Summer comes late and leaves early in Maine, but on a sunny, blue sky fall day it is possible to pretend it hasn’t yet left us. On to boats we go for a last island picnic.
By the time all arrive at Warren Island, we number about 40.
Everyone brings food and drink loading the picnic tables with more than we could ever eat! 
No fancy tablescape here, just good food.
While everything is delicious, this cold shrimp and mushroom soup has everyone asking for more as well as for the recipe. After some hesitation because it has been his (yes, a guy made it) well kept secret for years, he has generously allowed me to share it with all of you. Believe me when I tell you this soup is a real winner!
COLD MUSHROOM AND SHRIMP SOUP
1 pound button mushrooms, sliced
1-1/2 cups water
2-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
2-1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 cups chopped cooked shrimp
Combine mushrooms, water, and 1 teaspoon salt in saucepan; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Drain mushrooms; reserve liquid.
Saute onion in butter in saucepan until tender. Add flour, remaining salt, and pepper; mix well. Stir in reserved liquid gradually; blend until smooth. Add milk gradually; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Remove from heat; stir in cream, shrimp and mushrooms. Chill thoroughly before serving.
Yields about 6 servings. The chef warns that it’s best to not exceed doubling the recipe as it becomes difficult to control the thickening process.
After stuffing ourselves, we are off for a little island exploration. Here and there is evidence that we aren’t the only visitors.
What a surprise to come across a gravesite that indicates an island presence many years ago. How can you not wonder what stories are buried here and what happened to the other people who must have also inhabited the island?
Tree roots litter much of the ground meaning we’d better walk with heads down or risk landing on our faces!
Past the trees is the beach with its wide open views. As we walk along the water’s edge, let’s look for heart shaped rocks, sea glass, starfish.
Once again it strikes me that Maine’s natural beauty and the time that is shared with friends are what make it so very special. I’m glad you are here with me today.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
Sharing with
Lulu's Musings 
I know it was a post from a numbers ago, but I was delighted to see it, with some great food photos, etc.
Maine is full of treasures. These one sparkled like diamonds. Beautiful sceneries all around. And the food…just delicious. I’m craving now for that soup…mmmm!
How right you are when you say Maine is full of treasures. I never tire of all that is around me and treasure each moment I spend here. As always, thank you for your meaningful comments.
Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things hop. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to stop by and say thank you. xo
Those last few days of summer are so precious. It looks like you had a wonderful day for a boat ride and lunch. Your photos remind me of areas around Puget Sound in Washington State. Very beautiful.
Hi Lulu,
I am so happy that you included us in your beautiful day, your photos are awesome and I enjoyed your adventure. The Soup looks amazing and I am sure had a great flavor. Enjoy your weekend and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
It is a pleasure to join in and I find lots of good things there so we all benefit.
Ohh now I crave mushroom soup.. however I have no idea how to make it myself!
What an enjoyable day! The tree roots are kind of unusual. Thank you for the mushroom and shrimp soup recipe! I’m tempted to try…
Agreed, the tree roots were fascinating. They made their own kind of labyrinth.
what beautiful photo’s Linda you have captured the day so well and the food wow what a feast!
Actually, Warren Island is in Penobscot Bay which is the midcoast ares. The soup was delish. You’d not be disappointed.
Such an interesting place! Is this island in Portland harbor? I did a NH picnic post today, also in a beautiful locale. I can’t quite imagine how that soup tastes, but it does sound tempting, with shrimp and whipping cream and butter. I love the tree roots! Linda
So the tree roots are all above ground like that? I have never seen anything like that in my life! How interesting!!! I just have to say it: This would be a GREAT location for a Halloween party!!!!! Wow! You’ve got scary-looking trees all built right in! Now on to this cold soup situation….it’s actually served chilled? Not hot? I just can’t imagine that. I suppose I would have to taste it to understand. Can your guy whip me up a batch and fly it out? 🙂 The rest of the food looks amazing, too. You said it was more than you could possibly eat, huh? Ha! Let ME at it!!! 🙂 To see that head stone was really sobering. Just 22 years old! Interesting how it says “Wife of Isaac Thomas.” I guess back then a woman was measured by the man she married. Really great post!!!
It would be great fun sharing an island adventure with you though not all have such a fabulous spread. About the tombstone. As I come across old markers I am astonished by how young many of the people were when they passed away. Life must have been much different 150 years ago.
Whoo… Good food, great company and brilliant views, what more do you need for a perfect day?!
Those tree roots are amazing too!
What an excellent day you had and the weather looks fabulous 🙂
You’re right about having the components for a perfect day!
I love this outing…the food looks so wonderful…and how fascinating is the grave stone…I remember picnicking in a lakeside campground many years ago and discovering a small grave yard of a family just yards away….those views are magnificent…Hope you found some great sea glass and heart shaped stones!! Looked like you all had a fabulous time!! I love your adventures in Maine!!
I am glad you enjoy the Maine adventures. As you might guess, every island offers an opportunity for one more.