Lobster Dash 2011

One of my favorite things is to run on Ogunquit beach at low tide. The dramatic tides and hard packed sand make Ogunquit beach unique and perfect for running.

Today was a perfect day for the 11th annual Lobster Dash. The Lobster Dash is in memory of Greg Gumbinner. One of Gumbinner's favorite sayings was "It can't be a bad day if you can run on Ogunquit beach", and THIS Greg agrees with him! It's always a good day if you can run on Ogunquit beach!

This year there were 231 entrants on a cool blustery sunny morning (temps were in the low 40's, 6c). The course starts at the "point" on Ogunquit beach, and goes 2.5 miles north, to the end of the beach in neighboring Wells Maine, and return back. There are small tide pools and gullies that you have to maneuver through. The day was extremely sunny with a slight wind.

Upon completing the race, contestants receive a medal, a cotton t-shirt, breakfast foods, and a Lobster Roll. Yes, the Lobster Dash is a unique race! Well worth the entrance fee of $22...(and that includes beach parking 'til 11am).

Out of 214 entrants I placed 15th overall and 1st in my age category. My time is 34.08 at 6.50 minutes per mile. I actually did better this year than last year. last years time was 35.30. Most people run slower on sand, than asphalt or a track, so I was happy with my time.

Approaching the finish line. I do have the "home team" advantage, and there is a lobster roll waiting for me!

Race Director, Charlie Farrington of Ogunquit, led the award ceremonies....Charlie is a marathon reacer with over 52 marathons under his belt.

Sunrise on Ogunquit Beach, August

“We can only appreciate the miracle of a sunrise if we have waited in the darkness”

                                                                                         -Unknown

The sun officially rose at 5:43 am this morning. There is something special about the beach in the morning.  The sounds of waves, and  nautical birds  fills the air. The people who are on the beach at sunrise are purists: these are the people who make the effort to greet the sun and start the day, in a quiet manner.

The activities are varied: Fishermen, runners, walkers, yoga enthusiasts and others who  share the three mile long  barrier peninsula. There is a quiet camaraderie; everyone is in their zone, yet there is a gentle acknowledgement of each other. Runners zip through tidal pools as fishermen cast their lines. Beachcombers look for morning treasures as yoga posers meditate to the morning sun.

There is peace and harmony, and yet it is short lived. Many locals and some visitors realize that this indeed, is the best part of the day, and not to be missed.

A dawn chorus of fowl forages the shore, as waves crash bring forth more bounty to feast. The absence of humans allows nature to take its course on the dramatic seacoast.......

Ogunquit viewed through a different lens

It's fun to see how people from "away" view Ogunquit. Yes, they take pictures of the  beach, Marginal Way, and other sites throughout this bustling village. However,  people from away often see things different, or see things in plain view that local people in Ogunquit do not take notice.

One frequent visitor is Dean. Dean hails from upstate New York. Dean travels to Ogunquit at least 4 times a year, catching each season, and enjoying all it has to offer. Dean is very much a keen observer to Ogunquit's beauty.

The welcoming sun shines over School Street and another day in the village begins.  Often when Dean stays in Ogunquit, I will join him for an early morning 6 mile run.

 As local people know, and  seasoned visitors like Dean know, this is best part of the day. The beach is crisp, there is an absence of people and vistas are amazing. The early morning sun glistens on the wet untouched sand on the beach. This is the making of fine photography!

Photography is being at the right place at the right time, and playing with light.  Dean wanders through town and catches a parachuter enjoying the July 4th festivities.....

One location features Lions,

Otters,

And Bears,.........oh my!

Not all Bears are found in the village centre's watering holes, bars and disco's. Some are found at the  Ogunquit Museum of Art in the sculpture gardens. The museum is well worth the visit. The views are amazing, the sculpture gardens entertaining, and the building is a piece of mid-century architecture.

All photographs taken by Dean Rogers using an Apple iPhone.