November was unusually warm this year, which may have been the reason that the month often was fall-like. Our blueberry fields turned into the most interesting reds that we’ve ever seen. Tamaracks (larches), sand cherries, chokecherries, maples. and large oaks remained vibrant well into the month.
The month also was a good one to be in the woods when the light would seep through portals in the canopy where the summer’s leaves once were. In the late afternoon, the low sun would send soft, golden shafts of light. At other times, the light would dapple dark trails, illuminate the fallen leaves, and warm the last of the year’s mushrooms.
November’s pure, cold air and stratocumulus clouds enhanced our water views and, by the end of the month, the ponds and streams had started icing.
The month was not all blue skies and sunshine, of course. Our first (very modest) snow fall this winter came near the end of November and several torrential rains provoked our streams into rages.
Speaking of water, November is when the lobster season ends for most of our fishermen. They bring their traps in to be stacked and trailered to storage. Some of the fishing vessels also will be stored “on the hard,” while others will be reconfigured to dredge for scallops during the winter.
Of course, November is the month to give thanks, which is especially appropriate for those who are lucky enough to live on the coast of Maine. Below you’ll see one of our feathered neighbors who was lucky enough to be parading with pride on Thanksgiving Day.
November’s frequently clear skies made watching the moon mature into the month’s full Beaver Full Moon an adventure.
Finally, November is the beginning of sunset season here, when the sun sinks low and to our southwest and the cold air rids the atmosphere of much of its water and pollutants. This allows the warmer colors in the sun’s rainbow of light to be seen, not to mention November’s crescent moon..
(All images here were taken in Down East Maine during November 2021.)