Island in isolation
Isolated on an island
About a year ago, my wife and son Quinn packed our bags and moved to Peaks Island. Peaks is a small spit of land nestled in between a few of the Casco Bay islands and the wide (and cold, oh so cold) Atlantic. Serviced by ferry, Peaks is probably what most people think of when they imagine island living on the coast of Maine.
Having lived up and down the northeast corridor since graduating college, Kellie and I decided it was time to slow down from the pace of life in Washington, DC, Brooklyn, and most recently Boston. Kellie, a Mainer from birth, convinced me of my place in the Pine Tree state, and when she was offered a job back home, we jumped at the chance to set down roots.
I’ve always had it in my mind to record stories from our experience making things work on an island – balancing a young family, two jobs, and, frankly, a new, if not refreshed, identity – but it never felt like the right time. Until now.
As I write this, a global pandemic is tearing across the world. Our relative isolation on Peaks has given me a chance to look up, extract myself from the day-to-day and realize, if not now, when?
I intend for this website to offer a window into our world here on the island. I aim to capture the moments that make this place so special, most of which stem from a community of islanders, who like me and Kellie, have sought out a unique place to call home.
My first observation
The other day, on my way home from picking up a dockside grocery delivery which was ferried over (quite literally) on the Machigonne II, I drove by Greenwood Gardens. Outside the entrance to the property – which is maintained by the Peaks Island Lions Club – stands a relatively new sign. Its movable letters remind me of the community notice board in the small town where I grew up or of the specials board below McDonald’s golden arches. The sign typically announces local events, hosted weddings, or at times, crafty puns. But today it displayed a few simple words: Peaks Island Strong.
This really describes the spirit out here on Peaks. People coming together to muddle through life amongst the backdrop of the ocean, throngs of summer tourists, and lots and lots of lobster and craft beer. And while there’s definitely disagreements as there are in any community – just attend one of Casco Bay Lines’ board meetings to see what I mean – Peaks islanders are a generous crew ready to care for a neighbor.
One only needs to look to Next Door – the online community chat (slash rant) board – to see what I mean. As Maine, like the rest of the world sets up quarantine, island neighbors have come together to help each other out during trying times. Posts like, “If anyone needs their prescriptions filled, work at the hospital and get swing by the pharmacy for you.” Or, “For those working from home and need a printer, I can print your documents and leave them in an envelope outside my door.” And simple sentiments like: “Who needs help grocery shopping?” In choppy waters, the island remains steady, its residents reaching out to others to help.
I am inspired by these moments of fellowship and proud to call Peaks Island home.