Island Hopping the Maine Way

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Dear Pacific Dwellers (and others), Yesterday on a whim we decided to go out to the islands just off the coast. We took the local mail boat which runs from Northeast Harbor to the Cranberry Islands. This boat has been doing this route for the last 50 yrs. During the summer it makes 6 runs daily, autumn=5, then winter =3. It took us to Islesford (Little Cranberry) along with mail, supplies, locals returning from appointments on the mainland, workmen, and 6 tourists who just wanted a glimpse of island life. High school kids also have to use this sea-worthy school bus as there is only 1 high school on Mt. Desert Island (pronounce that dessert). There are one room school houses on each island, one store, a museum, art gallery, a church, a few cars (why?), golf carts and bikes. That about sums up life on the islands! They both have their own unique flavor (cranberry, of course) and present quite an alternative life style to us mainlanders. Mostly they are lobster fishermen, a few tradespeople, and escapees from a more hectic, commerce-driven existence. We took advantage of this dog-friendly vessel (biscuits were served) and walked along the roads, saw people having coffee while they got their mail, and chopped wood or harvested their small, but necessary vegetable gardens. Some were summer homes all boarded up against the winter storms while others were modest clapboard homes which looked very much lived in. And, there were a few grander ones with dramatic vistas. We ate lunch on the museum lawn having brought over a simple picnic and got to tour the museum. It is normally closed this time of year, but fortunately for us it was open for a 4th/5th grade field trip from the mainland. The islands have produced fish, hay, molasses, but now are quiet places of refuge. We got back onboard for a quick run to Cranberry Island. Here at the small general store & deli I could even get a cappuccino. Progress comes to the islands. We did some beachcombing, watched lobstermen, flying their colors, check their pots, and talked to a few local characters picking up their mail & supplies. The return trip had many workmen (tree trimmers, plumbing guy) returning to the mainland after an island job. For dinner we chose a night on the town in Bar Harbor. The tour ships had left and we opted for Reel Pizza. This unique theater/restaurant shows 2 movies and you can order made to order pizza while you watch. Your order number blinks when ready and there are counters in front of your seats. Picture the old Dream Theater and you have the idea. We thought it was a terrific idea and hope some enterprising movie house will pick up on it (Orsio?). We saw "Live-in Maid"...muy bien. Today we woke up to a cloudburst and it is still bursting with thunder & lightning, so we are using it as a catch up day for laundry, reading, crossword puzzling, and blogging. Many motorhomes took off this morning. The campground closes this Sunday so we too will depart. Don't know where we are going next...stay tuned. love, DWT

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