It was cloudy on the mainland, but by mid-morning, the sun ruled the day on the island.
The sky periodically had that dark, dramatic, brooding look, with slate-gray clouds sliding along the horizon, only to disappear out to sea.
By midday, temperatures climbed over 70 degrees, but there was no denying it—summer’s days are numbered. Maybe that’s why we savor these times, although the clear, sometimes crisp air, the dearth of mosquitos, the waning of the weeds all argue in favor of fall.
On Vinalhaven, the daily ritual of work and chores continue, but there’s an almost palpable exhaling now that the sidewalks are no longer choked with tourists and summer folk. There’s time—and space—to chat and catch up at the farmers market. And though islanders are exposed to the ever-changing beauty all year round, it seems they stop to notice the lower angle of the sun and the deep shadows cast by trees and houses.
A surprising number of native coastal residents have never taken the trip. It’s worth it, as we hope these photos show.