Island Light: Deepening Autumn
Neverending waves crash on Aquinnah shore and then retreat, only to roll back in.
Neverending waves crash on Aquinnah shore and then retreat, only to roll back in.
Maple tree leaves light up West Tisbury countryside.
Maple tree leaves light up West Tisbury countryside.
Moving sand at Bend in the Road Beach in Edgartown.
Moving sand at Bend in the Road Beach in Edgartown.
Six-month project to restore parts of the Gay Head Lighthouse is underway.
Six-month project to restore parts of the Gay Head Lighthouse is underway.
Working around the lantern deck and replacing the beacon.
Working around the lantern deck and replacing the beacon.
Keeping guard at the entrance to the Oak Bluffs herring run at the Head of the Lagoon.
Keeping guard at the entrance to the Oak Bluffs herring run at the Head of the Lagoon.
Off season at Katama Farm for this tractor.
Off season at Katama Farm for this tractor.
Sun over a tranquil South Beach.
Sun over a tranquil South Beach.
Sailboarder heads out of Menemsha Channel into choppy waters.
Sailboarder heads out of Menemsha Channel into choppy waters.
Menemsha work boat.
Menemsha work boat.
Owen Park rowing gig on a quiet Vineyard Haven harbor.
Owen Park rowing gig on a quiet Vineyard Haven harbor.
Tisbury Wharf Co.
Tisbury Wharf Co.
Vineyard Haven's fleet of sailboats moored by the breakwater.
Vineyard Haven's fleet of sailboats moored by the breakwater.
Sunset in Aquinnah.
Sunset in Aquinnah.
Now is the time for leisurely drives on roads where traffic is the exception, not the rule, down lanes that are quieter in the chill of deepening autumn. Most of all, it is the time for walks. Birds far outnumber people along our beaches now, the conservation lands and ancient ways never more appealing. A sweater and cap are becoming more necessary, and a dog by your side will only help you notice every squirrel and swirling leaf along the way.