Week 21: Anne, Ilkka and Jorma - Suomen Majakkaseura ry

Saturday 16.5.2015

A sunny daybreak! The wind and the waves had calmed down, but the newcomers still had to wait until 15.30 before the boat trip to Märket was possible. Ida, Mari and Marja-Leena were lucky to have a few more hours of sunshine on the island before leaving. Katri on the other hand is staying for another week.

Despite inviting them to spend the second night inside, the paddlers preferred to sleep outside in their tents. At 15.00 the weather and the sea let them back in their kayaks to continue their journey. We were grateful for having them stay with us. Before they went forth, we took a group picture and exchanged warm hugs.

As their final task the leaving volunteers helped with changing the Märket flag for a brand new one. Otherwise the day was spent cleaning, packing up and chatting with the paddlers.

The new volunteers were taken on a tour of the lighthouse, and after a long trip and waiting they heard their beds calling early.

Sunday 17.5.2015

Sunday at Märket was grey and wet. The wind was blowing at 7 m/s, which was not so much. For our delight we decided to warm up the sauna in the evening. Tomorrow the sauna needs to be warm anyway so that we can fix the floor.

The old bucket used to lift water broke down, so Jorma made us a new one.

Anne was looking for metallic items on the rocks. Here you can see she found some.

Ilkka and Katri cleaned the inflatable boat under Jorma’s supervision.

The terns have been especially fractious today. Perhaps they are looking for places for their nests.

Monday 18.5.2015

Monday morning was misty, wich created a very soft and beautiful atmosphere. After lunchtime the sun peeked, and we could continue with painting the railings. Jorma organized the electric cabels to the boathouse.

We got a message saying that the email system was running out of storage space, and we have to move and delete some of the old emails. The same happened with the toilet, and so we had to empty it as well. After six o´clock the sun started to shine from a clear sky, and we got to enjoy the fine weather.

The weather was not warm enough for fixing the sauna`s floor

Tuesday 19.5.2015

Tuesday morning was sunny, the sky was cloudless and the sea was calm. We were working outside all day and enjoying the warmth of the sun. Later during the day it started raining again. The wind was blowing at 2 m/s during forenoon and 9 m/s on the evening.

Jorma started straightening the sauna floor.

A pair of swans stopped at the waterfront to get some rest.

Just before the rain we finished the base coat for the railings

Wednesday 20.5.2015

Wednesday has cherished us with sunshine, even though the day has been cold and windy. We’ve continued painting the railings, and Jorma finished fixing the sauna floor. Tomorrow we´ll see if the cast was successful. We also washed the terrace floor. The white-tailed eagle has flewn many times over Märket, and a group of four swans paid us a visit as well.

Thursday 21.5.2015

Thursday has been warm and sunny. The sea was perfectly calm during forenoon, and Jorma took us for a ride on the inflatable boat. We cruised around the island and visited an islet, where the white-tailed eagle always flies to. The still sea was breathtakingly beautiful. We found three House Martin nests on the wall next to the terrace. It´s always a delight to watch their merry flying.

Friday 22.5.2015

This is our last night at Märket. It´s time to make room for the new volunteers. The week has been full of experiences. The nature has given us plenty, and the company has been excellent. We´we also laughed a lot. We thank Märket and the Finnish Lighthouse Society for the week!