During recent rich and enveloping autumn fogs, our neighborhood was transformed.

Fog has a way of isolating and emphasizing portions of our vision. Through no fault of its own, fog causes us to see less, and for me, less is more. I love to photograph in the fog. It helps me notice things, ironically, more clearly. Fog makes a busy scene calm. It’s magic!

Many years ago, when we lived on Barters Island, we passed from mainland Boothbay across the Knickerbocker bridge many times, at all times of the day and night. Back then the bridge surface was still wooden – a bit lumpy, too, but relatively stable. As you pass to Knickercane Island, Hodgdon Island and eventually Barters Island, Back River floated by in the area of the old Knickerbocker Ice works and the iconic McLellan boat pier with its timeless, and still standing, structure at the shore. This was a favorite area for me, in part because it was the regular way to and from home.

On foggy days, and in winter, this area could be totally captivating. I’m not sure why, but weather systems flowed through there in unusual ways, often leaving a trail of unique phenomena, like hoarfrost (in winter) and Zen-like, minimalist compositions at other times. In the case of today’s photo offering, my old friend, the fog, provided another interesting opportunity.

Now, I know that fog is not always a welcomed item, especially if your work is on the water. But for me, for reasons I can’t explain, fog presentations are extremely inviting. Some 40 years ago I made a photo poster view of this very same scene titled “Cormorants in Fog.” That image showed four cormorants perched on some floating logs with a series of pilings headed for the shore. Everything else was invisible. I believe what would have been seen in the background then, would have been “Holiday Island Campground.” There is a glimpse of that point in today’s photo.

This is a place I come back to often. The tricky part requires caution on the bridge as vehicles speed by. I have had some close calls and wish to emphasize for any who might wish to venture forth – be very careful! There is not a lot of room on the edges and bailing out, over the side, would be extremely unpleasant and costly. It’s a special spot to be sure, one of many gifts our region provides.