Last weekend, we decided to get into the car and go for a Sunday drive. We have been experiencing a bit of cabin fever due to this month’s several rainstorms and having to avoid the bites of the annoying mosquitoes (Culicidae) and blackflies (Simuliidae). It ended up being a partly sunny day with some wind and we thought we take our chances and see where the day would take us. Right outside of the town of Kingfield, we spotted a field of purple lupines (Lupinus) and we pulled over to take a few photographs. This photogenic area was located right outside the Poland Springs Bottling Plant. I’m sure glad I had brought my Bug Baffler bug net, because the black flies had indeed found us. These nets are very efficient at keeping bugs off and away from the skin. I find that this works out better than bug spray and cheaper in the long-run. I felt strange wearing my net in public, but I don’t think the sight of me wearing this net really phased any of the onlookers in the cars passing by. Dealing with the black fly is a common bond we all share during the summer months here in Maine and protecting oneself is absolutely necessary. Between dealing with the black flies and windy conditions, I think I ended up taking a few decent photographs of these beautiful wildflowers. It was then time to move onto our next adventure.
It is lupine season here in Maine. Who doesn’t like lupines?
Lupines growing wildly in a field.
A picturesque scene of lupines.
A field of lupines and daisies (Asteraceae) growing in the wild.
We ended up visiting the Deer Farm Camps & Campground in Kingfield, Maine. It is funny to think about how many times we have driven past this scenic area and never stopped until now. I’m sure glad we did and it was well worth it. After meeting the owners, we took a drive through the campground and did some exploring. Afterward, we made our way down to Tuft’s Pond located across the street from the campground and took a few more photographs. We will definitely have to come back to the area during the autumn for hiking and more photography.
The path leading to Tuft’s Pond.
A rowboat on the shore waiting to be used.
Taking the rowboat for a spin on the lake.
A windy day on the lake.
Tuft’s Pond during the summer in Maine.
One of the Deer Farm Campground canoes for campers.
The road sign for the Deer Farm Camps & Campground.
After our day of exploring, we decided to stop at Tranten’s for ice cream. I ordered vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup. I was very happy with my choice. We soaked in a few more scenes on the way home, while enjoying our treats. When we got home, I decided to take a swim in order to cool off and burn off those ice cream calories. Ironically enough, just before I was putting my swimming goggles on, I felt a black fly on my face. After swatting the fly off and killing it, I discovered I had a bite on my left eyebrow. I almost made it into the pool without being attacked. So much for wearing my bug net all day! I am severely allergic to these bites and would now have to walk around with a swollen eye and bite scar that will last for a while. On the plus side, it is comforting to know autumn begins in eighty-five days and there will be fewer bugs to deal with in the future.
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