When the Coast Guard automated Bakers Light in 1972, they stopped the clear cutting of the 10 acre light station. In the subsequent 43 years many invasive weeds have grown up, however birds and wind brought many surprises.
We recently discovered an apple and a pear tree growing near the new Lighthouse Trail. A blue spruce and a mountain ash are among the other surprises. A visit by a horticulturalist last month identified a beautiful and rare Rose mallow plant, similar to a hibiscus, on the shore of our pond.
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The Naumkeag tour boat stopped bringing regular customers after Labor Day. We really miss the visitors, almost all of whom expressed surprise and delight at the newly refurbished Bakers Island Light Station. A few more overnight guests from Maine are expected before we close down the facilities for winter.
Our Maine-Seguin ties are very strong. First of all, that is how Greg and Mary, former 2013 Keepers at Seguin, became in touch with Bakers, sharing protocols and experiences on with Essex Heritage. Seguin Island Light Station was turned over from the Coast Guard to Friends of Seguin Island Light Station (FOSILS) 25 years ago. The government transfer of Bakers ownership to Essex Heritage was only one year ago. Everyone involved in maintaining lighthouse properties for the public to enjoy are close colleagues.
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| Flag half-mast 9/11 |
As the summer evolved, we realized that our Seguin experience helped us a great deal in planning our days, setting priorities, and managing limited resources. Then one day Greg thought of asking Seguin alums Bill and Brenda if they would consider applying as Bakers Keepers next year. They have already been up to Massachusetts, interviewed at EH, and have been chosen as 2016 Keepers.
Two weeks ago, two Seguin alums who are also Bakers alums visited us for an overnight. Tim and Lynne led the work on the derelict Assistant Keepers house in 2010 and 2011. Greg and Mary had the much more rewarding role of painting and restoring the 140 year old Assistant Keepers house this year. Tim and Lynne were amazed to sleep in an upstairs bedroom of the recent rehabilitation.
Among all the things we will miss as we prepare to leave Bakers will be the sea gulls who do not eat human food, the thousands of migrating swallows who ate all the biting flies, the summer weekend fireworks on surrounding beaches, our trips to the mainland in the EH Boston Whaler. And the #9 bell buoy outside our bedroom window, lulling us to sleep every night, except when the blinking green light kept Greg awake.
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| Close up from Whaler |
However, we shall return...as Essex Heritage Bakers Island volunteers next summer. Thank you EH for inviting us to share this unique and extraordinary island experience for 20 weeks of summer.
Greg and Mary
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| Sunset now 6:51 pm |
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