"Ocean, Japan, Zero, America. Oscar, Juliet, Zero, Alpha." This has been a steady sound in Märket lighthouse for the last two days. Radio amateurs Seppo and Markus have taken over the museum room filling it up with their equipment. They are aiming at getting 2000 contacts per head in 3 days, and now it's getting there. "What was the furthest place you got a contact from today?", we asked. "Puerto Rico, Chile, Venezuela, - Seppo started listing. - And lots from Japan and USA". The radio hobby can seem rather bizarre to an outsider, but so does probably lighthouse repairing.

In the early afternoon we heard the sound of a plane approaching - that was Bengt Granberg from Eckerö landing his seaplane. This time he didn't bring any guests or volunteers like he does by boat, but just came for a short coffee-break. We stopped our work for a moment to have coffee with Bengt, after which he continued his flight. The yellow aircraft against the clear blue sky looked fantastic.


Bengt Granberg (in the middle) got many admires after landing to Märket!

The birds are getting more and more defensive. Today we had to walk to the further parts of the islet holding up one hand or a stick - this somehow tricks the birds and they don't try attacking us. We had to find new "safe" rocks to fetch water from, as old ones are temporarily taken over by the terns. All in all, peaceful cohabitat continues. In the binoculars we have also seen seals resting on a neighboring islet, and it looks like there are plenty of them!


The third layer bed was finished today. Now there are beds for some 15 persons on Märket


Titta did some yoga during the lunch pause

Jouni and Mikko took up a job of marking the fairway to the Old Harbour. Hundred years ago the water level was higher than now by 1 m, but now even the small boats had to navigate among rocks to get here. No more - now the path is marked and clear. And so, just when guys finished this job, we had visitors - a Swedish family of three. Apparently, they were looking to see seals and were told there are some in this area. But nobody told them there was a lighthouse and people staying here! They found the visit very pleasant and interesting - and saw a seal in the binoculars from our terrace. We thanked them warmly as the first pleasure boat visitors of the year. It is 2nd of July, and only one boat has now visited us!


Mikko (in water) studied the bottom of the fairway, Pekka assisted


The first pleasure boat of the summer tested the fairway immediatly after it was finished


The work at the breakwater is proceeding well - this is our last day of work here, and tomorrow we'll welcome the new shift. Of course we are having the tent sauna this evening as well - last night's experience was so great.

The Märket twelve: Apaar, Eliisa, Heidi, Heini, Jari, Jouni, Larisa, Markus, Mikko, Pekka, Seppo, Titta.