Day 50

Today was day 50, and my last full day on Monhegan. It was once again another hot day -- perhaps the hottest we've had in this little heatwave, maybe up to 90 degrees! I set my alarm for 4:50 and met Maya outside the Yew at 5am. We walked out to Burnthead to watch the sunrise, something I've been meaning to do while I'm out here. It was a cloudy morning, but even so, the sky lit up with oranges, pinks, and blues as the sun rose over the vast North Atlantic Ocean. 

Around 6:30, Maya and I headed back into town and I got some breakfast. Then, I rode with Alex to the dock for the early boat. I love waking up early, especially here, when 8am on the wharf is the busiest time for the islanders. Boats are coming in and out of the harbor, the freight is being offloaded by a winch, then stacked into truck beds with a forklift. It seems like 6-year-old me's dream. It's fascinating to watch and neat to be a part of. We all help each other sort through the mixed pallets and place boxes and cases in the appropriate trucks. 

Once we were done with freight, around 8:50, we headed back to the Yew to unload. I began some packing afterward, but shortly decided to go to the Mooring Chain to get a coffee to celebrate Maya's last shift. I chatted with her, then more Yew folk showed up and we played rummy, then UNO on the outdoor picnic bench. Soon, I had to head off to work, and I walked the back way up to the museum, cutting across Horns Hill and behind the meadow. 

I was the only person in the office today because of the Museum's annual meeting. The climate control was acting up (as it does every day) so I worked on fixing that. Then, I went on my 1pm walk, where I was joined by Alex and Jess! Afterwards, I was pretty much done with my work so I headed home. Back at the Yew I tried to resume my packing, but it was so hot. Jess invited me for a swim which was hard to decline, so I didn't. We walked to Fish Beach and walked down the breakwater at one of the highest tides I've seen out here. We plunged in from the end and swam around the harbor, then back to the beach.

I went back to the Yew and had a quick rinse, then set off for the schoolhouse to set up for tonight's lecture. Afterwards, I returned to the Yew then joined Alex and Jess at the Fish House for a refreshment and some snacks. Then, it was time for the last party -- at Maya's house. Maya cooked a delicious dinner and we enjoyed it in fabulous company, a great way to end the season. We then went to Amelia's family's cottage and learned how to play poker. It was sort of my second time learning poker, and I understand it a little more, but not completely. 

Now, I'm back at the Yew, ready for a good night's sleep. Thanks for reading you all! I'll post tomorrow, and then once more in a few days as a little reflection on my time here. Here's the sky tonight:

Love, Me