Back in August, I wrote about the weather gods. We respect the weather up here. This past week was another amazing example as the Island coped with gale force winds, the residue of Hurricane Sandy. Given that this "perfect storm" was created by a combination of weather events - a hurricane wrapped up in the wind gusts of a giant nor'easter increased by a stronger than expected jet stream plus a higher than normal high tide topped off with a surge over 9 feet - it made sense that our weather here would be effected as well.
The sunset on Halloween gave little clue of the wind gusts that had hit the Island the day before. There was warning and time to prepare but the question still remained. Would the ferry run on Tuesday?
It sure did... This is a view of the breakwater as I disembarked from the 7:00 am boat at Northport on Tuesday. I felt quite secure with this capable crew. I hasten to add that the decision to board the ferry in challenging weather is up to the individual.
Just prior to leaving on the last boat of the day at 3:00 pm.
At the breakwater on the last boat, Tuesday, October 30...to me, the challenge of entering and exiting the Northport breakwater is a big part of the decision to maintain the schedule or to shut down for the day. Sometimes the call is to cease operation; sometimes to continue on... I respect their decision either way.
*They sure do come together and help out on this Island; am thinking of the fire at Gibson's West Harbor Resort just a year ago yesterday. The Gibson family is to be honored. Their positive nature in the face of such adversity shows people can work through a crisis. Our Island community is an example of what can be done when friends, neighbors, and interested folks rise to the occasion and lend a hand. 
**While on the Peninsula, I did check the weather along the shoreline. On my way. I saw this bench near the water in Fish Creek.
It made me remember Veteran's Day is coming. The community service will be held at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center (TPAC) on Monday, November 12 at 10:30 am. As is tradition, the program will be presented by the Island Chapter of the American Legion and Washington Island students plan to attend.... Oh... Pastor Phil Green often takes part in the music for this event. (He is quite a Horn player!) I hope he does so this time. It would be a time we can also say good bye and thank you to him as he and his wife, Sandy, leave soon for their new church in Kansas.
I feel fortunate to live on this Island with people who are so willing to "step up"... As people effected by Hurricane Sandy cope, I hope the road to recovery can create a similar strength and appreciation of Life.
Have a great week.
Thanks to *Anna Gibson and ** Washington Island Observer for the use of their photos in this post.