Where have you been my Frosty Friend?
The calendar was moving towards mid-January and still winter had not blown great guns during a season it usually holds tight in a grip of frozen mire.
Missing was the shriek of the bitter northeast gale, and the fitful snows that ride fast and furious on its shoulders. Absent too were thick blankets of ice that banish the free-flowing waters of rivers and harbors from sight.
In the back of my snow-starved mind, I even questioned whether “Old Man Winter’s” frosty countenance might simply pass us by. Was it possible? The thought was unthinkable.
For though we can grow weary of winter’s long, hard stay by March, there is still a strange fondness for a season that imposes its will upon us in such an influential manner. A coastal Maine winter simply isn’t – well winter, without healthy doses of Arctic air, gales to spare and of course, snow. Some years, lots of the white stuff too!
But alas, winter lives!
By no means did this force of the north knock in the doors during its most impressive showing to date on January 12, 2012, but “Old Man Winter,” and his pal “Jack Frost,” did deliver a solid punch over a period of four days that reminded many that Maine’s cold-blue season still has plenty of bite.
The above average temperatures squatting on winter’s turf up until now were finally sent packing by a northeast gale born of brisk air. The storm on the twelfth stirred the seas and filled the skies with dashes of white, dropping a total of two to five inches of snow along the coast before it moved out to sea.
Admittedly the snow totals were modest, but the fact that we actually received a measurable snowfall this winter season was reason enough to celebrate – at least for those who like snow or who earn their living when it piles up.
On the heels of the gale came the next chilling encounter as Arctic air swept down from Canada. The icy grip of “Jack Frost” took a firm hold of the Maine coast on January 15 and 16, sending the mercury plummeting to near zero and wind chills even lower into the minus teens.
The results were starkly bone-chilling.
The blast of cold air became more daunting to cope with thanks to northwest winds that blew without feeling – or at least a comfortable feeling that is. The sting of these gusty drafts was unforgiving on any and all exposed skin, to the point where even the hardiest of resolves was tested in the face of this relentless force.
For those who go down to the sea, there simply was no place to hide. Air temperatures in the single digits and water temps around forty degrees teamed up to ensure that the mystery of Arctic sea smoke would burn cold for two days.
But what a show it was!
The restless vapor may be in a constant state of dissipation when it manifests itself on the water, yet for brief moments, its movements are as uncontainable as they are riveting. Doused in morning sunlight, the vapor becomes soaked in pinks, oranges and yellows, all of which lends a hand to the sea assuming an unearthly appearance – even fire-like.
Such a scene would inspire the imagination to further contemplate the fascinating choreography of this Arctic-borne vapor, if not for the bitterness that envelops the air. Instead, a front row seat by the sea is one that cannot be occupied for long without enduring ever-rising levels of discomfort. The same air that gives life to the sea smoke also wages a war of attrition on one’s ability and determination to ward off its effects.
Still, I for one would have it no other way.
Every ounce of discomfort is well worth the opportunity to admire winter’s dramatic beauty – and to ponder its bitter but regal personality. At least for a couple of months more, may the northeast gale blow strong and the fingers of ice encase both river and ledge – and of course, let it snow, let it snow!
So my frosty friend – better late than never!
Great photos.Brrrrrrrrrr, glad i’m down here 78℉ and blue skies.
You and Ann-Marie are to be commended for weathering the storm so that we may all reap the rewards in the comforts of our warm, toasty, homes. Thank you both for sharing.
The Trapani’s do it AGAIN! Great photos! Thank you for braving that weather to bring us these beautiful views of the Maine winter.
Hi Bob,
I sometimes forget to say thank you for all the great stories and pix that you send. They have been just the thing for me as I recuperate from an auto accident last November. They remind me of why we all love lighthouses. Many thanks!
Best to you and your family,
Bud Griffin
The beauty of sea smoke is hard to describe to those from “away”. These pictures are magnificent and your descriptions so wonderful. I am just glad I can sit here on the “rock”(Islesboro) and stay warm while enjoying them. We had a great talk at our library by a Matinicus resident. Now, THAT’S isolation!
Once again, AMAZING photos and writings from both of you! I so enjoy them..thanks for sharing. Hope you enter your work in contests:)Greetings from Lewes…cold and windy, but no snow…yet!
How perfect can it be to have a boat named “Misty May” in the midst of the sea smoke? As perfect as your pictures, which you know we all love, but adding the words you send with it and you have marvelous prose accompanyingm the marvelous pictures. Thank you so much for your works.
What great pictures. I really enjoyed looking at them in my warm comfy livingroom.
Great pictures and stories folks!! Thanks for sharing.
Bob & Ann,
Enjoyed the many pictures of Old Man Winter arriving in
Maine. The sea looked breathtaking with its fury.Some snow but really not enough for us snow lovers.
I am trying to put together some photos of how winter is doing down here in Riverside, Will not compare with your photos or script.Will give it a try.In my opinion,except for two very cold days,Winter has not arrived yet here in Rhode Island.
Dave
The Photos are fantastic, I miss the Ocean sooo….
Amazing — the clouds have both fire and ice!
There is something very special about the winter, especially around the coast that you both have captured with these excellent photos.
Breathtaking. I’ve “shot” this one off to all on my email list, like some of my “red-neck” buddies from highschool. Thanks for you fine work, both of YOU!
Hi Bob,
Great pics but it makes me glad I’m in Florida til spring.
Say hi to Ann and the kids for us and Wuzzie says hi to the kids.
Another great article with great photos!
Absolutely stunning photographs! Reminds me of home, Nova Scotia….cold but peaceful!Gracias 🙂
Nice pictures. Reminds me of scenes when I tended the Lighthouse at WoodIsland in the winter time. Got many of those cold sea smoke days and more. Keep up the great work. Love the pictures. Clifford and Linda Trebilcock.
Beautiful shots Bob! There’s more sea smoke today and with the snow and the sun up, it’s just magical…
Bob & Ann terrific pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Uncle Joe
I don’t know how you do it over and over again. Another fantastic writing and beautiful photos!
What a pleasure to see the winter side of Maine’s harbors and ocean from Colorado. For years I have visited the coastal area for painting workshops and family and friends who live in the region.