Perhaps a midwinter puzzle might provide diversion from the coldness that has been with us for our recent past and present, with maybe a small break coming up which may include some of my most dreaded winter rain. Ugh. I hate winter rain and its accompanying aggravations. But, temperatures should moderate.

Anyway, before you read the contents of this week’s adventure, see if you can figure out where this photograph was made. It will be a good distraction for a brief moment in our winter journey.

Today’s image was made back in my much cherished full-time film days, the days I refuse to abandon! And, oh happy to share, there is a great new photo lab in Bath called Northeast Photographic, way out toward the end of Washington Street for any die hard film enthusiasts or wannabes! Nice people, good service — properly operated. I wholeheartedly recommend.

Now, a little back story for today’s photo. In the mid ‘80s, I was conscripted by Peter Ralston, significant photo personality in the Rockland area connected with the Island Institute, to lead one of his photo workshops, aka “Island Photographic Workshops.” Peter thought that I could do a week-long group dance with folks from all over the country. I wasn’t convinced, but I took it on and had a blast. Met some wonderful people and got to visit pretty special places along Midcoast Maine. We all stayed at the Ocean House in Port Clyde with then-proprietor Buddy Murdock, who was a considerable entertainment feature for all. Back then, we’d travel around for the day using color slide film, exploring all variety of locations. At the end of the day, we’d all turn in our exposed films to our lab tech, Martin Nerber. Martin worked tirelessly to process our films overnight so we could review our images the next day. A herculean task to be sure. He did a great job.

During one of our days in Port Clyde, we stayed in the neighborhood and poked around the village photographing all sorts of wonderful Maine. I didn’t always hang close to the group hoping that my absence would encourage personal explorations. We’d eventually all meet up for lunch and discuss any problems or questions — I was not big on directing people but tried to promote a “do your own thing” experience. For some, that was great, others wanted to be given more guidance regarding how to make a good photograph. I preferred to push participants to be adventuresome and develop a personal style and not be afraid to “screw up”— there were no screw ups, as far as I was concerned! Just have at it and find enjoyable subjects, and don’t be rude! Help with the mechanics of camera operation, I could do. Telling people what to see and how to see it, not so much. We got some really dandy images once everyone figured out there were no rules to the game. On rainy days we stayed at the Inn. I played Tim Sample tapes and we laughed until the rain let up enough to go out. Fortunately it was a good weather summer and we had few trip cancellations.

On the wondering about Port Clyde photo day I made a series of black and white photographs of some of the very cool properties around the village and bumped into Mr. Andrew Wyeth at the general store, I was buying a “Zagnut” candy bar (a favorite from my youth) and Mr. Wyeth was trying not to be noticed. I blew that for him. He was very nice but clearly not wanting to attract too much attention. Anyway, that’s where today’s photo came from. I know it was a trick question, not being from the Boothbay region, but hopefully it caused just enough consternation to distract from our winter weather. I’d be curious to know if anyone recognized the scene.

The sun is stronger and some buds on the swamp maples have begun to fatten. A good sign!