The following piece is published in this month’s Put-in-Bay Gazette. The Gazette has been producing incredible independent Put-in-Bay island news for over 40 years. If you have any interest at all in what is happening on South Bass Island, we urge you strongly to subscribe to the Put-in-Bay Gazette. One-year online subscriptions are only $15, and print subscriptions are available as well. To subscribe please click here.
Listen to Larry
A few weeks ago, I watched a meteor flash across a star filled sky over a quiet lake, a remnant of the Perseid shower in mid-August. In July, I watched as the first acorn fell from the big oak, bouncing in the dry grass at my feet. In the Spring, I saw the first tiny blossoms appear on the vines in Heineman’s Vineyard on Trenton; later, I saw those blooms give way to tiny bunches of green grapes; and now, I watch as those plump grapes turn from green to purple, filling the air with the aroma of the sweet Catawba fruit.
For the first time, I walked through the trail in Cooper’s Woods. I rode my bike down quiet streets, only moving to the side of the road for an occasional golf cart. I saw the white pelicans float by on a light East wind; the eagle, a freshly caught fish firmly in his grasp; a hungry walleye, stirring the still water as he jumped for a late evening snack.
I saw colorful Monarchs stopping to feed on their long journey South. I watched the martins and swallows dart through the evening sky. I was even excited to see the first Mayfly of the season – less excited to see his many friends and family that quickly followed!
Countless sunsets filled our evenings, the brilliant afterglow holding my attention well beyond my usual bedtime. Summer thunderstorms lit the night sky as they made their way across the horizon. A much-needed afternoon shower chased me into the garage one August afternoon: I watched the raindrops splash into fresh puddles in the street; overflow the gutters; and fill the air with that unforgettable, Summer shower scent!
I splashed in a refreshing Erie one sweltering afternoon in July; sipped hot coffee as I watched the Sun awaken a new day; and watched another day melt into darkness with a glass of old whiskey and an even older friend.
I heard laughter from neighboring cottages, families and friends stealing a few hours of fun, far away from the mainland’s chaos. Our Island, doing what it does best – dependable, peaceful, generously sharing her special gifts to anyone who cares to notice.
Soon, shorter days will give way to cool evenings and a brisk morning chill. The trees will explode with color, the pace of the Summer will slow. Island friends will begin to head South, the end of another season on the Island is in sight.
It was a different season, certainly disappointing to many, shared with that persistent and pesky virus, a year, a time we will never forget. But still, in the end, a cottage season filled with special moments, good times, morsels of memories to carry us through the cold Winter ahead.
This piece of Put-in-Bay journalism has been provided to putinbaylodging.com courtesy of the Put-in-Bay Gazette, Put-in-Bay’s only local newspaper. Visit their website putinbay.news for more information and to subscribe!
