Sun Sets on a Good Day’s Work
There is a time for work and a time to prepare and rest for the labors of tomorrow. The latter was the scene this evening along the City of Rockland’s fish pier as the sun descended on a good day’s work.
Standing on shore, one could sense a becalm feeling settling in over Rockland Harbor as the sun’s deep orange radiance gave majesty to the stillness of the moment.
The coy of gulls, feeding nearby on barnacles and sea growth attached to freshly pulled floating docks, may have been piercing the air at intervals, but the quiet that had enveloped the harbor was even louder in a moment of reflection.
Solitary fishermen, silhouetted against the backdrop of the pier, made little in the way of noise. Their motions applied to storing equipment, stacking lobster traps and securing lines was relaxed in nature and indicative of the type of satisfaction derived from a hard day’s work. The hustle and bustle of fishing operations would have to wait until dawn.
Even the vessels themselves – each distinctive in shape and seasoned ruggedness, added a luster to the serenity as the sun reflected its shine off their hulls of red, white, green and blue in brilliant fashion. The ebb tide, now two hours running, did little to disturb the motionless tranquility.
By morning the becalm feeling will give way to new opportunities waiting to be seized by fishermen and lobstermen whose efforts are so important to our community’s economy, traditions and way of life.
At first light, engines will once again be humming, equipment rattling and voices will be orchestrating the start of another good day’s work. But on this evening, an irresistible slice of coastal Maine, doused in autumn spice, was begging to be admired. Who was I to argue?
I can feel the peace!
Bob,
You’ve captured the golden light perfectly, especially the picture of the “DOUBLE EAGLE”.
Great picutes and thank you for sharing.
Bill
Last light with its burning intensity..oh..if we could only carry it in a pocket like a small child’s treasure.
Cudos to you both. I can just smell the crisp salt air, hear the sounds of the harbor and feel the sun’s warmth fading into night.
Ron
I wonder if the “Nathanial Bowditch” still sails out of Rockland? I saw the Lighthouse in about ’94 sailing from the boat. What a sight! It was so foggy that we sailed only about 30 minutes during that 3 day period. As we motored around, in certain places, we used hand noise devices and at one point we found ourselves on the wrong side of a bouy. Yikes!
Yes, I have seen the Rockland lighthouse on a sunny day.