Island Light: Comes the Wind
You can almost hear the roar of pebbles which the waves draw back and fling upon their return.
You can almost hear the roar of pebbles which the waves draw back and fling upon their return.
Ten thousand years of history in the clay of Lucy Vincent Beach.
Ten thousand years of history in the clay of Lucy Vincent Beach.
State forest pine cathedral towers above a forest floor carpeted with needles.
State forest pine cathedral towers above a forest floor carpeted with needles.
Ready for the storm.
Ready for the storm.
Union Chapel rises behind the rooflines of Ocean Park.
Union Chapel rises behind the rooflines of Ocean Park.
The Green Room is one of the anchors of Vineyard Haven's Main street.
The Green Room is one of the anchors of Vineyard Haven's Main street.
End of day on Edgartown harbor.
End of day on Edgartown harbor.
Catching the final rays at Katama.
Catching the final rays at Katama.
Old brick building of Tisbury School.
Old brick building of Tisbury School.
Running wild at Arrowhead Farm.
Running wild at Arrowhead Farm.
Clams on the half shell.
Clams on the half shell.
Rowing gig off Owen Park.
Rowing gig off Owen Park.
Dusting of snow on Camp Ground porch.
Dusting of snow on Camp Ground porch.
Lobsterville.
Lobsterville.
Black Dog Tavern during yesterday's blizzard.
Black Dog Tavern during yesterday's blizzard.
Plowing Union street.
Plowing Union street.
Cumberland Farms provides a place for hot coffee during northeaster.
Cumberland Farms provides a place for hot coffee during northeaster.
Boats were canceled all day.
Boats were canceled all day.
It seems such a constant that we notice it most when it ceases. The wind swirls in from the sea and combs the Vineyard in all seasons. In moderation, it is a friend to all, especially in summer. It thrills the sailor, cools the beachgoer, and frees convivial backyard gatherings of mosquitoes and similar uninvited guests.
When the wind shifts from jollity to anger and heavy snow accompanies it, however, it can do a good deal more than blow a hat across the street. Wind on the water can be a dangerous foe.
Yet again, lest any forget, we are reminded that we live on an Island, and we are the subjects of the air and water around us.