Author Description

In the summer months, the coast of Maine can be glorious, especially the area in and around Penobscot Bay, from Port Clyde to Rockland to Rockport, Camden and Castine as well as the large islands of Vinalhaven, North Haven, Islesboro, Matinicus and Isle Au Haut all the way to Stonington on the southern tip of Deer Isle. For many summers, my daughter and I have made an annual day trip to Vinalhaven, my favorite island in Penobscot Bay. We drive up the coast with our bikes to Rockland where we catch the morning ferry to Vinalhaven, then spend the day riding around the island and having a picnic before catching the late afternoon ferry back to Rockland. Vinalhaven is a wonderful Maine island. There is a lovely town, a year 'round community, some very prosperous lobster fishermen and a bunch of mid to hi-level summer people. Quite a few nature preserves/hiking areas, a couple of large granite quarries that have become swimming areas, and many picturesque views. The ferry ride itself is a spectacular voyage across Penobscot Bay with grand views of the Camden Hills and the unusual island rock formations often featured in the paintings of the American Artist Marsden Hartley. For anyone visiting the coast of Maine, especially in August or early September, a day trip to Vinalhaven should be at the top of the list.