Island Living

Monhegan has 60 year round residents. Most people on the island have been there for many years, inheriting the homes that have been in their families for 3 generations. The picture above was taken from the lighthouse. The large building to my right is the Island Inn. In front of the Inn is Queen’s Cottage where we stayed. Even though Monhegan is only 1 mile in length, it has 17 miles worth of trails. These range from Rocky cliffs 500 feet above crashing waves to beautiful forests where people build fairy houses. Some of the fairy houses were elaborate mansions with flags and stepping stones as the one seen below.


On the boat ride to the island, the ferry gives you an informational pamphlet which is fascinating because it is very blunt about what you can and cannot do on the island and the consequences of your actions, which are usually death. Do not try to kayak around the island: you will die of hypothermia. Do not fall into the water on the South side of the island; no one has EVER been saved. When hiking pull your socks over your jeans as ticks are prevalent. Oh yeah, and bring cash, or you will go hungry. Most places on the island do not take credit cards.

Being on the island is kind of like camping. Some inns (and houses on the island) still do not have electricity. There are no tvs or phones in the rooms. There is no grocery store or hospital. A woman named Feryl has been the island's EMT for something close to 20 years, but she is ready to retire. The lure of the island is that it is perfectly beautifully tranquil. If you are antsy and need to be on the go constantly, this is not a vacation for you. But if you can relax and sit facing the harbor and read a book all day, this could be your heaven.

This trip reminded me how beautiful Maine is. This coast line is one of the most beautiful in the country (sorry Seattle). I'm already working on a future blog post, Portland, Oregon vs. Portland, Maine!