The days keep changing, the length of light withdrawing at an almost imperceptible pace now. Each night sky is quietly different too as the interstellar traffic jam of stars and planets ebbs and flows and rearranges itself.

But the change from spring shoulder season to high summer does not go unnoticed here on the Island. The ferries, roads and amount of ice cream cones consumed swells with the summer heat. The number of bicycles, mopeds and cars that must now share the road also rises exponentially, and yet the size of our roads does not change. It does not help that the highways traveled to get here roll along at sixty-five miles per hour or more, whereas the top speed on the Island is just forty-five, with pockets of thirty-five or twenty-five scattered all about.

There are also the different frames of mind behind the wheel to consider — some focused on yet another fourteen-hour work day, others frantic to enjoy as much beach time and blueberry pie possible, and some looking to just rest, finally, and watch the clouds crawl slowly across the sky.

The worst thing for a community newspaper to cover is an accident, but each summer brings a few more, often brought on by this juxtaposition of styles and the seasonal blooming of people and vehicles.

A reminder to share the road is helpful, but perhaps an even better idea is to try and merge perspectives. Vacation, work, exercise and sightseeing can all be done with the throttle down low.

Here’s to a safe and happy summer.