Endings, beginnings
I’m writing this on Halloween. I love the feeling of Halloween because the end of summer and beginning of winter feels so final.
I took a bike ride last week, on one of the few remaining warm days. I wanted to see an unobstructed view from the west, toward the town of Lamoine across Mount Desert Narrows. So I pulled into a driveway that led to a building site. No one was around so I went down to the shore. It was before 4 pm, yet there was color in the sky.
This is a view of the mountains of Acadia that give Mount Desert Island its name. This is from the same site, just looking southwest.
Later, at home, I was mapping my location to find out more about the opposite shore and the body of water between us. I stumbled across a point of interest called “Landing Site of Operation Elster.” I think the construction site where I was walking and observing was the Landing Site, based on the photographs I found. This was very exciting information. I vaguely knew the story of the landing of Nazi spies on Hancock Point during World War II, but I didn’t really connect with it. Two German spies (one actually American, with German roots) came ashore at this location from a submarine! There’s a very comprehensive writeup of the story here:
By the way, I learned that the German word Elster means Magpie.
I’m clearing the property of saplings preparing for a chipping and mowing extravaganza. I feel somewhat like a pioneer. This land shouldn’t be allowed to revert to forest if we want to preserve it for blueberries. It’s taken some time, but I’m close to done. Now to turn more attention to the garden. We had our first frost some time ago. I’ve already taken out the sunflowers and other flower stalks, but left hardy greens like kale and chard. The young oak trees in the yard look stunning, in brilliant brownish-orange and yellow tones. The big pines will keep their green all through the winter.
So I’m off to weed grass from another few garden rows. We’re also reconstructing the garlic bed. Lots to do. Happy Halloween!