A Warm Breeze, White Horse Beach, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

 

What a difference a day makes. It was much warmer than my previous post. Folks were out in force to enjoy the day.



Maybe our New England summers only last about 10 weeks or so but, they sure are nice when they are happening. 

Plymouth Harbor, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Seems early in the season for sunflowers but, I'll take 'em when I get 'em. This group was in the yard of a bed and breakfast establishment near the waterfront and harbor area of Plymouth.



And just around the corner and south of the Plymouth Rock I walked to the Safe Harbor Marina (formerly Brewer's). They offer 100+ floating docks and all the other amenities of a first-class marina.



Seeing all these beautiful boats on a perfect summer day makes me dream of having one. Except I don't know much about boats other than riding in one. I've heard said they are "a hole in the water into which you pour money."



If one motor is enough, I imagine two must be even better. In the immortal words of Tim the Toolman Taylor, "More Power!" (From a popular sitcom in the 1990's - "Home Improvement.")



Sibling rivalry?



They sure look inviting on this warm summer's day - to go bounding through the water at high speed with the wind in my face and the sun on my back.



And just a bit further south is the Plymouth Yacht Club property.  Ah, Plymouth, "America's Hometown," - it truly has it all, offered up with seasonal variety.

Birding at the Tip of Long Beach, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

It's a long walk out to the tip of Long Beach in Plymouth. Few houses remain, all of them off the grid, mostly ancestral summer houses with towels hanging on porch railings and beach chairs and toys strewn about the sandy yards and driveways. It's a special place and not easily accessible.

And I got to enjoy it this evening with a bird expert (who happens to be my son).



This gull was not sure if I was friend or foe but kept his distance in either case.



A pleasure boat passes one of the Osprey nests as four young men walk the soft sand on this 75-degree summer evening.



The parent Osprey was not fond of the human presence. You can just detect the rounded head of a chick on the left side of the nest.



The days still last into the evening but, they are growing shorter as summer winds down.



Approximately 1300 birds from 19 different species later, it was time to head back home. A special evening - unseasonably warm - and I got to spend it in the company of my visiting son. Life is good.

Hot and Humid, White Horse Beach, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

It was unseasonably hot and humid on this day with storms brewing to the north of White Horse Beach.



The same was true on the waterfront in downtown Plymouth.



The tide is mostly out.



The storm clouds build but........



....they pass by harmlessly. If it sounds like I'm complaining about the heat - I am not - soon enough, I will be bundled up to keep out the cold and dreaming of these lazy summer days.

At the Beach, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

It's in the mid-80's F on this recent day, the bay water temp is mid-70's, and a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for later.



Low tide in the middle of the day always encourages visitors - especially on a weekend day.



The bluff at the right side of this image is unusual.........



......because it has suffered much erosion over the past few seasons and the house and other property features are now close to the edge. It was recently listed for sale for $599,000. It is assessed on the Town of Plymouth website at $801,400. I am curious what it ends up selling for. Some work will be required........

It's a Hot One, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

A magical sky on a hot summer day in New England.



It's unseasonably warm - in the high 80's F with high humidity.



Sometimes, the shady cool of stone feels pretty good.

Summer at the Beach, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Summer has arrived in Southeastern Massachusetts.



Air temps are in the 80's F, water temps up to 70 F.

Summer doesn't last long but, it sure is nice when it's here.

The End of Summer, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

It approaches without notice or fanfare. And then suddenly, it is here and obvious - the end of summer is upon us. It starts with just one leaf turning red and falling.



It's still mostly green along the coast and.....



...... along the quiet lanes but, not for much longer.



Soon, this freshwater pond will be ringed with a kaleidoscope of color.



The crowds at the beach are already noticeably smaller - fewer strangers to throw the ball - over and over and over again.



Most boats have been removed from their summer moorings.



The shadows are noticeably longer, the shouts of children mostly missing, and the air has just a hint of chill to it. There are still a few die-hards in the water but not often nor for very long.



Flags are still flying from many summer homes but, soon, the owners will close up their houses, turn off the water, shutter the windows, and return to the distant places they call home - away from the winter storms and cold of New England. Another summer - just a beautiful memory.

Summer's Peak, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

One of the advantages of living in New England is the reminder that life is not static. The seasons seem to be constantly changing. As Mark Twain was reported to say, "If you don't like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes.”



This man is reading a book. A book - you know - one of those things that have paper pages with words printed on them. There are no batteries required.



Curiously, his book is entitled "Astral Weeks," a tome about the great musician Van Morrison who has some history with the Boston area. (The photographic effect is called a "zoom-burst.")



Otherwise, kids play in the sand and tide......



.....flowers bloom......



.. heralding the next season......



...when the color will move into the trees for one last glorious blast before the stillness of winter (still except for the biting cold wind and roaring waves). Enjoy.

New England Summer, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Our summer beach weather doesn't last very long but, it sure is glorious while it is here.



Inland, the gardens are exploding with color and scent.

On a really fortunate day, the low tide, warm sun, and clear sky all coincide.



Bee balm blooms but bees be by beginning by brunch.



















Buzzing bees belong being busy by bringing batches of bee beauty.



It's hard to beat a New England summer. Even with bad alliteration.