Head in the Maine Clouds, Again

Newell Convers Wyeth spent summers in Cushing, Maine, being inspired by the landscape, the light, the clouds.

As a boy reading Robinson Crusoe, Treasure Island, or the tales of King Arthur, wondering how anyone could imagine such fantastic environments for pirates, giants, and knights in shining armor -- now I know.

I've woken here to a rolling fog, from which at any moment a ship under full sail, brandishing a skull and crossbones banner, could emerge.

The most amazing, billowing clouds have drifted past, round, squared, long and wispy -- white, purple, black, and everything in between. It's been magical -- avast, ye, tighten the main sail -- it's time to meander home!

Best of this season's Maine eats:
Lobster: DIY, Stonnington CO-OP, Restaurant, Thurston's Lobster Pound
Steamahs: a tie, Thurston's for traditional steamed; The Cockatoo for a fabulous Portuguese, tomato/garlic recipe
Best Desserts: Lilly's, Deer Isle; Dennis's, blueberry pie
Best New Find: Oakland House, Rusticator Restaurant; runner-up, Lookout Inn, Flye Point