It’s cold out here on the coast this week. So cold, the saltwater is freezing on the pond and we even have a little sea ice in along the rocky shoreline. Saltwater freezes at around 28-degrees F, so definitely not a time to go swimming! That’s okay; this is a season for brisk walks and then settling down in a chair by the fire.
The ice that forms on the salt pond rises and falls with the tides. When the tides get extra high and low – like they are now as we approach the full moon – ice will form over submerged rocks and then burst in beautiful crystal-like crater formations as the tide drops and the rocks push up from below. It’s a beautiful artic look – - on a much smaller scale of course, but, hey, you don’t need a dog sled to get here! (Of course being a dog-friendly property we’d be happy to receive you via sled and I bet our expert valets would even know what to do.)
Winter ducks are still the predominate wildlife in terms of numbers, but most days we also see seals on the rocks down the pond. They balance on the rounded rock tops and look this way and that. Doesn’t look that comfortable, but they seem happy. This afternoon we had a couple smaller harbor seals soaking up sun during the 15-degree heat of the day.
Now that we are well past New Years, summer will be here before we know it and we will all be carving out special moments to soak up some sun. But for now, a peaceful winter blanket of snow and ice is drawn up snug around the Inn, while inside our guests are relaxing and enjoying quality time within our warm walls.
Ice and winter ducks on the salt pond
