Part 2
As we near Little Cape Point we look back at Cape Cove and admire the natural beauty that surrounds us. On our first visit to this preserve, the shore was in full bloom with a sea of purple Iris Hookeri and wild pink Sweet Peas. The Iris is just one of many rare plants that thrive in these harsh conditions.
Cape Cove
Approaching the point you will find an abundance of sealife.
Little Cape Point
Along the Maine Coast rock formations display many examples of Dikes, this particular area provides a good example. The southern end of the island where the rock drops steeply into the sea is what The Nature Conservancy explains as the ”Fundian Fault”, “a long crack in the earth’s crust that extends from the Bay Of Fundy to the coast of New Hampshire.”
Granite Lined With Dikes
Many varieties of seaweed line the shore.
Seaweed Along The Shore
This one reminds us of a horse’s tail that has been wrapped with a bandage.
Seaweed
A cute fawn is unaffected by our presence.
Fawn
Blue blazes and cairns mark the trail.
Trail Marker
Soon we will be reaching the Mud Hole trail.
A Peaceful Setting
The trail hugs the shore where there are many tricky areas to be mindful of. Slippery rocks, deep crevices and a few areas that require minor rock scaling.
Following The Trail Along The Shore
Our coastal walk has come to an end. The Mud hole trail brings us back into the deep forest and winds along a picturesque fjord-like cove .
Returning Via The Mud Hole Trail
A last glance at the stunning scenery before heading back through the woods.
One Last Glance
Lots of discoveries in the woods. Here a fungi is growing off of the bark of a pine tree. Are there any fungi enthusiasts out there? Would love to know the name of this species.
Fungi Growing On An Evergreen
The moss and lichen covered forest silences your footsteps which creates an extremely tranquil setting.
Moss Covered Forest
Great Wass Island Preserve is one of the many gifts of nature. Thank you Nature Conservancy for protecting and preserving this treasure.
For George and Kristin, Came across you pics of the hike on great Wass Island, while I was trying to find the disc that holds my photos of various hikes there. I will send the photo on of the fungus on the pine tree to our mushroom group that meets out of Lancaster Pa and have them id it. There is a Maine Mushroom Book that would id it also. We have found to hike at the beggining of low tide, or before, and take the Ocean hike out and have kept going beyond, around the point, the cliffs become very high, and we would like to get out to what is called The Pond eventually. Carrie
Comment by Carrie Grayson — June 28, 2010 @ 1:30 pm
Dear Carrie,
Thank you for your comment! We look forward with great anticipation to the fungi id. Let us know if/when you reach the “The Pond” we have yet to experience that side of the island and are very interested in your future journey. Kindest regards, George and Kristin- Owners/Innkeepers.
Comment by georgeandkristin — June 29, 2010 @ 6:19 pm
Dear George and Kristin, The Mushroom is called Ganoderma tsugae, Carrie
Comment by Carrie Grayson — July 3, 2010 @ 9:13 am
Dear Carrie,
Thank you for the mushroom id! Best, George & Kristin
Comment by georgeandkristin — July 4, 2010 @ 6:55 am