Expect the Unexpected, Maine, pt1.

Maine.

No matter how well you plan your travels, things happen unexpectedly.
And surprisingly, those unexpected chains of events - there we just in right place, when we are just in right time - keep happening, leading to adventures to remember. 

I cannot exactly explain it - nor I want to. Let this global magnetism remain mysterious thing that follows us around...

(Many of you will shake their heads at the idea of traveling north in winter - but I cannot help it. Snow always calling my name.)

Our route this time was long, and went all the way from Staten Island, thru NJ, CT, MA, NH, ME and all the way North to Canadian border. We decided to stop for few days in each town, and take shorter road trips around, instead of driving endlessly.

Since we made good time on our drive, there were few things to see on the way - and I am forever grateful to my travel companion for bringing me there.

Salem.

 We stopped at Salem first, tiny town with black house on the corner, known as the Witch House. Inside, there are names of witches... Sad, and a bit spooky.

Next, there was something that I really did not expect - an opportunity to visit & photograph Danver's State Mental Hospital - that's there Session 9 was filmed. It is a condominium now, but exterior is incredibly preserved, and old cemetery with numbers for graves still exists.

Danvers State Mental Hospital.

The grounds and architecture are absolutely mind-blowing, and watching the movie when we returned was something else...

Danvers State Mental Hospital.

We spent insane amount of time around it, just walking and talking photos. I cannot describe how impressive it is - I hope pictures show it. 

Danvers State Mental Hospital.

It's getting dark rather early in Maine (what the heck up with that??), so by 4pm sun was set, and we were on our way to our first stop:

Ogunquit. 

Little town sits right on the shore, charming and incredibly quiet this time of the year. Dragonfly Guest House became our home away from home for few days - and it truly was akin staying at friend's house, with gracious hosts, Charles & David, looking out to every detail of the stay to be perfect. Be it treats for the dog, delicious breakfast, warm fireplace in common room or lovely conversations at the table.

Lovely room with dog toys and treats (and chocolates for us)

Walking at night on Marginal Way was refreshing after the drive - and we walked it again day after during day hours.

Marginal Way.

It is beautiful any time of the day or year, and in any weather.
It is romantic at night, breathtaking during the day, and impressive when storm clouds sweep in...

 Around every bend and every corner you find new views to see and little nooks to explore - rocky outcrops, waves hitting the shore, winter berries adding color to the walk...

Berries.

There are quite a few benches to sit on and enjoy the scenery - or perch on one of the rocks and get lost at sight of the storming sea...

Marginal Way.

I want to go back already.

...

Next day, our plan is to drive North to see Covered Bridges of Maine - yes, there are quite a few of them here!

But! As we drive, we keep finding something wondrous to look at, and we keep pulling over to explore. Old railway cars, fields, and - Elk Farm! Just look at those antlers! Mama mia! Yep, you can feed those buggers, too - there is a feeders with corn at the fence.

 

Deer Meadow Elk Farm.

Look at dat ass! Adorable!

Elk.

 But we finally make it to the Bridge - first one is further away, The Sunday River Covered Bridge (it is open for pedestrians only). The light and airy construction is amazing in B&W view.

The Sunday River Covered Bridge.

Next - charming Lovejoy Bridge. Water in the river it sits on is lazy and still, which lends to dazzling reflections. I am fascinated by reflections always - be it lakes or bridges, so this is one of the longer stops. It is drive-able, and I can proudly say I drove thru 5 covered brides of Maine, btw!

Lovejoy Bridge.

 This 4pm sunset nonsense creeps out on us again - seriously, wtf??? 

But once again, something unexpected happened.

Sky blooms in color of fire as sun setting down, we jump out of the car and run to catch it on camera, just to find ourselves next to yet another covered bridge - perfect setting for perfect sunset.

 

Covered Bridge at Sunset.

Last bridge we decided to see is marked on the map as unpaved road - driving it at night, with no lights or sign of civilization whatsoever is a bit unnerving - so as standing in the woods in the dark and hearing hunter's gunshots at the distance. I think we calling it a night...

Hemlock Covered Bridge.

Back to Ogunquit - there was one special moment that will stay forever in my heart. 

Sitting by open firepit at Beachfire grill on chilly November night, with cup of hot cider in my hand, talking about things we hold dear, watching flames dancing, everchanging - this is peace and happiness.

Hot cider.

Good night.