Greeted by harmony along the coast
In a world that can feel made of islands, moments of oneness with nature can unify us, and bring home the greatness that underpins the world we share with one another.
A stunning scene from the ferry on the way to Peaks Island in Maine on Saturday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
The open air, the brilliant sun, the peace as the sea breeze moves across your face. All these things are part of the coastal experience during the summer, and we enjoyed it to the fullest during a recent trip to Maine.
This past weekend, we returned to our camping ways in Maine, staying at the Durham/Freeport KOA. On Saturday, we drove to Portland and joined the family on the ferry to Peaks Island in Casco Bay. The sun was doing beautiful things that day, as it illuminated the land and ocean. There were several schooners in full sail, gliding through the water. Everything seemed to glow, beneath the sweeping patchwork of clouds and pure light.
After the ferry landed and we had a quintessential Maine lunch, we rented bikes and went for a scenic ride around the island. At one photo stop, I was able to capture some spray from the water, as a lighthouse kept watch very far in the distance. It was tremendous to see up close, numerous times, the many layers of the coastal landscape, between water, sand, rock, and vegetation. These layers combine to create a true treasure, as seen in their innate harmony in this incredible ecosystem.
The water splashes against rock along the coast of Peaks Island, with a lighthouse far in the distance. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Before we headed back home to Vermont, we went down to Old Orchard Beach, where we joined a friend for the afternoon and enjoyed letting our feet touch the sand along the beach during a walk. The hightide greeted us multiple times. At one point, I didn't know if my feet would get used to that cold ocean water. But they did before too long. It was a beautiful day, and a perfect way to wrap up the weekend.
Nature always reminds us that we are one harmonious whole with the natural world, never separate from it. Looking out on the water, taking the Peaks Island Ferry for the first time, I felt perfectly at home with what I was seeing. It was natural for us all to be there appreciating the great beauty surrounding us. In a world that can feel made of islands, it’s moments like that which unify us, and bring home the greatness that underpins the world we share with one another.
— Gareth Henderson
Hightide along Old Orchard Beach on Sunday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)