Island Light: January Days
Sun sets over West Chop and steely waves swirl around an unused pier.
Sun sets over West Chop and steely waves swirl around an unused pier.
Full moons light the evening's approaching dark in Vineyard Haven.
Full moons light the evening's approaching dark in Vineyard Haven.
Sailing out of Vineyard Haven, ferry leaves light traces to remember her.
Sailing out of Vineyard Haven, ferry leaves light traces to remember her.
Not quite as pretty as snow, rain came down heavy this week.
Not quite as pretty as snow, rain came down heavy this week.
Drivers make their way through the usual obstacles at Five Corners, but luckily no plows were needed.
Drivers make their way through the usual obstacles at Five Corners, but luckily no plows were needed.
Dredge is new to Menemsha's waterfront. Put to work to replenish Lobsterville Beach.
Dredge is new to Menemsha's waterfront. Put to work to replenish Lobsterville Beach.
An eider surfs the waves at Squibnocket keeping an eye out for its next meal.
An eider surfs the waves at Squibnocket keeping an eye out for its next meal.
Swans make their way to the nearest shore in Chilmark.
Swans make their way to the nearest shore in Chilmark.
Endless ebb and flow of waves on the Island's shouth shore of Katama.
Endless ebb and flow of waves on the Island's shouth shore of Katama.
Even the off season holds colors in the Camp Ground.
Even the off season holds colors in the Camp Ground.
Oak Bluffs Steamship wharf withstands the northeast wind and waves.
Oak Bluffs Steamship wharf withstands the northeast wind and waves.
Sun goes down behind Edgartown and clouds color the sky over Sengekontacket Pond.
Sun goes down behind Edgartown and clouds color the sky over Sengekontacket Pond.
January on the Vineyard and the crispness of winter has settled in, we think. After the season of swinging screen doors the season of storm windows is truly here, and we remember the cozy joys of the snug world we call indoors. Out walking, we see our own breath in the air and appreciate something essential about what it means to be alive. Somehow this season even reminds us of the dance of darkness and light, as the days grow longer and sunset, not starlight, becomes the sky’s accompaniment to the drive home from work.