Just off the coast of Islesboro lies Warren Island State Park, which can only be accessed via private boat. The park maintains nine moorings between Warren Island and Spruce Island, available on a first-come-first-served basis for $20/night, and the mooring field is well protected from most wind directions. We fell in love with this beautiful, peaceful spot almost immediately, and the more time we spent, the more we appreciated the quiet, rugged views.
A pretty trail rings the island, connecting the well-spaced camp sites. In the middle of the island, you can still see the rock piles that formed the foundation of what’s thought to have been the most expensive log cabin in New England, built by William H. Folwell after he bought the island in 1899. There are lots of beautiful views along the trail, including the Camden Hills and the Grindle Point lighthouse, and it’s easy to feel like you have the whole island to yourself. Out in the mooring field, we enjoyed the smell of pine and wood smoke wafting over from the island and the irregular toll of red bell “2” off the northwestern side of the island.
On Saturday, our friends Corky and Alex on Anodyne joined us and in the afternoon, we dinghied across to Grindle Point to visit the small but well-curated Islesboro/Grindle Point Sailors Museum and Lighthouse. The docent was wonderful – incredibly knowledgeable and so excited to share her knowledge with everyone who walked through the door (and it was much busier than I expected!). The lighthouse is currently closed until they’re able to raise enough money for some much-needed structural repairs, but the museum highlights some of its history along with that of the neighboring ferry to Lincolnville.
Afterwards, we wandered up the road a bit before heading back to our dinghies. Later in the evening, we joined them aboard Anodyne for sundowners and dinner. Being able to catch up with friends makes it feel like we’re legitimately cruising, and it’s particularly special since we won’t be heading south this season.
