We are back from a wonderful visit to an island off the coast of Maine. We spent six days of doing nothing, reading,
eating with friends, visiting various beaches, watching dogs chase sticks,
painting a quick picture and eating lobster and mussels freshly plucked from the ocean in front of the home we stayed in. The Farmer and I have been visiting this particular island and friend since 1987. After a 40 minute ferry ride, all our cares slip away. Island life doesn’t seem to have changed since we first visited except that a few of the roads are now paved and the ferry holds 15 cars instead of 10.
This year there was a brand new although very small grocery store. Some years, there isn’t a store. We always load up the car with groceries before we leave home. It’s hard to decide what you are going to eat a week ahead but it seems to work out. And if all else fails, it’s a short walk down to the ocean to collect mussels which are particular favorites of mine. This is the beach we pluck the mussels from.
A visit to the lobster coop yields some mighty fresh and amazing lobsters for dinner, lobster salad and lobster chowder. 
More in a couple days. Things are quite crazy busy here and so it’s going to be difficult to post too much. I knew the "summertime feeling" would evaporate in a blink of an eye and it surely has this week.
Sounds like you had a wonderful break. I think there's nothing quite like spending time by the ocean to "restore the soul" and get ready for the next round of day-to-day living.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful. Looks very like where we go on Bailey Island, in Casco Bay. I love getting fresh affordable lobster, and picking mussels - getting them free for the taking pleases me inordinately (just have to be sure there's no red tide). It does the mind and soul a world of good.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I can't decide if I'm chartreuse, sage or apple with envy! :)
ReplyDeleteThat little house on the beach looks like something out of The Crucible - what a wonder way to get away from it all.
I'm glad you had a great time.
Oh, I miss Maine (and Massachusetts)! Are you going to reveal your lovely location? My first guess was Islesboro, but that's because it's my favorite secluded Maine isle.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful vacation!
ReplyDeleteHold on to the memories. Every once in a while, close your eyes and remember those days. You'll be refreshed!
ReplyDeleteI can imagine the smile on Julie's face, walking along the beach.
I am from central California, it is literally the smog capitol of the world..I always had this crazy fantasy of living on an island...
ReplyDeleteEight years ago I was invited to visit Peak's Island off the coast of Maine...Got to stay a week...We went out and gathered a bucket of Maine clam off the beach, clean them, rode the ferry back to Portland and went to this fish market and purchase 3 lb lobster, went back to the island and a feast that I will never forget..you are so right about riding the ferry to the island, it truly does let all the cares slip away ...What a wonderful place to go and vacation with the family...I am so envious!! Trying to keep cool in California..:)
It sounds and looks like you had a relaxing week.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place! It looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteDid you snag my vacation photos? I swear, those look just like my shots of Maine. Okay, maybe the deck chairs were a different color...
ReplyDeleteYour pictures make me home/heart sick for Maine. We used to own a home on Vinalhaven and your pictures take me right back. There's nothing like spending time on an island in Maine during the summer.
ReplyDeleteThanks for those lovely photos - I am so envious. I didn't get to Maine this summer.
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