Shoulder season refers to Fall after kayaking season ends, and Spring, before kayaking season begins. In the Fall, we close up shop in mid-October so we have about 6 weeks before ski season starts. In the spring its mud season in Maine, so a good time to travel or do something interesting before we open up in May.

It is currently mid-March, almost St Paddy’s day.  There is still snow on the ground in many places, but every once in a while, a 60-degree-day pops up and the flowers start to show themselves. It’s practically April, and that means Spring, and that means it’s really almost May, that’s when we start kayaking again!   

Shoulder seasons are fun because in Spring especially we make plans, do some travel (I am currently in Winter Park, Colorado) and get excited about the season. We are close to announcing two new staff members – watch this space – who are as excited to join us as we are to have them.  It’s such a great summer job, that each year we get more people showing interest, which is great. Then the pressure is on for Will – he needs to get them trained and ready.  In early May we start getting the launch spot ready, get our new staff on board, and Surrey gets loosened up to start greeting customers.

The launch spot will have a new look this year! We tried hard to turn the damage from the 2023 storm damage into an opportunity. We seeked and obtained permits for shoreline stabilization. We then secured the services of a trusted neighbor to perform the work.  Our shoreline will look different – and better – this year!   We are moving the kayak racks around, and the views of the Big Pond in Webb’s Cove will be even more exposed and stunning.

Dale and I go back and forth to Stonington during the winter and it’s really very nice in the winter.  Things are quiet, and it’s beautiful and peaceful.  I will continue the back and forth and then I will be heading to Stonington in early May for the season, and look forward to seeing lots of visitors so we can show off our beautiful island. In the meantime, we are happy to go hiking with Surrey, check out the water, and bide our time.