Walking Aquinnah in March
A sphagnum bog is this conservation land's most special feature.
A sphagnum bog is this conservation land's most special feature.
March in a nutshell, melting snow, soggy underfoot, and greens bravely pushing up.
March in a nutshell, melting snow, soggy underfoot, and greens bravely pushing up.
The land bank's Gay Head Moraine was at one time farmland.
The land bank's Gay Head Moraine was at one time farmland.
Melting snow creates streams.
Melting snow creates streams.
Boardwalks make for easier walking over soggy wetlands.
Boardwalks make for easier walking over soggy wetlands.
The wildlands at Menemsha Neck are low and salt-blasted.
The wildlands at Menemsha Neck are low and salt-blasted.
Not a shark, a gaily painted hull.
Not a shark, a gaily painted hull.
Waiting for warmer weather.
Waiting for warmer weather.
West Basin beach.
West Basin beach.
Of course this dinghy is painted pink.
Of course this dinghy is painted pink.
A glimpse of the Menemsha jetty.
A glimpse of the Menemsha jetty.
Looking westward toward the Elizabeth islands.
Looking westward toward the Elizabeth islands.
Islanders can take solace from the fact that this dance of one step forward, two back, is the norm and not the exception where this time of year is concerned. The most remarkable gift of this season on the Vineyard is the rare day whose meteorological mood matches the buds sprouting so bravely below.
March on the Vineyard is a matter of lurching progress, a month in which Islanders have learned to take what each day gives them. This week, the menu was snow and then rain and then mud, but we all know that could change in a moment.