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Fishers island fog horn7/22/2023 ![]() I hope that loved ones will point the way to safety when the upcoming challenges may be out of my vision or closer than they appear. I pray that I will rely on God to captain my ride through treacherous waters. Our trust in others and resources to keep us above water and from crashing into approaching rocks is demanded when the fog is thick. How often do deadlines, commitments and conflicting priorities cloud our minds to the point our mind is foggy? Sometimes the need to slow to island pace is the answer to juggling all that life throws in and from all directions. Finally, the lighthouse shrunk from sight. Admittedly I was both curious and confused why only certain islands merited a lighthouse and others didn’t. Pondering the lighthouse, I was impressed that everyone must equally be drawn to the beauty and peace it displays. There was a peace that overtook any remaining anxieties. With the shoreline returning to our view soon now the awareness of an operating lighthouse was revealed. The heavy fog slowly diminished with the duration of the trip. Proximity to safety quickly feels stolen, and the realization grows of dependence upon the boat along with the talents and available tools of the crew. As the ride progressed and the shoreline faded from view, one soon loses all sense of direction. As we moved through the waters and the fog, approaching sights would briefly appear only to vanish back into obscurity at equal speed. Consequently, the ferry’s fog horn bellowed frequently. The return from the island today started with fog smothered everything in view. The risk today appears smaller than the promise of a worthy reward. There is risk each opportunity the boat leaves the harbor, but all willingly accept the risk to do the work that is so loved. Most gladly leave the land in hopes of landing a big check from this day’s voyage. Expenses seem to rise twice as fast as the market prices they receive from their efforts. The lobster fishers rise early and work long hours in hopes of securing a profit. Such delicacies are the lifeblood of the islands and their inhabitants. These obstacles appear to be strategically placed to protect the ocean’s bounty of red-bugs that inhabit the depths. During a vast part of each year an untold number of men and women rise early to face the water and its obstacles. Lobster is an inescapable thread through the local economy. Others enjoy these benefits and willingly accept work opportunities when they present. Some visit to enjoy cooler weather, amazing beauty, the company of genuine and welcome people or the relaxed pace of taking in each day. The gulf is infectious for both leisure and work. The ones that brave the four seasons have an inner strength and will to overcome the unique challenges associated with living in a remote location. Some live there year-round while others invade for a portion of the summertime. For those on the island, they love the beauty of the Gulf of Maine and the pace of island life. The people are rich in tradition and community. The fertile waters of Maine are home to many. We saw the buoys marking lobster pots below, small rock islands popping out for respite to birds and seals, and the quant vacation houses along the trailing shoreline. Monday afternoon was beautifully clear allowing passengers to see great distances. The rides were the same route in opposite directions but, otherwise, completely different. All it takes is a trip on the ferry or a quick boat ride (if you or a friend have a boat, which is common) to nearby New London, Noank or Stonington.I recently experienced two ferry rides off the southern coast of Maine. If you’re looking for shopping, restaurants and an array of entertainment options, then you may want to plan to take trips to the mainland on occasion – Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, Mystic Seaport, USS Nautilus Museum, the Mystic Marinelife Aquarium and countless dining options abound just three miles to the north in Connecticut. To see what’s happening this month, check out the latest edition of the online newsletter/calendar, The Fog Horn. Throughout the year, all are welcome to partake in numerous concerts, performances, movies, parades, craft fairs and community events at the library, movie theater, school, legion hall, private homes and village green.Īnd if you’re so inclined, there are numerous events and activities that are sponsored by the Island People’s Project, Fishers Island Club, Fishers Island Yacht Club and Hay Harbor Club, and include crafts for kids, swimming, sailing, tennis, and golf lessons.
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