplanted New Englander I spend a week in Northeast Harbor every summer with my daughter from Atlanta and her family who rent a home there. We think about you every time we drive through Seal Harbor. We have been many times to the Jordan Pond House, have taken the carriage ride to the top of Mount Desert Island and enjoyed all the beauty of the area. My daughter fell in love with Maine from visiting her grandparents who retired there and she was married in Bar Harbor. Now my grandchildren are learning to love Maine. They take sailing/rowing lessons and are learning an appreciation for the beauty of the coastline. Thank you for your efforts in supporting preserving this beauty for posterity with the MCHT. I sent this along to my daughter and son in law. Regards, Meredith
Posted by: Meredith Entin | October 14th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Really enjoyed every single photo. Thanks for giving us so much to look at.
Posted by: Marie | October 14th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Wow, i really miss fall in new england. It is so beautiful. Crisp air, blue skies, fall foliage. Even though it's cold, the sights are just so breath-taking. Martha - next time, take a crew with you. I remember you did a magazine piece for a summer issue (lobster rolls on your boat). That looks really fun. Maybe you can show us how you navigate and entertain on a boat.
Posted by: ShopLittleGifts | October 15th, 2008 at 6:21 am
Thanks for sharing Martha! Maine is so beautiful, we live in NJ and I love being out.of.doors this time of year. Looking forward to the segments you filmed.
Posted by: Susan Raisch | October 15th, 2008 at 7:56 am
Martha, your part of the country is quite beautiful. My brother lives in Mystic Connecticut so I'm familiar with the area. You're working too hard Martha. Stop and smell the roses.
Posted by: Teresa | October 15th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Those photos are gorgeous! That scenery gives you such a peaceful feeling.
Posted by: Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates | October 15th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Martha,
What a great job you did with this new blog. I absolitely "LOVE" it...:-)
With love,
Shawn
Posted by: Shawn | October 15th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Ah, Martha. The photos certainly take me back home...and instill a deep, desperate homesickness for my home state. It's so wonderful that other people can see the beauty, and thank you so much for sharing it with us all.
Posted by: Melissa | October 16th, 2008 at 5:30 am
Martha,
Looking at your pictures brought back such wonderful memories of the Maine coastline and Jordan Pond. We visited these very places last year at this time. I can remember the day at Jordan Pond so clearly as if I were there today. My husband, daughter and son-in-law sat by the lake and enjoyed the most wonderful lunch. The air was balmy with the promise of colder days to come, the lake shared the reflection of the riot of colors beaming down from the hillsides and we sat and dined on the most scrumptious popovers I think I will ever have the pleasure of eating. I am still trying to get that popover recipe. We left there and did the several different hikes in the park before taking the boat ride to Little Cranberry Island. What a wonderful day we had. I fell in love with Maine, and especially Acadia Park. It is a place I could live, very easily.
Thanks for sharing your pictures and evoking so many fond, fond memories for me.
Edy Wells
Lewiston, Idaho
Posted by: Edy Wells | October 16th, 2008 at 6:19 am
Here in Canada we celebrate Thanksgiving on this week-end. I spent it in Canmore with my daughter this year. As beautiful as Maine is judging by all your great pics, if you ever get up to Canmore or Banff National Park it is a very beautiful place too.
Maureen
Posted by: Maureen | October 17th, 2008 at 9:01 am
beeee u ti ful pictures! Isn't fall just gorgeous! Thanks for sharing. Hope you got a chance to look at my blog. http://domesticatedengineer.blogspot.com/
Nothing fancy, but I am having fun learning!
Posted by: Glenda Staples | October 17th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Dear Martha,
I truly enjoy your posts and need to say that your house in Maine has always been my favorite. That is the most gorgeous setting imaginable. I've been to the coast of Maine in the early fall and wanted to move there, but my husband does not like cold weather...so we moved to coastal Alabama instead. Not the same....but pretty in a different way.
Keep posting about your travels and we all will travel along with you.
Posted by: miriam neeson | October 18th, 2008 at 4:40 am
Martha,
Looking at your pictures is just like looking at the pictures I took this Spring and Summer up along the North shore drive between Duluth and Grand Marias. Our northern Minnesota coast line along lake Superior looks so much like the coast of Maine it's amazing. The leaf colors are of course different because of the seasons the pictures were taken in, but the rocky shores and the trees are like sister shore lines. Thanks for reminding me of my own beautiful trips earlier this year just a half country away.
Grace
Posted by: Grace | October 22nd, 2008 at 7:33 am
Dear Martha,
It so sweet and I wish to be there soon.
:->
Posted by: Nurhajar Binti Mohd Isa | October 22nd, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Hi Martha,
I live in Maine year round and it's nice to know you have found joy in our little piece of the world. Maine is a beautiful place to live. I'm glad you have a home here and can share with everyone how nice Maine is. I also love your show...you are a wonderful lady.
Patti
Posted by: Patti | November 12th, 2008 at 3:38 am
Beautiful photos from Maine. It looks like a perfect place to go and enjoy the beautiful views. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: juka14 | January 24th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Martha;
I just want to thank you for all your work and help to the Maine economy. All of the segments and articles surely has peaked the interest of many people. I want to say to those that enjoy your blog that many of the places you have photos of I have been to as well. So those of you out there wishing you could see Maine the way she has seen it, just come up and see it. Just remember that Martha's house isn't a part of Acadia National Park, but the park will more than compensate the long drive to get here... you won't want to leave.
Posted by: odie960 | February 9th, 2009 at 5:49 am