October 29, 2009

Avintaquin Creek

When we reached the Grayhead Peak trailhead last week (before the recent snow) and began a ride down into Avintaquin Canyon, the temperature hovered just above freezing.  At our first stop at a branch of Avintaquin Creek, Boss broke ice to get a drink.
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) predicted a 50's high and "partly sunny."  I had to wonder, "Which part might that be?" as I shivered under a completely overcast sky. Continuing downstream, we passed this rock chimney formation which we remembered from a ride last fall.  As you can see, blue sky finally showed itself.  We had sun for a couple of hours in mid-afternoon. 
There is no man-made trail down this canyon, but cows and/or deer have created sandy paths that are easy to follow.
The main creek had reasonable flow, even this late in the year.   Daisy found several nice pools for a swim.  (It was cold, but she's a lab.  She loves ANY kind of water.)
The remains of an old beaver dam forms a small pond (with 10" trout!) surrounded by willows.
The willows show red branches, now devoid of leaves.
Cliffs soar on either side of the canyon.  We were searching for an easy way out for another loop ride up to the Grayhead Peak area.  We found what looks doable, but we didn't have time to check it out.  We'll try again another day.
We went from a gray overcast that looked like snow, to vivid blue, to this incredible late afternoon light on the mountains.   NOAA, I take back my complaint.
For more skies of all varieties, click here.

43 comments:

  1. What beautiful photographs of this lovely place. I also always wonder about "partly" sunny or cloudy and want to know which part.

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  2. I'll have to stop reading your blog---It all makes me so envious!!....but I won't...I'll be back!

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  3. Janie, I love how you tell the tales about your riding along with the beautiful pictures.
    I can't imagine how cold that water was...Daisy is much braver than I. :)

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  4. Janie, Bet that water was cold---even for Daisy!!!! I laughed at your 'weather' experiences---since that is what we all go through constantly. One never knows what will happen, will we???????? ha...

    Beautiful pictures.. I love that 'chimney'... Reminds me of the rock formations we saw in Arkansas.

    Have a great day.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  5. What a starkly beautiful landscape after the leaves have fallen. Magnificent.

    Mischief and Daisy are so cute. When I first saw that picture I thought that water must be cold! Labs must have good coat insulation.

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  6. Always such fun to go along with you on your marvelous trips -- along with Daisy and Mischief and Boss, of course! Daisy reminds me of Mojo who swims down at the harbor regardless of the season. Your photos are fantastic! Love the last one in particular!

    Have a great weekend, Janie!

    Sylvia

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  7. Thanks for sharing your ride! That is such beautiful country. I love how willows stay red all winter to add some color to the white landscape. It looks like it was a COLD ride, though. Hope you dressed warm and stayed away from the hunters.

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  8. That last picture looks like a painting. Glad the ride turned out to have some clear skies at the end.

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  9. What lovely scenery you get to enjoy on your rides! I especially like the last photo!

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  10. I always admire your gorgeous mountains, hills, creek and skies!
    Wonderful captures.
    Thank you for sharing.

    Have a great weekend.
    Regina

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  11. Beautiful landscape. Daisy is always ready for a swim.

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  12. your landscape shots are amazing...it is so beautiful there...I love the chimney ..and the last shot is gorgeous..

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  13. Beautiful landscape. Second and third pictures I like best!

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  14. What a great adventure once again, love the pic of the dog in the water.

    All the best
    Guy
    Regina In Pictures

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  15. Daisy is so brave! Beautiful photos.

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  16. I love how much fun Daisy has -- so many great adventures!! enJOY your day!!

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  17. What magnificent late afternoon light! Brrrr to Daisy's swim...Mischief also looks as though she's questioning whether to go in or not. You mention recent snow - it is still snowing (since Tues) here in CO - it is now winter.

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  18. I always love to hear your stories about exploring this wide land. And what great images you show too.

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  19. a beautiful ride in some rugged country. That Daisy, now she's a girl that knows how to have fun.

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  20. I love the beaver dam photo - such a different world to ours - good to see.

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  21. What MARVELOUS adventures you have together and I'm so glad you share your beautiful scenic views with us so generously! Molly would be in the water right along side Daisy! Love the big orange bows to keep everyone safe from hunters ;-)
    Hugs and blessings,

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  22. Fantastic Views and some great skies too.

    Eaglesbrother

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  23. Gorgeous scenery and photos for skywatch. My old labs use to love swimming, I do not think they felt the cold water.

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  24. Pretty neat beaver dam, they are an important ecological feature for spreading water out along riparian flood plains. The willows are presumably close shallow water.

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  25. Second photo and last one... WOW!!!!! And the dog is crazy! Or like a kid. Which is essentially... crazy!

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  26. Beautiful photos, I love Utah. The colors, the formations, the mountains, the scenery...all AMAZING!

    P.S. We share the same name and I have a dog named Daisy too.

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  27. Janie,
    I'm glad you take me many beautiful trail. wonderful.
    the mountains are already getting
    covered with snow,arent they?

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  28. I think the most amazing part of this whole thing is being someplace you know few people go in the course of a year- no trails, just natural beauty.

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  29. I love the quality of light in some of these, just wonderful.
    As for Daisy, doesn't she know about hypothermia? She's lucky she has that nice undercoat to keep her warm.

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  30. I just about sucked wind when I saw Daisy in that water! Brrr. That last shot is wonderful, obviously the ride was worth it.

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  31. You saw some beautiful scenery on your ride, but I think I would be shivering the whole time. Thanks, though, for taking us along. That last picture made everything worth while.

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  32. such lovely images of such a LOVELY PLACE!

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  33. Another enjoyable journey, although it did get a bit chilly. I was glad the sun finally came out and join you in your ride. I0" trout sounded pretty good to my husband :)

    Thanks for the beautiful views, Janie

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  34. This was a wonderful adventure, thanks for taking me along.
    That chimney formation looks like a beautiful sculpture.
    I love the narativ style you present these wonderful photos.
    The last one is like a beautiful postcard.

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  35. What a lovely ride! Sheba would probably join Daisy if she was hot herself! Does Daisy swim in ice water too?

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  36. Glad the clouds broke for the money shot - the stripes add nice depth to the sky.

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  37. What an idyllic life! Your photos are magical. :)

    Thank you so much for leaving comments on Phivos's blog about my photos of France: Appreciated. :)

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  38. Beautiful place and lovely shots !! Simply nice !! Thanks for sharing..Unseen Rajasthan

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  39. Amazing! I'm sorry this sounds so inane, but Ive just become acquainted with western Washington and Oregon States and I'm reminded of a similar beauty.

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