Almost to the day, a year ago, I made the above photograph.
Not exactly sure why I was out wondering around on such a cold and blustery day, but I was. January 8, 2015. My phone had just left my hand and dropped into a crack in the rocks — it was ringing and flashing but nobody home.
My fingers were hoping to hit the right buttons on the camera but lacking cooperation. Seems that years of working out in the cold and aging had taken a toll. Digital stuff has lots of tightly bunched up buttons and keys that are easily accessed in warmer weather, but in severe cold and high wind, text messages go weird and camera exposures get confused. Operator error is a contributing factor!
The image shared shows a “thimble” which I believe suggests a substantial chunk of ledge to be avoided when boating nearby. We are looking south from southern most Capital Island. The “Register” pic, used last year, was of the northern tip of Squirrel Island with the same sea smoke. The above view looks toward the area of Cuckolds Light which is obscured by atmospheric conditions.
I suspect we may see more sea smoke soon as temperatures drop well below ocean water temperatures which are in the mid-40s range. The combination of cold air, wind and water temperature must be a delightful nautical experience I don't envy even the heartiest seafaring souls. I'd hope most who work on the water would stay ashore snuggled up to a wood stove with appropriate libation.
When the winds blow out of the north, its all we can do to trap warm air in our house. This is when drafts flutter candle flames and ice coats inside window glass. Keep warm.