Island Light: Winter Arrives
Shutters closed for the season in Oak Bluffs.
Shutters closed for the season in Oak Bluffs.
Fishing port of Menemsha settles into winter quiet.
Fishing port of Menemsha settles into winter quiet.
Docks are emptier this time of year.
Docks are emptier this time of year.
Gray sky over the Coast Guard Station.
Gray sky over the Coast Guard Station.
Pine needles carpet the forest floor.
Pine needles carpet the forest floor.
Lone gull is only one to observe Cow Bay cabana.
Lone gull is only one to observe Cow Bay cabana.
Renovation work.
Renovation work.
Canada geese wander the path at Dennis Alley Park.
Canada geese wander the path at Dennis Alley Park.
Vineyard Haven harbor master's shack at Owen Park.
Vineyard Haven harbor master's shack at Owen Park.
Harvest colors in West Tisbury.
Harvest colors in West Tisbury.
Monday was the winter solstice, when the triumph of darkness over light is complete, when the days at last begin to lengthen and the cold of winter to strengthen. Today the sun rises seven minutes after seven and sets seventeen minutes past four; the full moon will follow the sun on Dec. 29, dropping quickly into the twilight.