The shortest, darkest days of the winter are definitely upon us and the island seems especially isolated. A persistent breeze accentuates the already bone-chilling temperatures, yet there is a bright spots, millions of bright spots. I call them “sea gems” — the plump, perfectly sweet, pink, tender Maine shrimp that are only caught in December and January.

It’s one of those crisp blue, not-a -cloud-in-the-sky, gorgeous fall days. I tie my sneakers, pull on my black-and-red plaid Johnson wool jacket, a pair of gloves and head out. I have the whole, most remote sector of Acadia National Park on Isle au Haut all to myself.