To attract more tourists, the state of Maine adopted the slogan, "The way life should be." Visiting Vinalhaven Island for a day trip lends credence to the catchphrase.
The state-run ferry service to Vinalhaven, which has the largest year-round population of any island in Maine, consists of two ferries that travel between the mainland and the island every few hours. A Bowdoin student might feel a little out of place on one of these ferries, as almost all the passengers are gruff-looking lobstermen. In addition to tourism, lobstering is an essential component of Vinalhaven's economy.
As the ferry plows eastward toward Vinalhaven, an older man named William stands on the deck to watch the small islands of southern Penobscot Bay drift by, some vibrant with the changing colors of autumn, others stoically green. Even on such a calm day, surf loudly slaps up against the hull of the boat.
"This will make for some great paintings," William says to no one in particular. It almost seems as if winter has suddenly arrived when the sun comes out from behind a cloud and warms all in its radiance. "What amazing colors!" William declares.
The ferry terminal on the island is located in the middle of the lobster docks, which are about a quarter of a mile from the center of town and covered with old lobster traps, rusted boat parts, and dried fish guts.
There is a stark dichotomy between the junk-covered docks and the quaint town center. A small bank, a bar, a grocery store, a hardware store, and an ice cream/coffee shop called Annabelle's line the main throughway in Vinalhaven, and further down the road is an old quarry.
Two islanders, a man and a woman, sit in Annabelle's and sip a black coffee and an herbal tea. The guy, a balding man with a little white hair on the crown of head, keeps playing with his ponytail. He commiserates with the woman, who wears jeans, a tartan shirt, jacket and handkerchief, about the upcoming Presidential election.
A thirty-something man walks in with a little toy dog and joins the conversation. Over the next hour, island residents, all of whom know each other, drop in at Annabelle's and chat with one another.
Vinalhaven's immense physical beauty is another way in which it differs from the city. There is a small park near where the ferries dock from which one can see breathtaking views. Looking eastward, one can see silhouetted lobster boats trolling from one trap to another, the morning sun rising behind them.
Getting to Vinalhaven is real a schlep, but a worthwhile one. Situated 15 miles off the coast, Vinalhaven Island is an hour and 15 minute ferry ride from Rockland, which is depending on traffic, about an hour and a half away from Brunswick.
To get to the ferry terminal in Rockland, get on Route One North and drive until you enter Rockland. Hang a left on Main Street to arrive at the terminal.