Running and Exploring

Got out this morning about 5:50 am. The sky was just beginning to lighten as I ran along the powerlines to Highland Green Road - it was a gorgeous deep reddish-orange along the horizon, but the camera didn't quite do the colors justice.

Sunrise, sunrise

From there, I hit the cart paths, enjoying the bright yellows, oranges and reds of the sugar maples, mixed in with the still-green oaks and conifers along the edge of the golf course. There was a thin layer of mist rising above the cotton sedge in the Heath.

Early morning light over the Heath

Back at the powerlines, I stopped to watch a Towhee jump around in the brush and take a photo of my favorite berries, turning from blush pink to deep purple.

Fall colors

It really was a lovely morning to be out as the sun was rising, alone on the gravel paths, sandy powerlines and pine needle-covered trails. I felt decent, although I had to stop twice to go to the bathroom - sheesh! - and my legs were definitely still feeling tired on the few hills out on the route. Still, a good 10.4 miles before breakfast!

After swimming, donuts and some playtime and party planning with Anne, we headed north so we could hit Oxbow for Ryan to fill up with their favorite fall brew. On the way, we stopped for a short walk up in Damariscotta at the Whaleback Shell Midden Historic Site. Very cool spot, where you could still see portions of the large oyster shell dumps created over many years by the Native Americans along the Damariscotta River. It was a pretty piece of property to wander around, and a lovely day to be out there.

"Come on, Mama! Let's run!"

Groovin' on the trails :)

Along the Damariscotta River

Nice place for a swing

Side trail past some of the oyster shell dumps. And yes, she is running :)

Purple asters