Look at the date: 111011. Propably Märket will be manned also on 111111. By the way, Märket's 126th birthday will be on the 101111. Funny numbers!



The change of crews happened in hard circumstances.


Yes, really, this was the day of return. We have all been here several times, weeks in fact. Angela, Ari, Jake and Pekka are veterans from the start. So is also our architect Tapio, but he has been here shorter periods doing his special job, planning.

In the group was also Pera, who is a very active starter from this season. He have been here already some four times. Harri is a similar case. He started in june and has spent here already long periods. But now he will try to break a new record: he plans to stay here for a whole month!



The review of the repairs took place both in and out.


The purpose for this trip was to go through this year's works here and to plan next year. Only Harri was to stay here. We others planned to return on Thursday, but it seems that we will escape the coming storm already on Wednesday.

The trip here was a challenge. The wind was some 10-11 metres, but the sea was even more ruff than You could imagine from those numbers. We had troubles with the small boat that waa with the big boat on the way, and at that point we were very sceptical of getting to Märket today.

When arriving Märket we didn't see any landing possibilities on Märket, but our scipper Mats was more clever, he found the only spot where he could think of landing. He kept the front of the boat with the motor against the cliff so that we could safely step on land.

Teija and Liisa with four radio amateurs left Märket with the same boat. The RA's told they were really pleased with their stay on Märket, and that FLS's support was excellent thanks to the ladies.

The new group was very happy to be on Märket after the difficulties. Specially for Tapio and Pekka there were many new things to be seen on Märket. Something magical had happened after mid-July, thought Pekka. The place is now finally a great functional center in the middle of the sea. The "new" rooms in the first floor are great, and one should not forget the nice new furniture that our folks have themselves made.



The restauration of the staircase is still ahead.


For Tapio there were the new stairs (that he had planned) as well as the three rooms inside that are now nearly finished. Pekka found many new details that the volunteers have fixed since July. How hard-working people here has been!

The group went through every room and building. Angela made notes how to continue or what to take care of.



The review group found the new stairs excellent.


The day was sunny and not so cold. It was very pleasant to walk around on the yard and the whole reef. Before the sunset and dinner we went to sauna enjoying one more nice evening on Märket before the winter. It is nice to know that Märket will be manned at least until 24th of November. Also You Dear Reader can enjoy following the simple life of Märket for nearly another 50 days!




The "garden" of Märket is growing rapidly thanks to the production of the eco toilet. Note the flowers, in October!


Best wishes from all (Angela, Ari, Harri, Jake, Tapio and Pekka)




Goodbye from the veterans of Märket




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