We will begin by updating last week’s news. First on the removal of Mazie's, the osprey’s nest. Paul Merrill, the Maine Office of Transportation’s (DOT) public information officer, says that the nest was removed because engineers were there to do planning work for repairs scheduled for March 2022. Also they needed to do some work on the bridge because it was “hit recently.”

Since no eggs were yet in the nest, the workmen were allowed to remove it. Although Mr. Merrill was confident that Mazie would find another site for her nest this spring, those of you who cross the bridge know that Mazie and her mate have already rebuilt the nest on the same spot on the bridge, and, I hope, have laid their eggs. Sorry for the inconvenience, Mazie.

A meeting with DOT is scheduled for May 1 beginning at 6 p.m. at our Southport Town Hall to discuss the plans for further repairs to the Southport Bridge.

As we know, work is also planned for Thompson’s Bridge over Decker Cove. Mr Merrill says the plan for Thompson’s Bridge is to replace it totally. They have just put that work out to bid, and he said the project should be completed this summer, although if I remember correctly, at our previous meeting about those plans, DOT folks said the work would start after Labor Day. Perhaps the DOT folks at the May 1 meeting can clarify that start date.

On the status of the Ship Ahoy Motel, you can check for information by going to mainelistings.com. The number of the listing is 1407167. When I talked with Strategic Real Estate Services, who are handling the sale, they said that they had had many inquiries, including some international ones, but no offers yet. The Norman family, who has owned the property since 1953, has been cleaning out some of their possessions, and the realtor is planning to hold an open house, but has not yet set a date. Stay tuned.

Easter is this Sunday, April 21. As usual the Southport Methodist Church offers a Sunrise Service beginning at 5:45 a.m. You are invited to gather at the Newagen Town Landing (looking out toward Cuckolds) and then following the service, to come to the church for breakfast at 6:30 a.m.

Much news comes from Michael Ciccarelle and Anne Gobes at Cape Newagen Alpaca Farm. Although no new babies are expected this spring, the owners and some of the animals have been very busy. Mike and Anne recently attended the North American Alpaca Show and the Northeast Alpaca Expo in Springfield, MA with Dilly, Winterberry and Jackpot.

Dilly won two ribbons in a very competitive halter class of nine alpacas, placing second in one and fifth in the other. Winterberry won a second place ribbon in a walking fleece show class. Jackpot, who is turning five this summer, came in second in two halter classes, which were smaller classes, as most mature alpacas usually stay at home. All three animals and their owners are very proud of the ribbons, which add to their collection since their last attendance at a National Alpaca Show in 2014 before settling in Maine.

The farm is open to the public beginning Friday, May 10. Hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon until 4 p.m. The gift shop, open during regular business hours, is stocked with some unique alpaca clothing, their alpacas’ yarn, and Anne’s handmade stuffed alpacas, goat soaps, and creams.

Cape Newagen Alpacas was featured on a Facebook post titled “Only in Maine” showcasing their unique offering to book an alpaca trek. Mike and Anne decided to offer this adventure last year, as a way to allow visitors a more intimate connection with their gentle alpacas. They are only booking Wednesday afternoons after the farm is closed to the public and some Friday afternoons, while keeping the treks to a minimum of only four people. Call 633-0416 for a reservation.

If you see two alpacas being walked down to the town wharf, or to the Southport Memorial Library to visit Nora and Anne, or over to the Newagen Seaside Inn, where owners Corrine and Scott Larson have welcomed the alpacas, you will understand. Michael and Anne also have designated trails in their back woods so trekkers can enjoy the beautiful nature on the island. They have more information on their website if you are interested in finding out more about alpaca trekking.

In addition to trekking, two classes are being offered this spring and summer to kick off the 2019 season at the farm. The first class is on Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday, May 13, from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The farm is offering an alpaca rug making class where you make and take home your very own alpaca rug.

The materials used in this class come from the alpacas’ fibers and are woven around a cotton core at a local mill in Maine to create a cushy, thick yarn, which is woven onto a warp using a peg loom. No experience necessary. Anne has taught seven year olds how to use the peg loom and it’s quite fun! This class is limited to six participants. Pre-registration is required, and the cost includes materials, instruction, a light snack, lunch served on the screened porch and a wine and cheese reception once your rug is complete. You can register online or call the farm.

The second class will be yoga with Romee May, Ayurvedic Yoga teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner, on July 31 starting at 4 p.m. More about that opportunity next week.

Another reminder that the Island Clean-up will be Sunday, May 5 from noon and until 2 p.m. Gerry Gamage will be grilling hot dogs, and other nibbles will be available to give us energy to police our chosen section of the island. Thanks to the Island Store and the Southport Island Association for contributing to and organizing this activity to keep our island looking pristine.