Coming and Going...Birds, Butterflies, Sea Creatures and People

A steady stream of boats, birds and other creatures come and go during the early evening hours. Some resting and it seems others hurrying to get to an unseen destination, through the channel made by the jetties on either side.

An Update to Hurricane Sandy: Nantucket Perspective

Here on this little island 30 miles out at sea, the population of people is small. It will be the marine mammals and birds that bare the brunt of this hurricane. We have no complaints as we hear from those who live south of here on the mainland in densely populated low lying areas.

Being the adventure junkies that we are, we drove out to Sesachacha Pond to determine if the ocean opened up the pond. It had as evidenced by the picture. No houses have fallen into the ocean out at Baxter Rd, though some sit precariously on the edge as usual.

In town, the Dreamland parking lot was flooded from the harbor overflow. It looked as though the tide hadn't receded at about (taken around 3pm) as it does normally. The wind was blowing the sea water into the street and the parking lot and we were covered with spray as we completed our inspection. The Steamship parking lot was flooded with ocean water and the bottom of Broad St was blocked off. Not an unusual sight during a storm like this one.

It has begun to rain, which is helpful to those fools such as us, who have been close to the ocean in a vehicle which are coated in salt spray and need a rinse.

We saw a couple of downed trees and one car with a smashed driver side window on Orange St. The only store open in town aside from Bookwork's and the Brotherhood, was the Nantucket Pharmacy on Main St.

We may wake tomorrow to find that the surge has claimed a house or two which is expected, but I find it sad when the businesses in town are flooded. Some retail businesses are just getting back on their feet since the recession began during 2007-2008.

The bees hives are tied down to stakes on either side of the rows. The bees are snug inside (and maybe a mouse or two that snuck in before installing the entrance reducer. Keep safe and dry and salt free.

Hurricane Sandy: A Nantucket Perspective

While finishing up a few in town errands, we walked to the Harbor to check on the docks and sure as the sun shines, the tide was in. Next while listening to some appropriate hurricane music, we drove to the south side beach and sure enough the waves were possibly12 feet high with a surging tide. It is predicted that the wind will pick up as the afternoon goes on. Keep Safe.

Starry Starry Night

It is a dark clear night here on the rock. At this time of year the weather is sometimes cool and dry. Today is the start of  a new moon. Conditions are ideal for viewing the night sky. Nantucket is unique as one of the darkest spots to view the constellations. Looking up at the night sky, I feel peaceful as though the world's problems have been set aside for a few moments. If you are interested in the show of planets and constellations and you live on or are visiting the island....step outside the door and look up. If you want a closer look, or have questions about the sky, take a trip over to the Maria Mitchell, Loines Observatory. Click the link above and find out about the special viewing nights this week at the observatory.

Paddling Along the Inner Harbor of Coatue

During this week many of us have been thinking about the loss of Whitey Willauer, friend to many, a dynamic mentor and person, a doer who also knew how to be....just be. Though Whitey was a public figure, he was committed to many public service projects in a quiet way. Whitey has taken his place amongst the breezes that fill our sails and push us along at times when we need a push to get things moving along. He liked lively discussion and beneath his tough exterior he was a man with a generous heart. I am grateful that Whitey was amongst us. Good Bye Whitey and Thank you for being uniquely you.

Beauty is a grain of sand or a seashell

 

 

 

On The Jettie, The Grey Silkie