Last week I was out on Blue Hill Bay and Jericho Bay, looking at three Trail islands that are privately owned. These islands are a treasure for MITA because they are in strategic places, allowing kayakers (in particular) a safe and comfortable camping spot between Merchant Row and Mount Desert Island.

I launched in South Blue Hill and headed South. The water that morning was flat calm, and as I enjoyed the water I saw at least four cruising porpoises. But each time I stopped the boat, got my camera out and waited hopefully I was disappointed. No photos were made.

On each of the private islands, I found no trash, no flotsam, and in fact little to no evidence of camping at all. One island was new last year, and our logbook shows that there were 13 people on this island. On that island, last week, no evidence of any people could be found.

Some state islands get a lot of use, and overuse is always a concern. But most islands, including many public islands, get light use, and loving care by visitors. MITA members have been doing a wonderful job of caring for the islands they visit. On this beautiful, early season day, it was clear that they are doing a good job. MITA boaters, please accept my heartfelt thanks.