by Lin McNulty
As our island begins to pull itself in and prepare for Fall and Winter, there are varying degrees of acceptance of these seasonal changes.
For those businesses dependent upon a lively tourist trade, I would assume there are mixed emotions. While the slower seasons bring less business which economically impacts many on the island, at the same time, there is now a chance to breathe after such an active summer.
A friend recently said to me, “this has been the most beautiful summer God ever created.” I must agree with her. The weather has been spectacular—and still is, even as we approach mid-September.
Yet, I can feel Fall approaching. The leaves are beginning to change. The sun is moving South. It’s becoming possible to find a parking space in the village. There’s more time to just talk with each other.
Twice, in the last week, I have been behind a car which has stopped in the road across from another car, occupants from both vehicles taking advantage of a moment to exchange hellos or important information. I love those moments! I often wish there were a signal I could give to them so that they know I don’t mind, and actually relish, the wait.
We have many folks who are part-time islanders; they live here in the summer and go elsewhere for the off-season. For me, the off-season is one of the main reasons I am here. I love the shrouded tapestry of gray. I love the rain. I even love the occasional Nor’Easter and accompanying power outages.
True to my normal behavior, just before Memorial Day, I will be tuned in to the excitement and anticipation of the tourists coming back. When the Fall of approaches, however, I always look around and think, if not say out loud, “Look! We have our island back.”
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Yes, the “shrouded tapestry of gray.”
I always want to reply something to those who greet everyone with “the sun is out.” It takes too long to try to express the goodness of grayness.
For me, the summer was/is a bit too bright.
I so agree. As much as I love the sound of happy swimmers, hikers, shoppers, when we have our island back, it’s the glorious silence that invites conversations with self, that does the heavy lifting.
Beautifully written, Lin. I couldn’t agree more. I love the cozy envelope the gray fall wraps us with. For the 29 years I’ve been on Orcas, we have called the middle of the road encounters – O.I.C.C.s (Orcas Island Car Conversations). And the tree outside Teezer’s in Eastsound is absolutely stunning in it’s multi-hued fall colors. Take a look.
Enjoyed your article lynn. For me this year seemed brighter also, but as I live here all year, the traffic outside my kitchen window seemed so louder this summer. Trucks barrellng by and non-stop cars rolling down Orcas Rd. I could hear bikers talking as they rode past bottom of the driveway.
In town I still wonder why we can’t have designated parking lot and close off 3 blocks to walking only. Why bike lanes aren’t given along side the narrow edges of the streets. Riding my electric bike in town the parked vehicles don’t see me as I zip past Eastsound park, they sneak out across from right parking from bank and Darville ‘s almost crash into me. as I stopped short one day and rang my bell to keep from having a colllision .
Ilove to see artist painting in the park and people walking to the island with small chldren exploring nature. we are so blessed to have beautiful landscapes. Sailboats anchored out inthe Eastsound bay. makes a lively watercolor scene.