Lions, spiders, and wind turbines.... O MY

It has been a productive and busy week.  I was able to get a tour of the Wastewater facility on Tuesday as KK was getting ready to run routine samples.  After discovering Grimes Park, I thought it would provide a nice perch for the evening sunsets and I might have to rank it at number two at this time... I still find Lane's Island to be a great place to go (less competition with the birds).

Wednesday was a normal day in the office and the Planning Commission meeting missed my calendar, but it was no problem attending.  A trip to Brown's Head Lighthouse prior to the meeting (and a great bowl of chili.. thanks Nick and Marjoie) was a nice midweek treat.  The PC meeting went well and really provided some fuel for the Comprehensive Plan discussion.  I was able to find a focus for my next couple of steps in this process as I have become relatively familiar with the State's requirements. 

Thursday....well Thursday's are always a nice change of pace as I have company in the office.  Early afternnon was spent in the basement with and some of the Energy guru's on the island.  Apparently, there is a lot of heat being lost during the heating season and ideas to increase efficiency were being considered.  I'm not sure a concrete solutino was identified, but I found plenty of spider webs as they sent the young'n down the long run to get dimensions.  Later that night, I was invited to the Lion's meeting and was able to meet some great people with a wealth of knowledge and island history. 

 Finally, today, I am heading over to the wind turbine site to learn more about those.  We shall see how those noise reducing attachments are working (look for some pics from the site visit in the next post)...  'til next time 

OMG... it's so goooorgeous....

The gorgeous fungus growing on decomposing birch limb.

The week wrapped up like a present as I met my weekly office-mate and subsequently the many community members that came in with code/permit questions.  To make things even better, I enjoyed a fantastic dinner at two residences.  The homes, personalities, and quality of cooking here just amazes me (but not in a didn't think it could happen, but a I'm grateful to experience new foods and culinary ideas)!  I look forward to sharing in the potlucks, particularly through the long winters I hear so much about.

Saturday was a bit foggy, but it didn't stop Kirk's fungus walk.  About 15 people showed up at Skoog's Park and we headed to Huberts Preserve to learn about island fungus!  I must say, there is another world when you take 3 hours to walk 2 miles.  Looking forward to the Hawk Watch next weekend!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Meeting, Coastal Clean-Up, meeting, and research.  I finally learned more about the ARCafe today... such a cool place.  It is a non-profit arts and rec center that promotes local foods and engages the community in many aspects.  There is a lot of energy and ideas within the group and I am hoping to contribute to that energy and volunteer if/when I have time. 
The Clean-Up went well as I worked along side the 1st and 8th graders collecting debris at Smith Point.  Some kids saw treasures, some saw trash and others wondered who's boat it came from.
Overall, it was a great day and the Comprehensive Plan research is coming along. 

First Day of Work

So the weekend was full of adventure as I went to Brown's Head Lighthouse, Tip Toe Mountain, The Basin, Fish Hook, Eleanor Campbell, State Beach, and Huber Preserves.  Although small, it is terrific that these places are protected from development, they are truly unique and capture some island wilderness characteristics. 

(I wish I could say where these photos were taken, but I visited so many places this weekend I simply can't remember)

 I also visited Lane's Island as it is quickly becoming an island favorite of mine.  Whether I want to walk the rocky shores collecting driftwood or walk the trails between shorelines capturing the colors of the night's sunset, I am drawn to this preserve and am often lost for an hour or two at a time.




So the first day at the office... Yes, it has been a little while since I've been behind a desk.  Lucky for me I have a window seat and to make it better, the window opens!  (perhaps it'll that Maine wind can keep me awake through the long afternoon)  I am on the second floor of the Town Hall along with three other desks, one of which is inhabited once, weekly and the other two a few times a year... I may have to re-evaluate my friendship with Pandora!  Take a look at my office space and a somewhat limited view from my desk....

While I may be running crazy now, literally and figuratively, I am thrilled to be here and have, officially, started on this project.  I am hoping to participate in the Coastal Clean-Up tomorrow morning as well as follow up with the ARCafe in regards to Food Day (National Day recognizing and promoting local, healthy food choices). 

...'Til next time!

Orientation and Friends

Well it has been a busy week.  I was able to catch that ferry last Sunday, which saved me a parking ticket!  In an effort to keep you reading, I am hoping a few highlights, rather than a day to day recap will suffice. 

Sunday - all the fellows got together at Waterworks for dinner and drinks to kick-off the much awaited orientation week, which thanks to a great cohort of fellows, really wasn’t all that bad.

 

Monday (this may be a longer one because it was so fun) - A "scavenger hunt" helped us become acquainted with the Institute staff followed by a team building session.  A nice competitive game of scrabble, which was won (I think) by Amanda, Hope, Kate and Alex (Hodges) despite their questionable words choices :P.  After that, we had to work together to relocate 18 of us (distributed among 4 platforms) from one platform to another.  Strategic planning and a little bit of trust led to successful transportation of all but one person.  Jen’s flight was a little off target and as I reached for her and grabbed the rope, I fell in the “ocean”.  Our next exercise/activity was one that I always wanted to take part of, HIGH ROPES COURSE!!!  Slightly ironic given my fear of falling, but, again, with a little bit (ok a lot) of trust in our hardware and teammates, I was able to tackle the 30ft rope walk.  The purpose of the ropes course was extrinsic as well as intrinsic.  We had to trust our teammates, understand that no part is too small, and challenge ourselves beyond our normal comfort zone.  Having said that, I changed my mind and scaled the tree and walked across the cable 50ft off the ground.  After all that, we enjoyed a nice dinner at Moody’s and an early night.

Tuesday - Lessons on running effective meetings and facilitating was taught by Ron Beard at the Comfort Inn in Ellsworth.  After that we went to 3Tides for some drinks before Aldin and Annie (I think was her name) joined us for dinner at Darby's.  Many thanks to them for some insight into island life.

Wednesday - A later start time Thursday morning motivated most of us to push through the day with smiles on our faces.  We went to Herring Gut Learning Center where Alex works and saw the aquaponics system we heard so much about leading up to the visit.  A little break from things at the Marshall Point Lighthouse was well spent before the Phil's presentation about the Island Institute’s formation.  A Mexican dinner in Rockland, a Dark and Stormy (with next to no ginger beer), and  quality time at the Time Out Pub provided for great memories with some great people.  

Thursday - Our advisors came out and went through the AmeriCorps aspect/expectations of the program, which of course was soooo fun. Haha.  Being ahead of schedule, as usual, allowed most people to go home that night.  I was still lacking a fingerprint card so I stayed behind and took care of that along with some other things. 

Friday (today) - I caught the 8:45 ferry and with the hour and fifteen minute ride, I couldn't help but think of how much fun was had this week getting to know a great group of new friends.  I am actually looking forward to our retreats and AmeriCorps training throughout the year.  I spent a lot of time today exploring the parks on the island and getting more pictures!  Speaking of which... here is the view from my porch...

  

I saw a Haliaeetus leucocephalus!

So it has been a couple days... but with good reason.  Friday I learned how the ferry works, and not necessarily on my own terms.  Due to my procrastination on Thursday morning I did not get a reserved number, so I was on standby.  I had to go down to the terminal for every ferry waiting, hoping to get on so I could get to Bar Harbor for the big dinner.  Finally, at 1, I was able to get the car on the ferry and with every last drop of gas in the tank I was able to start the car after the ride and get it to a gas station. 

The dinner at Asticou Inn was great!  All the fellows were invited to the Board of Trustees annual dinner and what a pleasure it was to meet them.  Many introductions were made and stories told throughout the night and I look forward to working with, or at least seeing everyone again. 

Saturday morning, we (the fellows) got breakfast together and headed back to our respective islands/working communities.  Saturday evening, while the sun was shining and warm, I thought it would be as good a day as any to head out for a nice sunset walk/photo op.  I went to Lane's Island Preserve, it's soooo nice that it is so close to the appartment!, and what a good hike it was.  As I walked along the shoreline, I began to notice the driftwood, not as just something that was awashed to shore, but as art.... and I will continue this another day.  I got to catch the ferry.  'Til next time

Lane's Island

So today was my first full day on the island and it started out much the same as when I went to bed... overcast/rain!  I dropped the ball this morning and didn't call the ferry terminal when I first woke up, which may cost me (my vehicle) a spot on a ferry tomorrow, we shall see.  After getting a cup of coffee from Island Spirits, I ventured to the Vinalhaven Land Trust office and met Sheri and Tuck.  They shared some stories, trail maps, and advice about Vinalhaven. 
Walking back I got an idea.. ok I got hungry, and thought I might try to make some sort of chowder for dinner.  Looking through the local cookbook for a new recipe I quickly remembered I haven't gotten groceries yet, so I went down the street and checked out the grocery store.  Shortly after that, the sun had finally broke through the clouds and I quickly grabbed my camera and headed for Lane's Island preserve.  The cove appeared to have receded as driftwood, shells, and seaweed was plentiful.  It was easy to fill a couple hours of the day here and a lot of space on my memory card.  Once I get the new computer I should be able to upload the photos on a regular basis. 
Once I returned from my lil adventure, I started the chowder (Corn and Potato).  I used a recipe from the Vinalhaven Cookbook, but as usual, I tweeked it given the ingredients I did/didn't have.  Speaking of which... I went looking for some fresh clams today in town.. no luck!  I did not think they would be hard to come by, but I was told they are something you can only get if you know someone that digs for them or you get em yourself.  I'll have to save the clam chowder 'til I can meet the right people.
Finally, I wanted to ride out to the north end of the island while I still had my car.  I thought it would be a good night to catch the sunset from the Brown's Head Lighthouse.  I never did find it and as the sun was going to set soon, I decided the North Haven thoroughfare was as good a spot as any.  While it was a great spot for photos with all the boats and happenings, the sun set behind the treeline and I was only left with a few colorful streaks.  Well I suppose that is all for today.    

Moved In!

So today was the big day!  Woke up at 4am so I could be sure I'd catch a ferry today, lucky for me I was able to get on the first one.  Typical, or so it seems from my visits to Maine, that it rained, and alllll day at that!  In either case, the town is quiet now that most of the seasonal/summer folk have gone back to their other homes.  I am enjoying my living arrangements as it is a 3rd floor converted attic apartment (one bedroom).  I have a sliding glass door that access my balcony/porch which provides a view looking S/SW over Carvers Harbor and N/NW over Carvers Pond.  After the rents left and I unpacked some of my things I found myself craving some dinner.  The grocery store had already closed so I stopped in at the Island Grill where I enjoyed some local conversations.  Looking forward to what this year on the island will bring!!