Island Light: August Splash
Cooling wave hits the spot on Squibnocket Beach.
Cooling wave hits the spot on Squibnocket Beach.
Squibnocket surfing class ready to head out on the water.
Squibnocket surfing class ready to head out on the water.
Taking advantage of the dog days of summer in the coolest possible way.
Taking advantage of the dog days of summer in the coolest possible way.
A typical bright summer day on Vineyard Haven's harbor.
A typical bright summer day on Vineyard Haven's harbor.
No shortage of passengers on the ferries these days.
No shortage of passengers on the ferries these days.
Harbor master's boat is ready for any moment.
Harbor master's boat is ready for any moment.
Oak tree reaches its limbs to the bright sun in Tisbury.
Oak tree reaches its limbs to the bright sun in Tisbury.
Pirate ship comes into Oak Bluffs harbor to end its day.
Pirate ship comes into Oak Bluffs harbor to end its day.
Row boat rests on Oak Bluffs shore.
Row boat rests on Oak Bluffs shore.
Time for a quiet stroll along the East Chop dock just after sunset.
Time for a quiet stroll along the East Chop dock just after sunset.
Islanders know the signs of August. When the roses are past their prime, when black-eyed Susans, queen Anne's lace and rose of Sharon begin to bloom, when the striped bass move into deeper water and the bonito begin to run — that’s August. When sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant ripen in farm fields, when crowds thicken and traffic gridlock grips down-Island towns, when the beaches are full at high noon, when the sunset floods the far horizon in flaming pinks and reds and shooting stars streak across the night sky — that’s August.