Island Light: Soft Season
Spring crocus blanket a West Tisbury yard.
Spring crocus blanket a West Tisbury yard.
Foggy travel aboard the ferry.
Foggy travel aboard the ferry.
Kayaker takes advantage of mild temperatures off the north bluff.
Kayaker takes advantage of mild temperatures off the north bluff.
American oystercatchers scout saltwater ponds for food.
American oystercatchers scout saltwater ponds for food.
Scallop shells by the Bangs shuck shack on the Lagoon.
Scallop shells by the Bangs shuck shack on the Lagoon.
Full moon in Vineyard skies.
Full moon in Vineyard skies.
Water flows over the Priester's Pond falls.
Water flows over the Priester's Pond falls.
Cottage City rooftops under March skies.
Cottage City rooftops under March skies.
Slanting sunshine creates gingerbread shadows.
Slanting sunshine creates gingerbread shadows.
Ferry Martha's Vineyard in her Island port.
Ferry Martha's Vineyard in her Island port.
Taking to the sky over the Katama plains.
Taking to the sky over the Katama plains.
Preparing to set out channel markers in Vineyard Haven.
Preparing to set out channel markers in Vineyard Haven.
Working fishing boat in Menemsha.
Working fishing boat in Menemsha.
Under the boardwalk.
Under the boardwalk.
Spring arrives today and begins unpacking sun rays and breezes for a three-month stay that has been anticipated with eagerness on the Island. After this winter past, we might expect spring to arrive with trumpets and instantaneous foliage. But no, the Island's version of spring is another name for late winter, and we're a number of weeks away from the kind of greenery we associate with this soft season.
When the morning sun comes, it still is likely to discover fields of diamonds on the grass where frost has bedded down. Meanwhile we welcome the birds and early flowers, and wait for the beach roses that will come before the season changes again.