Thursday, February 5, 2009

Quiet


Except for the sound of snowmobiles, the island is incredibly quiet this time of year. In the mid 1800s the island became a tourist haven because of the cool weather and fresh air. Lots of beautiful Victorian homes were built here in the 1880s and are still lived in today. Well, lived in for the summer anyway. In addition to all the business closing for the winter, all the "summer people" leave too. Lots of houses get boarded up just like the shops do.


Most people pack everything away, but others don't really worry about it. There's only 500 of us here all winter. If something happens, someone will know who did it. It may take a few weeks, but eventually word will get out. So, pretty much everything is safe. We didn't even lock our door (even when we went on vacation) until this past year.


All the summer folks will come back to their "cottages" next year. (I put that in quotes because many of those cottages are bigger and more valuable than most regular people's year-round homes.) I like the hustle and bustle of the tourist season, but there is nothing like a quiet winter afternoon...

7 comments:

Amy Jo said...

Again, beautiful pictures Liz. It looks so peaceful and serene up there!!

cinnamongirl93 said...

I understand what you mean by not locking the doors. We only lock our doors when we go on vacation.
I was surprised by the population of your island in the winter. 500 seems like a lot. My little town has a population of 1000. That includes a very wide land range.

Anonymous said...

Our islands are so different right now! Beautiful pictures - esp as they include sunshine.

Thauna said...

Beautiful pics...looks like a beautiful life you have there. I just hopped over from the soul journal blog... Oh I miss sewing! Love your blog!

Kelly Fletcher said...

Love your snow pictures, especially the deck chairs.

Tonya Ricucci said...

brrr, looks beautiful, but I'm happy enjoying from afar. does look peaceful!

Sam said...

Beautiful pictures, but I can't imagine what it is like. Only 500 people? So many houses and businesses boarded up for the winter?

Very peaceful in the winter, but the spring/summer must be very "loud" in comparison!