Island Light: February Days
Established in 1693, the Gay Head Community Baptist Church is the oldest continuously operating Native American Baptist Church in the country.
Established in 1693, the Gay Head Community Baptist Church is the oldest continuously operating Native American Baptist Church in the country.
Enjoying the recent snowfall at Arrowhead Farm in West Tisbury.
Enjoying the recent snowfall at Arrowhead Farm in West Tisbury.
Roof shinglers pose for posterity at the Grange Hall.
Roof shinglers pose for posterity at the Grange Hall.
Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.
Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.
Martin Moreis salts a freshly shoveled courtyard in Vineyard Haven.
Martin Moreis salts a freshly shoveled courtyard in Vineyard Haven.
Mocha Mott's crew enjoys an outside break on Main street.
Mocha Mott's crew enjoys an outside break on Main street.
Seating is plentiful on Ocean Park benches in February.
Seating is plentiful on Ocean Park benches in February.
Snow day or classes this morning?
Snow day or classes this morning?
Canopy of pine boughs overhead on road through State Forest.
Canopy of pine boughs overhead on road through State Forest.
Island tradition for families sledding at the Tashmoo Overlook.
Island tradition for families sledding at the Tashmoo Overlook.
Whee!
Whee!
Coastguardsmen stroll through the fishing village of Menemsha.
Coastguardsmen stroll through the fishing village of Menemsha.
Sheep shearing demonstration took place at the Agricultural Hall.
Sheep shearing demonstration took place at the Agricultural Hall.
Removing year's worth of woolen coat.
Removing year's worth of woolen coat.
Foggy conditions at the Black Dog Wharf.
Foggy conditions at the Black Dog Wharf.
Soft lighting conditions for photographers.
Soft lighting conditions for photographers.
Sailboats at ease in Vineyard Haven harbor.
Sailboats at ease in Vineyard Haven harbor.
Steamship Authority ticket office.
Steamship Authority ticket office.
Ferry is in.
Ferry is in.
Walking the East Chop woods the other morning, we enjoyed the variety of small animal tracks in the remains of our recent snow. Each print was as sharply delineated, and yet as evanescent, as this season of winter in which only a month now remains before the equinox.
Horses on Island farms have shed their winter coats, sheep are getting sheared, and baby lambs are showing a spring in their step that gives the lie to winter.