Harvest Havoc aka 10 ways to get the most out of Harvest Weekend*...

 *Harvest Weekend...at least that's my name for the weekend fast approaching.

Pumpkins...Cider Pressing...Crisp Air...Leaves...oh my!

1.Ted's...er...Monty's Pumpkins...for sale on Main Road.  

2. Colors...Colors...Colors...just try to count them all!

 3. Farm Museum...family fun at the Cider Pressing Party...children's activities, too...Saturday & Sunday.

4. Apples? Oooohhhh, the caramel apples...also at the Farm Museum event...get their own #on my list...they're available both days...until they run out.

6. Sales! At Island Style, Islandtime Books & Island Outpost...to name several. Check the Washington Island Observer for more.

7. Food? Did I forget food? Saturday, the day can start off with breakfast at the Fire Department Open House (7:30am to 10:30am)**  ......and end at Harvest Dinner @ Trinity Lutheran Church! Call 847- 2286 for reservations. At this writing, several seatings are filled.*** Food is indeed a fundamental part of this weekend!

8. Books & Media Sale @ the Art & Nature Center, 9 to 12, Saturday. Stock up!

9. See one more sunset. (This one is an Anna Gibson photo.)

10 (Perhaps) a rollicking ride on the ferry awaits...this photo was taken last year at Harvest Weekend.

Autumn is awesome! Join us!

Have a great week!

 **Cathy Meader Photo ***Thanks to the Danish Mill for the use of the cherry pie photo. (Their pies are delicious, too!) It simulates the "pie room" at the Trinity Event. In the spirit of accuracy, pumpkin pie is the dessert served at the traditional family style turkey dinner.

Who Knew?

Who knew it could be such a pretty drive to the Island Exchange?That's the traditional name for the Island Landfill.  Thanks for the photo Kathleen Dixon!

Some lovely colors are developing...but one must know where to look...who knew the leaves could be turning so splashy down a driveway?

Who knew colors could seem even better on a cloudy day? Thanks to the homeowner for allowing me to share....

and then there's the dredging project, who knew...

and the wheels go round and round...  Who knew there could be so much commotion on Lobdell Point Road? Sounds like the Dredging Project in Detroit Harbor has started. This past week lots of trucks have been barreling up and down with dredge tailings from the ferry channel to the disposal dump mid-island.As I walk, I usually see about 8 trucks in 30 minutes. They will haul 6 days a week until they are done which could be the end of the year or into 2014, approximately 10000 truck loads.  It's a 5.3 million dollar project...assistance has been obtained through a state Harbor Assistance Grant.According to an article in the Door County Advocate, this is the first major dredging work since 1939.The barge unloads the tailings into the waiting trucks at the Potato Dock. Thanks to Cathy Meader for these last two photos.

An official "start"ceremony sponsored by Foth, the firm that is contracted to serve as the project engineer, will be held tomorrow/Tuesday at 11am at the Ferry Dock.

Who knew the colors could be getting kind of interesting this soon on the wiggly road to Northport?

Another sign of Fall... coming this Thursday.

Harvest Weekend is right around the corner... who knew?

Have a great week!

A Windy...Wavy...Weekend!

 Weekends like this start out beautifully...folks make plans...

*They want to see that Harvest Moon.

 Check out the Fall colors. Take part in some of the events that make this time of year on the Island so special.

**Alas, Mother Nature had another thought. On Friday, the weather took a sudden shift and waves began to build as the afternoon turned to evening...

Would the ferries continue? The weather reports called for 45+ mph gale-force gusts.

***The answer to all of the above seems (to me) to be Yes! To the credit of experienced pilots the ferry schedule was maintained, using the shelter of Plum Island as a shield. Friends, family (even family pets) and Island travelers both new and experienced braved the tumult of the winds out of the West, garnering free car washes as their reward!

***As Saturday dawned, wind weary travelers had earned the right to share their stories and hear similar tales from Island residents as they shopped, ate, and explored the sights. It seems a certain "merit badge" is earned for trips like this and links/connections are made with folks that might not have happened were it not for this adventure ride. Sales were made - perhaps one more Winter coat  or another sweatshirt was purchased.

Walks, talks, and more than a photo or two were taken to cement this weekend in our minds.

Memories were made in these last few days. Whether we hold them in a box, in our hearts, or on a photo chip, the trip over and back will be a strong one this year!

The Fall brings more happenings but that is for next week's post.  

Wherever you are, have a great week!

Photo Credits: * Chris Walker, **Ginni Glass, ***Pam De Vos    Many Thanks!

It's Starting!

Shhhhh ....   Colors are coming...                  

                                           ... cool, crisp evenings.

  .

Deep blue skies...

                                      ...with powerful clouds.

Time for bonfires* ...

                                                ... pumpkins too!

 Amazing Autumn...

                                                     ... come and see!*

   Planning Ahead----

                                            ---Saturday, 10/6 & 10/14

 

 - As we approach the time to come indoors, close down seasonal homes, or make way for winter gear, it means de-cluttering. One way the Island is helping is by providing these two days to drop off some debris we find in our basements, sheds, and garages. Check out the boxholder above.

Wherever you are, take time to enjoy and have a great week!

*Thanks to Island visitors Pam DeVos & Ginni Glass for these Autumn tinged photographs.