Monhegan Island

Monhegan Island http://www.monheganwelcome.com/ ! The remote island of great inspiration for generations of artists, great ones like Homer Winslow and the Wyeths, plus a lot of folks who are just awed by the simple island life and the majestic views. You can only access the island by boat, so most take the mail boat over, it runs several times a day. It's only 10 miles and we wanted to spend more time on the island, so Luke managed to arrange to rent one of the 14 private moorings in the small harbor. And guess whose!!!

Our friends Gail & Eric brought their boat over too. The island is small, only .7 miles wide and about 1.5 miles long, with only 65 year round residents. It's remote feel comes from the lack of things like electricity. Many of the homes now use solar power.

We were lucky to be on the island for the Tuesday night talent show at the church, where the lighting is by gas. Beautiful small church, one room. Want to use the toilets? Go to the public ones a couple of buildings over. The talent was incredible. Opera, harmonica, a young flutist who had performed at Carnegie Hall, a song writing/guitar playing lobsterman/garbageman, and a wonderful piano/song presentation by someone who write music for the movie industry. That was the evening highlight of our day. But it started much earlier, with a dinghy ride to town, small scattered homes and stores on narrow, unpaved roads.We first walked to the lighthouse and museum (closed unfortunately)

But what a view of the island we had from up there!

Then onward and upward, across rocks and muddy trails, across the island to the magnificent views on the other side.

We had packed out lunches and rested on the rocks, just in awe of the views.

Luke found a buddy who was more than willing to help him with lunch.

Back down, past the boulders

and more art.

This is a special place - we'll be here again next year!