My first Artist-In-Residence begins on May 1^st at Manassas National Battlefield in northern Virginia.  Living on an unbridged island in coastal Maine means that I have a bit of a journey to reach my destination.  Since it was going to take a couple of days of driving I decided I’d turn it in to four days and make some stops along the way.

The journey starts on Sunday morning with a typical ferry ride to Bass Harbor.  Jennifer was on the same boat as she was heading to take care of some business in Bar Harbor.  We said our goodbye’s just before the ferry docked, she headed to Bar Harbor and I headed to Acadia for a drive to see what’s what. 

Nothing of great interest in Acadia National Park.  Planned to buy my annual pass, but none of the places were open yet.  Stopped at a few of the places that are almost impossible to visit during peak season, like Sieur de Monts Spring.  Everything is still asleep.  So I took a drive around Park Loop Road, making some detours to do some research for when I come back this summer.

Onward to Blue Hill Falls after my tour of Acadia, with a small stop in Ellsworth for trip supplies.  The Blue Hill Falls bridge has been slated to be replaced, or at least a significant repair, in the near future.  That’s an item I don’t have in the library.  The goal was to capture sunset and sunrise pictures.  Grabbed a few of each, though nothing spectacular as too many clouds decided to mute the colors.  Interesting place, and maybe I’ll get back before construction begins.  I did however find this sunrise gem on my ride to the bridge before sunrise.

After departing Blue Hill on Monday my next stop is Bath, Maine.  It was nice, relaxing drive down US 1.  Again, weather made for poor image making.  But my trip is going well.  These are all bonus opportunities anyway.  Being a landscape photographer involves a large amount of research.  Even when picturesque situations don’t arise there is always note taking in progress for future visits.

Tuesday was the day of the “big drive” as I left New England for the South.  Rain accompanied me from Bath down to Boston.  It was just a typical day of driving the Interstates between Maine and Pennsylvania.  Stopped in Hummelstown, PA for the night at a B&B I had visited many years ago.  It’s half horse farm and half B&B.  Very beautiful property, gorgeous house, and sweet people.  Took a walk, grabbed some dinner, and went to bed early.

Wednesday, the big day, May 1^st.   I made a late start and took my time, 968 miles later I arrived in Manassas around 1 PM.  The Ranger met me about an hour later to check me in to the on site quarters where I’ll be living for 2 weeks.  Very nice place.  Built probably about 100 years ago, with some updates through the years.  Living on the Park grounds is phenomenal!    Absolutely beautiful.

The adventure begins!