Every year the Maine Island Trail Association posts over 80 logbooks on islands up and down the coast. They are placed on the trail for users to comment, draw, write prose, and record their visit. At MITA, this information is used to compile usage trends and understand visitor demographics. During the fall, staff and volunteers dutifully enter everything into a database - and each year, as the boating season comes to an end, we find ourselves more inspired than ever by our members and the islands we are all working to protect.

From Hells Half Acre - Stonington
Hell? More like heaven! Wonderful weather, wonderful way to teach our children stewardship of the land…(the potty thing was truly a subject of discussion) but we kayaked, swam, explored and had a great two days. Thanks MITA

From other islands on the Maine coast

A perfect retreat. Many thanks and congratulations to MITA!

One Eagle, one Loon and 972,656,147 mosquitoes.

The weather report says “unstable conditions” and a “series of lows”. Not generally a favorable report. But today was grand. Overcast but calm paddling. Camp set up before it rained. Dinner under the tarp. Then spent the evening watching the sun dance with the clouds and rain. First the sun peaked through, sending rays of light reminiscent of pictures of heaven descending to earth. The sun grew brighter in the west as it began to rain again here – creating a spectacular double rainbow, arching over the island and landing in the water just south. Truly a pot of gold for us paddler/sailor/cruiser types. The rainbows faded and I looked west again as the clouds created spectacular patterns. Then looking towards another island a double pillar rainbow rose out from behind, softly reflected in the water. As I watched on the southern part of the island I noticed to the west bits of rainbow poking out there as well. Not quite able to complete the arc. These bows finally faded and I was left with a truly spectacular sunset. Awesome day ☺

Captain Chandlers crew – escaping her tyranny for a few short hours – Beautiful Island.

It’s been too long since our last visit. Glad to see nothing’s changed.

We have enjoyed swimming to this island for the past 10 years or so. It was very exciting to set up tents and explore for the afternoon. We found so many sea urchins and starfish. Had a small fire to cook dinner and s’mores (ummm) on the beach. The weather was fantastic. It was like our own private island.