Harvesting Cranberries

Cranberry Harvesting this morning at Nantucket Conservation Foundation Bogs off the Polpis Rd.

Entering the Nantucket Boat Basin After Checking the Oyster Farm Gear

Although the season is over, the waters around Nantucket Island are busy with those harvesting either   with a family or commercial permit the bounty of the harbors. This shot was taken, as the title says entering the Boat Basin. While working all day on the water, much of our time is spent focused on work. Every now and then we look up or move the boat and see the lovliest wildlife, cloud formations or our friends working alongside us.

Catherine Nickerson shared a photo using Web Albums App.

October 29 at 10:27pm · Web Albums App · 

Hi Everyone...While riding my bicycle past these voters back in April 2008, just before town meeting, I laughed and thought about one characteristic almost all Nantucketers share.....our opinions....about everything.....now I'll share one of mine with you......we are fortunate to live in a country where we can share our opinions publicly. Please consider how precious a gift this is and Vote in November. Opinions don't matter, but voting does!

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Sesachacha Opening Today a Success, thanks to Tara, a Town Biologistand Toscana.....

On Nantucket we have a few dates during the year which mark specific opening days. In October openings shellfish season openings for Family and Commercial scalloping. Waterfowl Hunting, Bow hunting of deer opening dates are later in the season. The photos below are of an opening today of  Sesachacha Pond. To find out more about the history of Sacechacha click the side link for Nantucket Historical Association.

Nantucket Cranberry Bogs and autumnal wildflowers....

While walking near the bogs, we noticed several blossoms growing around the cranberry plants. Bees and insects of all sorts forage from the wildflower blossoms.

Pollination.......

Pollinating....

One cultivated flower

While hiking along a path off the Polpis Rd, we saw several different wild flowers in bloom, as well as various ripe berries and unripe Concord Grapes. Of course many people cultivate flowers in the garden. One of my favorites is the Sunflower.

What to do on a Rainy Sunday Afternoon

If I am looking for a quiet activity on a rainy Sunday afternoon, I spend some time at Mitchell's, Bookworks or one of the island libraries. Do you have a desire to travel? Spend some time researching and reading about the culture, geology or history and art of the location where you wish to travel.

Installing and Checking The Bees

The photos below were taken a few years ago, while installing packages of bees. Notice the queen cage in the second photo placed at the top between two frames. 

The queen cage is plugged with a piece of candy, which her attendants eat away, allowing her to leave the cage. It takes up to three days and allows the bees to get use to the scent of the queen. It is likely the queen would be killed, if the bees are not allowed to acclimate to the queen.

Oldest House and Wharf Rats Club

Our Harbor

World Wide Oyster Symposium 2015

The World Wide Oyster Symposium is to be held on Cape Cod in 2015. Will post details as soon as available.

I enjoy the colors and patterns on sea shells and onshore. This walk took place along Pocomo Beach, across from Coatue.

It has become difficult for people to cope with the cold. From my perspective, it only gets difficult if I don't have time to get out of doors for a walk or bike. The birds are always interesting and the shore changes with each wave.

What We See Onshore, Even During Cold Temps

While hiking in the forest yesterday we saw small plants, fungus, likens and moss, which have various shades of green, grey, cream and brown. Nantucket hosts a wild pallet of colors out of doors, year-round.

Outdoor Swimming and Training at the Pool

Standing around copiers, water coolers and file rooms is often the best time to garner information about ways to enjoy the island during the winter months and simple ideas for spending time out of doors. As I listened I realized the conversation was about training for next summers triathalon. As a person who enjoys swimming in the ocean, winter is a trying time as the water temperatures dip and the surf becomes wild. The swimming pool now has a new and refurbished changing room. The pool is also a wonderful alternative for those who enjoy lap swimming and water aerobics. Here is the current schedule and event list. Nantucket Community Pool Schedule and Events For the whole Family . In March 2014, the list of events includes an adult stroke and swim clinic and a fun swim meet. Come join even if you are out of shape and want to improve your techniques.


Friends from southern England encourage outdoor swimming, even in the icy cold waters surrounding  Nantucket Island. If you are interested in swimming out of doors, you can read about the folks all over the UK who have acclimated to the winter waters. Some have come to learn more about swimming holes all over the country side and lidos in the city. They have come to care for and protect natural swimming areas in this map made by Óutdoor Swimming Society'.

Even if you have no interest in swimming out of doors or 'wild swimming' you might enjoy reading the newsletter written by members of this fantastic group of swimmers. Outdoor Swimming Society Swim Tips (for indoors too)

Perfect snow for cross country skiing today

 

During winter months on island, we enjoy art, theatre, movies and sports as well as the beauty of the outdoors.

All three hives near the garden are alive. Instead of opening the hive, I used a stethoscope to listen. When buttoning up for the season, I made sure they had plenty of honey to eat through the winter and spring.

1. This swarm was caught in the woods on  the island in July 2007. If you are a beekeeper on Nantucket, or are interested in learning about beekeeping as a hobbyist, Sunny Daily has organised a meeting at the U--Mass Field Station, Sunday Feb 2nd from 11am-1pm. 

A view from Coskata Woods toward the head of the harbor at Coskata-Coatue Wildlife refuge.

This Snowy Owl sat for about 10 minutes before flying away on this bitter cold day in the wind. After spending sitting and watching, I would have liked a feather coat with head covering like this, which keeps the owl toasty warm even in the arctic, where it lives most of the year. was interesting to watch the owl turn it's head 360 degrees, quietly and discreetly to watch for prey.

A farm truck on Main St., Nantucket provides a taste of summer. Nantucket has several farms which provide the freshest seasonal vegetables.