Leg 51, the southwest half of Penobscot Island.

I thought there'd be too much muck to struggle through getting from Vinalhaven's shore out to Penobscot Island so I took a kayak and launched myself from a place oppositte the island's mid-point.

It was an hour or so before low tide and just enough water in which to paddle which I did with some apprehension, thinking all the while how much shallower it was likely to be when I was ready to return. My plan was to walk southwest to the island's extremity and around it's northern shore then cut across the island at a place I judged to be opposite where I'd begun.

Thoughout this exercise I've been amazed by the mussel beds, by the size of them. This one stretches out toward the Carrying Place. A coon, too far off to be photographed but finding itself amidst such plenty instead labored away in the mud for a clam. Coming around the northern shore I got a look at Starbaord Rock from a vantage i'd never enjoyed before and tried to pick out the initials my grandfather carved there expressing his devotion to my grandmother.

Here, inexplicably, the mussel shells are carefully scupted to from a ridge elevated way above its surroundings as if forces moved on it from all directions equally.

The island's streams are busy discharging snow melt. Some, like this one, are very small and have been doing business in one place for so long they leave a rusty footprint.

A gathering of Perriwinkles gathered cooperatively that they might more readily hear the featured speaker.

My fears were well founded. Returning, I pushed the kayak halfway across before finally finding enough water to support it and, even then getting aboard from a 'stuck in the mud' vantage is nearly impossible. I was a mess when I got home.

Leg 50, from the Trotting Park to Penosbcot Island, March 9, 2011

A few years ago this walk wouldn't have taken so long but now, after the miscalulations that resulted in the installation of the enormous culvert at the Boondoggle Bridge and the consequential flooding of the Vinal Cove inlet, the shore is twice as long. Where there were once woods, there are now these skeletal remains.

Spring is surely on its way. These brooks that were so recently cold and quiet now appear eager to get on with business and there certainly is a lot of business for them to be about. It won't be long now, though. The ice has been treacherous in one sense, trying to stay upright. On the other hand, there's been much less slogging through the mud. That will be my reality again before long.

The ice formations are smaller but certainly no less beautiful.

I'm looking forward to walking around Penobscot island, leg 51. i should be able to get out there this week. it might be an overnight trip or it might just be a good excuse for such a thing. I think I can get across at low tide. If not, maybe I'll go over by kayak.