Saturday, 8:00 AM. 27 degrees, wind W, light. The sky is clearing, and the barometer predicts partly cloudy skies.I watched a pileated woodpecker calling and preening himself sitting on a garage roof on Manypenny this morning, saying to all, "did you ever see such a handsome bird?" And I had to admit he was that indeed.
A few days ago I commented on the tragedy of the football players lost in the Gulf, and went on at some length about boating on Lake Superior. It has occurred to me that as quaint as I am sure many of my readers think Bayfield to be (and it is that in many ways) I thought it would be well to emphasize that our little community is indeed a port on an inland sea, and much of its culture and economy revolves around that quintessential fact. So, the accompanying photos depict the many businesses and activities that attest to our past and present maritime activities. Boating, kayaking, fishing, marinas, museums, boat building and restoration, ferry and cruise services, government, all are depicted.
Not able to be pictured are all the folks in town who are boat captains on the Great Lakes, the Mississippi and even servicing oil rigs in the Gulf; add to that boat appraisers and insurance agents, and it is obvious that maritime activities are a considerable aspect of the Bayfield economy. One other thing; most of these activities take years of training, a high degree of skill, and many require licensing. You can't BS your way across the water, and even if one were able to, it is a good way for a lot of people to end up in Davey Jones' Locker. We are all part of the water world here, whether we realize it or not.
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