This has probably been the year that many of us have asked ourselves this question: What more can happen? We’ve endured a devastating pandemic, far-reaching forest fires, civil unrest, and the election (contested as it still is) of the 46th President of the United States that exposed our divisiveness. But through it all, the sun has indeed come up each day.
So where in the U.S. does the sun come up first?
According to a USA Today report the sun comes up first (at least from October 7th to November 29th) in Maine — on Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park.
Early risers greet the day with a panorama that defies description. And the sun puts on a show — creeping over the vast landscape while reaching its fingers over the waters of Frenchman Bay and out to the Atlantic, highlighting the rounded, bare rocks of Cadillac.
For some it’s a time of contemplation, for assessing one’s state in life in the midst of an overwhelming natural expanse. And for planning the future — or at least thinking about it.
But for us, during a month when we greeted Ol’ Sol each morning in nearby Castine, Maine, it was a time of reflection and renewal. Sunrise unfolded like clockwork in the Bay of Castine where we stood at the harbor, watching gentle rays emerge from the forests, barely peeking over the landscape.
Sunlight washed over boats — all boats — indiscriminately.
And it shone on buildings, nudging them to wakefulness and productivity and leisure.
Yes, the sun came up at every “tomorrow” in Maine, just as it will continue to do in all places this coming year no matter what comes our way: virus, forest fires, civil unrest, changes in the stock market, another wave of quarantine for everyone, and yes, the election of a new President.
With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Many thanks to Ana of Anvica Photos for this meaningful, timely challenge this week. If you click on her post, you will see thoughtful responses from other bloggers. And if you want to participate in this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, link your blog to her post and add Lens-Artists to your tags.
Wishing all of you a hopeful future even with the challenges before us. After all, we are resilient and resourceful.
And the sun will come up tomorrow.
Rusha and Bert
Ana
Wonderful post with beautiful images and words!
And to your first question, what more can happen? My boss keeps saying that all that’s left is for aliens to invade us… I hope he’s wrong! đŸ˜‰
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for the compliment! And for hosting the challenge vas for those aliens . . . Sometimes it seems they’re among us anyway!!!
philosophy through photography
Love the shot my friends.
Love the 5 th click.
All are fantastic.
Loved the narration
Thank you
Oh, the Places We See
Thank YOU!
WanderingCanadians
This brings back such fond memories of our visits to Acadia National Park. Maine is one of my favourite areas. Beautiful pictures.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for the compliment. Maine is a favorite place for us as well. And a photographer’s heaven. Did you know that the magazine Down East holds photo sessions with professional photographers. I’m trying to see how I can wrangle another trip up north to do that!
WanderingCanadians
I didn’t know that Down East holds photo sessions with photographers, sounds like that would be such a neat experience. And now I’m really craving a Downeast cider! Take care.
rajkkhoja
Wonderful place for Photos shoot .
Oh, the Places We See
Maine is lovely everywhere, I’ve heard. However, we’ve mostly stayed on the coast, not inland. Would love an extended time there.
restlessjo
I love the thought of the sun alighting on all boats, indiscriminately. If only we could do the same đŸ™‚ đŸ™‚
Oh, the Places We See
You’re thinking like I do — and that may be scary! But nature does treat all things the same mostly. Thanks so much for taking a look and reading!
Anonymous
Hey there! Your photos are just breath taking and amazing!!! It’s like traveling through your pictures! Absolutely gorgeous!!!!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. Maine in the fall — well, there’s not a better place. Natural beauty all around.
Grammy Writes
I love the sun washing over the boats – ALL the boats!
Oh, the Places We See
Me, too! And I loved getting up early to see the sunrises there. Even though I had a hard time getting up initially! Worth it, though.
JohnRH
GREAT selections. Faves are the silhouettes in the first shot, and the broad vistas on Cadillac. Excellent.
Oh, the Places We See
Oh, to be on Cadillac Mountain again and see that view!!! It took my breath away!! Thanks for looking at Maine again with me.
JohnRH
Ha ha! Thank YOU!
Tina Schell
Wonderful post Rusha – you’ve chosen one of my favorite places as your location for the post – it is so serene there as the sun lights the harbor one boat at a time. Loved your thoughtful message and beautiful images – may the sun give us a at least a few moments of respite each day!
Oh, the Places We See
We’re having some unseasonably warm weather this week. And the light coming through our golden and red and orange trees lifts my spirits. Your heartfelt message in your blog was beautifully expressed. I do believe in the positive, so good times are either ahead or how we make them. Thanks for taking a look.
kzmcb
Thank you. You should write each day as a kind of meditation for others; your posts are so calming.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I try to maintain balance, but I must admit, our political turbulence is jarring!!!
Toonsarah
A great response to this theme! We spent a few days in Bar Harbor many years ago and loved Acadia National Park, but I didn’t realise that was where the sun first rose on the US.
maristravels
Yes, it will and it does beautifully in your images. Thanks for reminding us that nature is still there in all her glory and that we should stand back every so often and just look and admire.
Oh, the Places We See
You are so right. We need to be still and silent and watch the world unfold sometimes. And sometimes we just need to grab the gold ring and run with it. It’s great to be alive!!