When Baker Island is enveloped in fog, its residents are cloaked in solitude. Alone in the beauty, we can also feel alone in the responsibility of caring for this place.
One aspect of Baker’s maintenance is the Sisyphean task of removing the debris incessantly washing up on its shores. Two traps hiked from the south shore to the landing requires one (strong) person two hours, not to mention the enormous volume of buoys, lines, plastic jugs, and occasionally curious flotsam. Transporting anything on and off the island even in ideal weather involves wet feet, skiffs, and moorings. And plenty of good old-fashioned toil.
On a recent socked-in July morning several boats emerged out of the fog, carrying 16 enthusiastic volunteers. For six hours, they cheerfully scoured the northeastern and southern shores, scrambling over slippery rocks, wrestling with tangled fishing gear, and hauling enormous sacks of trash to the landing. They cut through metal traps to remove bricks and sorted through gear to separate serviceable equipment. With the support of residents and KOBI volunteers John Cesari and David Sloatman, many skiffloads of detritus were ferried to the landing by foot and by tractor. Several workers were also planning a return trip to retrieve staged piles of excess cargo.
As dusk fell around mosquito-o-clock, we were once again shrouded in seclusion. Our tired bodies were soaked to the skin—as, surely, were those of the 16 tenacious NEHF workers (who also had the two-hour task of unloading up the ramp at Northeast Harbor). We were left with a cleaner island and a profound sense of gratitude for the remarkable efforts expended by all. Motivation is contagious and the following day, all island residents continued the work with renewed energy.
The relationship between Baker Island and the Northeast Harbor Fleet spans its full century; in fact, visits to the island predate the Fleet’s founding. Dance Floor picnics, offshore regattas and excursions have long offered adventure and respite from the whirl of MDI social life. While Baker residents and light keepers extended hospitality in the form of refreshment and stories, visitors brought variety and welcome company.
It is heartening to see the continuation of this relationship as Northeast Harbor Fleet members share in the stewardship of this special island. We look forward to enduring and growing collaboration with community beyond our shores!
One aspect of Baker’s maintenance is the Sisyphean task of removing the debris incessantly washing up on its shores. Two traps hiked from the south shore to the landing requires one (strong) person two hours, not to mention the enormous volume of buoys, lines, plastic jugs, and occasionally curious flotsam. Transporting anything on and off the island even in ideal weather involves wet feet, skiffs, and moorings. And plenty of good old-fashioned toil.
On a recent socked-in July morning several boats emerged out of the fog, carrying 16 enthusiastic volunteers. For six hours, they cheerfully scoured the northeastern and southern shores, scrambling over slippery rocks, wrestling with tangled fishing gear, and hauling enormous sacks of trash to the landing. They cut through metal traps to remove bricks and sorted through gear to separate serviceable equipment. With the support of residents and KOBI volunteers John Cesari and David Sloatman, many skiffloads of detritus were ferried to the landing by foot and by tractor. Several workers were also planning a return trip to retrieve staged piles of excess cargo.
As dusk fell around mosquito-o-clock, we were once again shrouded in seclusion. Our tired bodies were soaked to the skin—as, surely, were those of the 16 tenacious NEHF workers (who also had the two-hour task of unloading up the ramp at Northeast Harbor). We were left with a cleaner island and a profound sense of gratitude for the remarkable efforts expended by all. Motivation is contagious and the following day, all island residents continued the work with renewed energy.
The relationship between Baker Island and the Northeast Harbor Fleet spans its full century; in fact, visits to the island predate the Fleet’s founding. Dance Floor picnics, offshore regattas and excursions have long offered adventure and respite from the whirl of MDI social life. While Baker residents and light keepers extended hospitality in the form of refreshment and stories, visitors brought variety and welcome company.
It is heartening to see the continuation of this relationship as Northeast Harbor Fleet members share in the stewardship of this special island. We look forward to enduring and growing collaboration with community beyond our shores!
RSS Feed