Our little packed mailboat traveled further and further from shore and the town of Stonington started to look like a fake model railroad town. We sipped our coffees and watched as we passed tiny island after tiny island and navigated the maze of lobster trap buoys that blanketed the top of the water. Some of our fellow passengers remained at the top of the boat, stubbornly unwilling to leave their "prime" seats even though the wind made it freezing cold. Others huddled inside the boat, away from the wind and spectacular views. We lounged outside on the benches on bottom deck, enjoying in the breeze, the sun, and the smooth journey on calm waters.
In 45 minutes we pulled into a quiet harbor and dropped off the first group of people at the Town Landing. We continued on past anchored boats and past the island's lighthouse. Another 30 minutes or so later we spotted a beautiful cove surrounded by rocky shores and tall trees. Beside the floating dock a friendly park ranger waited, waving hello to us as our boat pulled into Duck Harbor.
Getting to this part of Acadia National Park was not the easiest considering it's distance from the rest of the park. At over 1.5 hours from Seawall Campground it's quite a bit away from the rest of Acadia, but then we usually find those are our favorite types of places. We got up pretty early, packed up camp, stopped at Blue Hill Co-op for coffee and bagels, crossed a couple bridges connecting smaller islands, and took a little boat to a remote island outpost. In this case, getting to the island was part of the fun.
DETAILS
Isle Au Haut / I think there's only one way to get to the island, and it's by boat, and probably just by the mailboat unless you have a private means to get there. It's a bit of a trek to get to and requires a bit of planning, but the payoff is that you get to visit a remote island outpost, far away from tons of people, and surrounded by rugged, untouched wilderness. Approximately six miles long and two miles wide, a remote area of Acadia National Park covers about half of the island and can be visited as part of a day trip (we saw many hikers come with their dogs to just hike around the park area). Another option would be to explore the very small traditional village and/or stay at the keeper's inn by lighthouse (too expensive for us). I think there are maybe one or two places where you can grab a bite to eat near town landing but check the opening times/days. When we were the only place to eat was closed.
Blue Hill Co-op / local organic and fair trade market, bakery and cafe // If you're in the area, or on your way to Stonington, this well=stocked, slightly hippie grocery store and cafe is a great place to stop for a bite to eat or to load up on provisions for a picnic or for camping on Isle Au Haut. Great place to get coffee.