What a contradiction Maine is sometimes! We were a bit later than usual to arrive in Maine at our camp in the woods. And, I was informed Spring had arrived nearly a month earlier than normal (whatever that is). Being outside has been pleasant in that there are relatively few black flies and mosquitoes. There have been however, ample “speckled wing” flies, “clipped wings”, “deer flies” or other assorted names them tormenting things are called.
The weather has been basically quite dry; a change from the past two summers where it seemed to rain relentlessly. The temperatures have, for the most part, been a bit above normal, with some exceptions. Last week heading into the Fourth of July holiday period a front passed through drying out the air and ushering in considerably cool temperatures. So much so that snow fell on top of Mt. Washington, and came down at such a rate the Auto Road and Observatory at the summit were closed.
Snow falling on top of Mt. Washington – just over 5,200 elevation – in July isn’t all that rare, but consider the following:
From my camp, you can walk approximately 500 feet out to the point of land where there is a big rock and a fire pit. I have shown you this spot before. From there you can see Mt. Washington – as the crow flies approximately 20 miles.
This photo, which is very hazy, prohibits seeing the Presidential Range.
Down here in the valley, the daytime temperatures struggled to reach the low 60s, with gusty winds and intermittent rain squalls. Needless to say, to sit outside, I had to bundle up to stay warm, even sitting beside the campfire. (Forties at night)
Now tick the clock forward 3 days and today the temperature peaked at around 3 p.m. at 92 degrees here at camp, while in Largo, Florida, my legal residence, and that place nobody wants to live in the summer because they say it gets too damned hot, reached 82 degrees with showers.
The forecast for Bethel, Maine is 90 tomorrow with a 20% chance of rain and 91 on Wednesday with the same chances for rain. Do I miss my air conditioned house? You bet! Especially inside camp where it is a cool 95 degrees. One reason for escaping Florida and coming to Maine is seeking a reprieve from the heat and humidity for awhile.
Headed out to a nicely air conditioned restaurant to do a little lounging in here in a while, as soon as friends arrive.
Tom Remington
