The sun is at the far southern extreme of its seasonal swing and our view is perfect. Sunrise is now to the south of Pleasant Mountain in Rockport. From the office I look directly southeast down across the field so at this time of year I am treated to an excellent view of the sunrise. The sun also comes up after 7AM long after I am awake and working at my desk. Actually the coffee pot is usually empty by then.
Today is the day with the shortest period of daylight. Seems like only a short time ago we were at the longest day. Here in coastal Maine it is not light until around 7AM and pretty dark by 4PM so the short day is quite noticeable. By early next month the sun will begin to rise earlier and we will be headed back toward the long light filled days of summer.
After last weeks snowstorm we had strong winds out of the northwest for three days and cold temperatures. Last night the wind died down but the cold persisted. This morning when I went down the hill Seven Tree and Round Ponds were both ice covered. Clear hard ice that I am sure you could see through (if it would hold you) formed under perfectly still conditions and without snow to cloud it. I am sure that the wind and cold had really cooled the water on the surface of the ponds and that the ice came quickly as soon as the wind died down after sunset last night.
