Every year, our family tries to gather for a week on Monhegan, but the last couple years we hit a dry spell during the height of COVID-19 and when the lovely space we had rented in the past became unavailable. Monhegan is a popular place, especially during late August when we all are able to carve out a week from busy schedules. But this year, we did it! Yay us!

Our daughter Mae and husband Ben were able to escape from Brooklyn, not without some complications and two cats, and local daughter Morgan and husband Andrei managed to arrange their schedules, too. Mom and I were also able to adjust our “on call” lifestyles to arrange time away. I had a back and forth week because of job timing conflicts, needing a couple trips aboard the Balmy Days. Fortunately I missed, by one day, a very serious crossing per Balmy Days captain Terry Arford— 8-10 foot seas with strong south southeast winds. It was real nasty and made loading and unloading at Monhegan low tide a serious problem. Thankfully the crew and passengers all made it OK but there were some sick puppies on board.

Speaking of puppies, we wrangled our mini Labradoodle, Leica, aboard. I am told she did remarkably well. I didn’t make her maiden voyage, but was informed by the family that she made the crossing in good shape without incident, which is more than I can say for her creative behavior back on the farm! She is one serious bundle of energy, and without her weekly visit with Carole Jordan at Boothbay Canine and her playmate adventures, we held our collective breaths. She really needs to run and chase green tennis balls which litter home base.

Our Monhegan visits are always partly to honor a couple dear friends whose ashes we spread. Dominic Garvey wanted to be sprinkled near the shipwreck and our special spirit helper, Keith, from Galveston, Texas, flew from atop the cliffs at White Head. They loved Monhegan. Dominic used to ride over with a copy of the New York Times and read and nap on board during anchorage between arrival and departure. He was not inclined to hike but did enjoy a good cup of Joe during his stay.

In honor of both our friends and my default preference for black and white photography, this week’s image shares an ever inspiring view from the cliffs on a picture perfect afternoon. We are so grateful for our opportunity to visit, and this year stayed at the terrific Jenney cottage on the west-facing shore overlooking the north end of Manana Island.

The sun is going down now and dinner aromas fill the air. Thank you once again dear Monhegan for sharing yourself with us. Until next time.