Magic of the Marginal Way

After living in Ogunquit for many years, I never get tired of the Marginal Way. Yes, the wide sandy beach of Ogunquit is a favorite of many, but the Marginal Way is something special.

The Marginal Way is an old trail (some say Native American trail) that hovers the coast. Starting in the village off of Shore Road after Cottage Street, the trail ends at Perkins Cove. The trail is @ 1.25 mile each way (1.8 km).

Runners, surfers and walkers use this path daily for exercise and recreation. Best time is morning before the afternoon sightseers. The Marginal Way provides solace for many each and everyday. I enjoy running on this trail at sunrise. the air is fresh and fragrant scent of salt and flowers!

The strip of land along the water's edge has a an abundant variety of plants and birds. The high tides leave tide pools  filled with marine life: crabs, barnacles, shells, sea urchins and Sea Anemones.

The cliffs are grand and magnificent and are a geological wonder. Igneous and sedimentary rocks were formed when ancient continents collided 385 billion years ago. Other rocks were leftover from the last ice age.

The Details:

Marginal Way off of Shore Road.

Free to all. No pets from 01 April to 01 November

Walk at your own risk. Cliffs, trails, views and benches.
Steep rocks and dramatic tides.
From Ogunquit Beach Inn walk down School Street, to Shore Road.

Solitude of running in the morning....

I often hear someone say I’m not a real runner. We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner.
                                                               - Bart Yasso

 
It's been a decade since I started running. It's something I do first thing in the morning, and almost every day no matter where I am. But there is something special about running on Ogunquit beach and the Marginal Way in the early morning.

The beach is flat and hard packed sand. The roaring ocean waves crash while seagulls forage for food. There are more birds than people on the beach at sunrise. The beach is long and cathartic. It is almost mesmerizing. People are running, walking, fishing and doing yoga.

On the other hand the Marginal Way is a bit different. The winding path has sharp turns and the scenery changes every few feet. The trees on the Marginal Way are twisted from years of whistling wind of the Atlantic The craggy cliffs make for an interesting view.

There is something special about running early in the morning in this little town of Ogunquit. The fresh salt air wakens the senses and the rising sun warms the soul. The solitude of the beach and endless sea are good for the psyche.

Special thanks to Rick Barber for capturing me on my morning run this week.

Misty May Morning on the Marginal Way

Many have walked the Marginal Way on a bright sunny day, but there is something special about this public path on misty day.....

The pace is slower, and there are virtually no people on this  foggy Wednesday morning in May.

The fragrant sea air is intoxicating. The howl of the waves crashing on the ancient rocks is mesmerizing. The coastal fog hugs the shore like a warm blanket.

Inviting benches provide a great view to the roaring sea, and a respite from everyday life.

I also ran the Marginal Way at sunrise today. As always, the twisting trail inspires me for the upcoming day....aah, the Marginal Way.

The Details:

The Marginal Way is an old Indian trail that meanders the rocky coast of Ogunquit Maine.
Located 75 meters past Cottage Street on Shore Road.
Entrance is about a three minute walk from Ogunquit Beach Inn.
Public Paid Parking Located on Cottage Street, behind the Dunaway Centre.
Access is free. Donations are accepted.
No Dogs, bikes, etc on the trail.
The Marginal Way is about 3 miles (5km) round trip ( from entrance to the end of the Cove and back).
Walk at your own risk, there are steep rocks, cliffs and beaches.

Ode to Marginal Way

It's been a mild winter in Ogunquit Maine this year. Occasional light snow, and mild above freezing temperatures are the norm for this January.
Ogunquit and its grand coastline has always inspired artists, photographers and writers. The following poem is by local wordsmith legend Richard Perkins. Photos were taken by Ogunquit resident Rick Barber.

Ode to

Marginal Way

*******

This beautiful path is a one mile rove

Ending up at Perkins Cove!

The swirling tide pools and crashing surf

A breathtaking stroll on this good earth!

******

The outcropping bayberry and bittersweet

30 dedicated benches beckoning you to seat!

To ponder the beauty of the Marginal Way

Your temptation to return day after day!

******

The bold Atlantic with waves pounding

Around each curve more beauty abounding!

Lobster boats and buoys adding to the scene

When the tide becomes low another theme!

******

The Marginal Way is over 100 years old

Gracing our coast strong and bold!

Ogunquit is blessed with this beautiful gem

At the end of your stroll you will say “Amen!”

******

The land bequeathed by Josiah Chase in 1923

To Ogunquit “Beautiful Place By The Sea!”

******

By Richard Perkins

Summer Continues......

                                           September days are here,

                                           With summer’s best of weather

                                           And autumn’s best of cheer

                                                      - Helen Hunt Jackson

Pumpkins, cornstalks and mums populate Ogunquit in early autumn, but summer temperatures reign today, so its beach chairs and sunbathing!



With extremely warm weather today, I decided to take a stroll on the Marginal Way.  The path is only a couple of minutes walk from Ogunquit Beach Inn, and meanders the rocky coast for over a mile. This mornings temperature is 74 degrees ( 23 Celsius) at 8am, and daytime highs will be 82 degrees ( 28 Celsius). Summers breath runs deep this year, and plants continue to bloom and sustain. There are lilac bushes in bloom along the Marginal way.....usually the lilacs bloom in May.

The best time to walk the Marginal Way is in the morning. The vistas of the barrier island, Ogunquit beach are amazing. At low tide the beach can stretch for an extra 200 metres.

Plants along the Marginal Way continue to entertain the eye.

The rock formations are amazing with different types of boulders, stones and cliffs. The smooth stones along some of the small coves reveals the the constant tidal changes of tens of  thousands of years.

A variety of stone cairns populate the Marginal Way and watch the ebb and flow of the constant tides.......

Marginal Way Redux

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Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce claims "Ogunquit is New England's most walkable resort".  Ogunquit offers three great walking venues: village, beach and Marginal Way.
The Marginal Way is an old Indian trail the meanders from the village centre and hugs the rocky coast to picturesque Perkins Cove. The Marginal Way starts at Shore Road after the Sparhawk Hotel. From the inn, walk to the end of School Street on to Shore Road, and the entrance is just a few feet to the east.
Winter is a great time to hike the Marginal Way. A stroll on the Marginal Way is "must do" while visiting Ogunquit, and an added benefit to partake in the winter! Gone are the throngs of tourists.  During winter the Marginal Way is quiet and serene with beautiful views.

Today, Mike noticed a seal sun bathing on the rocky coast. (notice at the bottom of the picture). During winter seals will periodically luxuriate on the smooth rocks and nap during the winter's day.

The views from Marginal Way are amazing: the long immaculate stretch of sand known as Ogunquit beach to the north; to the south the rocky fragmented coast with small quiet beaches and tidal pools.

The Marginal Way is approximately 1 1/4 mile each way. At the end of the Marginal Way sits Perkins Cove. Perkins Cove is a harbor for lobsterman and fisherman. Boats sit safely in the cove against the headwinds of the Atlantic. The "Cove" features a unique wooden pedestrian drawbridge; harbormaster's shack, fine dining, artist's galleries and shops. During the winter, just a few restaurants are open ( Jackies Too, and MC Perkins). The Cove is a working harbor with lobstermen and fishermen bringing in their catch of the day!

Glacier movements from the last ice age created  the cliff formations along the Marginal Way. The rocky cliffs and rocks jutts out to the Atlantic surf. During winter the air is freash with seasalt. A walk during winter on the Marginal Way is good for the body and the soul. There is always something to see, smell and taste!

Soon the town will awake from its winters nap, snow birds will migrate back, tour buses will truck though the narrow roads, and presidents will be dining at Barnacle Billy's for lunch.

Halloween Weekend

Halloween weekend is a bittersweet time for Ogunquit Beach Inn.  Halloween is quite festive and fun in Ogunquit. There are various parties, and the nightclubs ( Maine Street, Oxygen and Front Porch) offer great venues for people to showcase their costume talents. Its also our last weekend of the season, and its time to close Ogunquit Beach Inn. Its time to say "good by" to guests......

The last batch of muffins are served......

The Ogunquit "High Heel Dash" takes place on Halloween Weekend. All contestants must wear high heels and run through Perkins Cove. All proceeds go to Franny Peabody Center.

The atumn colors are past peak.

Which signals our departure. The sign is down, and the car is packed for our journey to Florida and beyond for the winter. Its now time for us to be "guests". Its time to explore and enjoy a vacation........!