March 1st Ogunquit Storm

It's March 1st and it may be meteorological spring, but that did not stop a late winter storm that hit Ogunquit and the southern Maine coast today.

It's been a  mild winter on the Maine coast with very little snow. This year, mild temperatures prevailed that were more akin to a temperate Pacific northwest winter. However, those mild temperatures ended today, and Old Man Winter returned to show us who is boss.

Today, Ogunquit is getting pelted with 8 to 10 inches of the thick white heavy white stuff. Winds were high this morning, but it has been snowing all day.

Rick Barber of Moon Over Maine went walking through the storm and took these pristine pictures....Enjoy!

Ogunquit Beach Inn, March, 1st storm.

Wharf Lane & Shore Road, Ogunquit Camera Shop.

The Wooden Bridge, from Wharf Lane.

The Point, at Ogunquit Beach from the wooden Bridge.

Hutchin's Blacksmith Antique Mall on Main Street

The uber popular Front Porch Cafe and Piano Bar.

Tree's along Main Street in front of Village Food Market. 

Moon Over Maine with a full blanket of Snow.

Ogunquit Beach Inn, soon to re-open for year 16 this April.

Meanwhile, as the storm raged on I found solace on Ft Lauderdale Beach! I have had many a winter storm, so, I feel no guilt!

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.

Winter in Ogunquit......2010

Even though I spend winters away (Florida, Costa Rica, south America), I have spent many winters in Ogunquit.  There were many winters that we've kept this craftsman style B&B  open.

There is a quiet beauty with the fresh snowfall.  The air is crisp, and clean. The sky is bluest of blue. Flocks of birds compete with squirrels for food. The tourists are few, and so are the residents. Winter is a time to take stock, reflect, and work on some inside projects. Its also the time go away to warmer environs and recharge for the upcoming season!

My partner, Michael went back to Ogunquit  this week to do some projects in the house. This picture of the front of the house is from today's snowstorm. Typically we get snow in February. This year the weather is quite seasonal for February: freezing at night, and hovering above freezing during the day.



The ocean reflects with the winter sky a kaleidoscope of colors at sunrise and again at sunset. Even during a cold wintry day, the sky is a deep blue.

School Street  toward Shore Road.  To the right the magnificent Marginal Way, to the left the beach. On that thought, I will stay right here in Fort Lauderdale until the snow melts......Soon it will be April, and like many of the migratory birds I will return, and Ogunquit Beach Inn will reopen!

The Marginal Way before the yesterday's storm.......

Its now its time for Mike to relax next to the wood pellet stove for the evening, and watch the sun melt into the snow...