Today is my mom's birthday. One of her favorite areas in the known universe is the coast of Maine. It just so happens that my Maine Series coincided with this momentous occasion, so to her I offer this panoramic view of the West Penobscot Bay from Owl's Head State Park in Rockland, Maine.

She's probably been here, given my grandfather's tendency to drive the family up and down the coast for days on end, a tradition my mom had no problem continuing throughout my childhood—either in the backseat of a Chevy Vega (pumpkin orange or later on, dark brown) or the front seat of a blue AMC Matador (classic '70s cars, people). From him, we both came to love the coast of Maine; from her I came to appreciate how important that time spent riding around could really be.

So, here's wishing my mom the best birthday in the world. She's earned it; she deserves it. Love to you always, Mom!

Larger version here: Event Horizon

Not every day you see a Viking ship asea these days ... even less likely you'd see one in Maine, but there you have it, enjoying the setting sun over Port Clyde.

Larger version here: A Modern Day Warrior

There are few words in the English language that bring such giddiness—especially when written in such loving script and neon colors. Certainly, this sort of scene is as welcoming a signal as any one can imagine. Drawn butter, the cracking of shells and utterly fresh smell of sea water ... ah, culinary delight.

Larger version here: The Magic Word

Continuing with this week's Maine Series ... that may bleed into other weeks, of course!

Cod End Market in Tenant's Harbor, Maine, makes a nice lobstah roll, but as with most things around Midcoast, it's all about the location, and this joint's set up nicely: right on the water with a working fishing dock and no end of cool stuff to draw the lens.

Larger version here: Rust Ain't Broke

There's something ancient and profound about Midcoast Maine. You imagine that thousands of years earlier, this scene was virtually the same, unspoiled by condos, water parks and other detritus of humanity that litters almost any other coastline in the world. It's the same sun setting tonight as yesterday and beyond. These rocks aren't bothered by it much at all.

Larger version here: Among the Rocks and Rays

A rose of some sort? Could be. Let me know if you know what sort of rose/flower it is. Thanks!

Larger version here: Open to the Day's Rays

Never know what you'll find while hiking around the beach with someone like Tom Petzwinkler in Maine. One of the great things about shooting with other photographers is that they push you to see more, see differently, look more closely and see a frame more intently. 

Larger version here: Balance

A few days in Port Clyde, Maine, was just what the doctor ordered. The weather was amazing, the birds cooperative and the landscape, as always, spectacular. More from Port Clyde and area for sure.

Larger version here: A Head Shaker

Moonlight walk on the beach in Oceanport, N.J.

Larger version here: Into the Distance