A Tribute To Chief Lucey

Chief Lucey retired from the Coast Guard yesterday. She was in charge of Station Brant Point. The guys at the station made the above and hung it on the lighthouse for all to see. Lucey will start her new job as assistant harbor master in June.

What's Going On With Sankaty Light?

Click on picture to enlarge.

When I was out in 'Sconset today, I spotted something on Sankaty Light. Upon closer inspection, I saw what appeared to be lengths of wooden strapping held together with wire encircling the middle part of the Lighthouse. Anyone know what this is all about?
Discuss.

Children's Beach Boat Ramp Progress

I shot the above clip early this morning of the new Children's Beach boat ramp. I was told that it will be completed by May 15th. At the rate they are going, I don't think they will meet that deadline. The finger piers are yet to be completed and they are still working on the bulkhead up by the parking lot. They most likely will have to stop the project before Summer and come back in the Fall and resume work. I have spoken to several people about this new boat ramp. Some are having no trouble at all launching and hauling a boat and others are having a very hard time with the ramp. It seems that there is enough water to launch a small boat. There is simply not enough water to launch a big boat with a deep V hull. One guy I spoke with yesterday owns a 23' Regulator boat. He told me he had to back his truck so far down the ramp that his back bumper and wheels were underwater so his boat would float off the trailer. I don't know what the solution to this problem with the new boat ramp is but I know I will not be using it to launch or haul my boat. I will be using the ramps out at Madaket.

I went out to check out the Sesachacha Pond opening this afternoon. It was still flowing out nicely. The ditch took a turn to the north at some point between today and Sunday when the pond was opened.
Click on picture to enlarge.

Remembering Peter Miller

Peter Miller died in a fire at his home today. He was 80. Peter was a fixture down at the waterfront for as long as I can remember. We all called him Peter Puck. I don't know how he got that nickname. Most every day you could find Peter sitting on a bench behind my scallop boat on Straight Wharf. It could be 10 degrees and he'd be sitting there all day. When I came in from scalloping, Peter would be there on the bench. We would talk about scalloping and how good it was years ago. Many people don't know that Peter was a banker once a long time ago in New York City. For some reason his life took a downward turn and he discovered the bottle. The last time I saw Peter it was late one very cold day this past January. He had fallen on the dock and was unable to get himself back up. I just happened to be there and discovered him. I helped him up, dusted him off and offered him a ride home. He said no and that he had to go to the A&P to go shopping. Your battle is over, Peter. May you rest in peace.