Monhegan Island Visit

Off the coast of central Maine is the island of Monhegan. It is well known as an artists enclave, lobster community, and a bird sanctuary. Once owned by the Ford family, it now is home to maybe 500 permanent residents, mostly fishing families and for maybe 8 months a year folks working in the tourism/birding business. While we went primarily for the birds, which are very interesting in that many stop over on the migration south, the whole experience was amazing. Hence a few photo's.


The whole island is only about a mile long and a half mile wide. Lots of great hikes and beautiful vista's. We arrived the day before the annual start of the lobster season. The dock was crowded with pots and other gear. It was really interesting.



The island boasts the home of James Wyeth, the famous American painter, and has views at every turn that would inspire vision.



Our companions were really nice, we were hooked up with Bryan Pfiefer, a bird guide from Vermont. Paula's mom Marilyn, Brig, Chelle, Paula and I birded up a storm.



Course, Paula and Marilyn had to get in the obligatory shell collecting while we were there!


One of the fun experiences was to have the "wedding party" arrive. Since the island has no vehicles other than the lobster folks' trucks, everyone walks everywhere. Here, the bride is coming down the road with her husband to be, carrying her wedding dress with some of the wedding party.

Everywhere you looked was another interesting sight. Whether buildings, trees, sculpture both living and not, and people.

Interesting folks too. Here is the announcement of the annual "Blessing of the Pets".

This pole is actually vertical in at least 8 languages sitting in front of the little school house.

The lobster fishing is a shotgun start from the bay at dawn. I got a video of it.



Interesting crossing coming home included some pretty wild seas. Actually really fun!


Obligatory Bird

Peace.